Photos THT
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10/1/26 – The pre-party for the legendary 35th anniversary of The Dinah was lit at Hotel Zoso in Palm Springs, kicking off a new era for the iconic Sapphic celebration under the leadership of Rose Garcia and Bella Barkow.
Hotel Zoso provided the perfect setting, with trippy lighting, a red room filled with comfy chairs and couches for anyone needing a break from dancing, and even a rabbit hole for those daring enough to explore.
Garcia was on hand throughout the evening, thanking attendees for their support and enthusiasm. Effusive, magnetic, and electric, she brought plenty of star power as a former cast member of The L Word.
DJ Lancia and DJ Les Ortiz launched the pre-party with a playlist blending hip-hop, old-school favorites, and classics such as Michael Jackson’s “P.Y.T.” and Crystal Waters’ “Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless).” The music transported me back to those nights when we danced for hours as though our lives depended on it.
Unfortunately, the party ended all too soon at 12:30 a.m.
My new friend Jenn, whom I met on the airplane, perfectly summed up the abrupt transition: “A lot happening. But nothing happening. The lights are on. The music is off.”
And just like that, the pre-party was over.
But The Dinah was only getting started.
The Opening Party takes place tonight, October 1, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Hunters Palm Springs, featuring Dinah Dancers, DJ Suzy Cue, DJ Lancia, and DJ Les Ortiz.
The legendary G-Spot Pool Party follows on Friday, October 2, from noon to 6 p.m. at the Hilton Pool, featuring Bri Carter, Blimes Brixton, DJ A.K., DJ Alex D, and DJ P-Nasty, with the hilarious Josselyn Morris hosting.
Later that evening, the Black & White Ball takes over Hotel Zoso from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., complete with red-carpet appearances.
For singles and solo attendees, another new addition to The Dinah is a meet-and-greet Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Hotel Zoso. Whether you’re looking for a love connection, a fling, or simply a new friend, there will be plenty of opportunities to mingle.
Saturday, October 3, brings the L Word Pool Party from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hilton Pool, followed by the Hollywood Party from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Hotel Zoso. We can’t wait to see what everyone will be wearing for that one.
Also new this year is stand-up comedy, hosted by Cameron Esposito, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Hotel Zoso.
One of my favorite parts of the pre-party was reconnecting with two good friends, Sandra and Cowboy, whom I first met at The Dinah five years ago. Sandra is a Croatian model and actress, while Cowboy is a filmmaker and entrepreneur. They were single when we first met. Now they’re married and living in Los Angeles.
“The energy of the first night is phenomenal,” Cowboy said.
There were plenty of first timers in the crowd as well, including Sophie and Nicole, who let me photograph them while they danced.
“Sophie loves the camera,” Nicole told me.
Later, I asked Sophie about her obvious comfort in front of the lens.
“I think I’m perfect,” she said.
I loved the confidence these younger attendees exuded.
Nicole also reflected on how much her own life has changed. In earlier years, she thought marriage to a man was her only path. Now she has discovered that the lesbian community offers countless possibilities for happiness, connection, and a loving life with a woman.
This year’s Dinah headliners include Hayley Kiyoko, hip-hop star Da Brat, Sasha Keable, The Aces, Blimes, and Mama Duke, who was featured on America’s Got Talent. Mama Duke will perform Sunday during the Sapphic Splash Pool Party, including her song “Feels So Good.”
Another addition this year is having pool parties at both host hotels: Hilton Palm Springs, located at 400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, and Hotel Zoso, located at 159 S. Indian Canyon Drive.
The Sapphic Sunday Splash Pool Party runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hilton Pool, featuring DJ Lezlee, DJ Tatiana, and DJ Les Ortiz.
Sunday, October 4, brings the official Closing Party at Hunters from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., beginning with Revery’s King of Drag Watch Party and continuing with Dinah Dancers and Dinah DJs.
For more than three decades, the celebration, community, friendships, and freedom to simply be yourself have brought people from around the world to Palm Springs for The Dinah.
Yes, sometimes it requires making the schlep, but for longtime attendees and first-timers alike, it continues to be worth the trip.
And don’t worry if you missed the pre-party. There are still four more days to get your groove on, make new friends, reconnect with old ones, and dance like your life depends on it at the world-famous Dinah.
