After a long and bustling winter of partying, sunbathing, cruising, and clothing-optional resort fun, the city of Palm Springs enjoys perhaps its most exciting spell for GLBT travelers in early April, first when Dinah Shore Week brings thousands of lesbians to town, and then when Jeffrey Sanker's most amazing circuit event, the Palm Springs White Party, pulls in masses of shirtless, buffed and bronzed gay men for a weekend of A-list parties and revelry.
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The acclaimed White Party, which celebrates its 21st anniversary in 2010, takes place Friday through Monday, April 9 to the 12th, this year and includes a slew of much-anticipated events over three days. Note that White Party 2010 does not fall on Easter Weekend this year. Details about this event will be posted as they become available. In the meantime, here's a glimpse of the celebrations that made up White Party 2009:
On Friday, the Wyndham Palm Springs, a long-time host of the event, is the site of the first two fetes, a pool party from noon until 6 pm with music by DJ Casey Avila; followed by a Boxers or Briefs check-your-clothes (or most of them) party (co-presented by the boys at AussieBum) in the Wyndham Grand Ballroom. Mexico City's Oscar Velasquez is hosting this event, which takes places from 9 pm until well past your bedtime.
On Saturday head back to the glam Wyndham pool (believe me, this hotel is completely overtaken by gay guys throughout the weekend - and the Wyndham in Palm Springs has long been a friend to the gay community), because there's a pool party from 10 am until 6 pm, featuring live music and also DJ'ing by the (adorable) Perry Twins. The big news concerning the pool party this year is that fabulous musician Andy Bell, of Erasure will be DJing - Bell's a fantastic talent and also has been an ardent supporter and fundraiser for AIDS and HIV causes.
Next, gear up for the main event, the White Party 20 "Legion of Superheroes" party, which takes place at the Palm Springs Convention Center from 9 pm until practically sun-up (5 am). As if that's not enough action for even the heartiest party-boys, there's also a Climax After Party from 4 am until 10 am, following the White Party fete.
On Sunday, don't think you're going to simply sit back and do nothing. Yet again, there's a pool party, this time from 11 am until 3 pm - it's hosted this year by Dirty Sexy Money's Candis Cayne. Then Joe Gauthreaux and Brett Henrichsen DJ the Sunday Under the Sea T-Dance (again presented with help from AussieBum), followed by the Sunday Closing Party in the Wyndham Grand Ballroom from 9 pm until 6 am. Then you can rest.
Hotels tend to be packed this weekend, so book as soon as you can. Also note that the former Marquis, now super-chic Zoso Hotel is offering special VIP White Party Luxury Package deals starting at $899 per person, double-occupancy. The Wyndham Palm Springs also has special deals.
Of course, additionally, numerous gay bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels and gay resorts, and shops will be making GLBT visitors feel extra welcome throughout the weekend. Check local gay papers, such as the weekly Desert Daily Guide, and the Bottom Line magazine, for details on related parties and events. Also take a look at the excellent GLBT site produced by the city's official tourism organization, the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism.
