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 an extended weekend of A-list parties and revelry.
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The acclaimed White Party, which is now headed into its 23nd year, takes place Thursday through Monday, April 6 to April 9, in 2012 and includes a slew of much-anticipated events over three days.
Festivities kick off this year with a series of parties in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Then for the big weekend in PS, on Friday, the Renaissance Palm Springs is the site of the first two fetes, a pool party from noon until 6 pm with music by DJ Scotty K; followed by a Boxers or Briefs/Boot Camp check-your-clothes (or most of them) party in the Renaissance Hotel Ballroom. It takes places from 9 pm until well past your bedtime. The party is sponsored by Andrew Christian.
On Saturday, head back to the glamorously expanded - complete with VIP cabanas - Renaissance pool, because there's a pool party from 10 am until 6 pm, featuring DJ Grind, Andy Almighty, and live performance by Nire' Alldai, Kimberly Cole, France Joli, and Colette Carr.
Next, gear up for the main event, the White Party 3-D" - headlining the party is pop legend Mary J Blige, but this event also features Wayne G, Hector Fonseca, Theresa, Nina Flowers and Chad Jack, plus the new 3D Dance Dome. As if that's not enough action for even the heartiest party-boys, there's also a Nocturnal After Party at the Renaissance Grand Ballroom, from 4 am until 9 am, following the White Party fete, DJ'd by Paulo, with Meital Dohan and Flava performing.
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 10 am until 4 pm - it's hosted this year by DJ Dawna Montel. It's followed from 3 pm until 9 pm by the Under the Big Top Sunday T-Dance, which is held at White Party Park, across from the Palm Springs Convention Center, and has rides, and a huge fireworks show. It's hosted by the Dave Aude, Manny Lehman, and Bobby Blanco, with X-Factor's Melanie Amaro performing.
Finally, the weekend culminates with the Sunday Closing Party in the Renaissance Ballroom from 10 pm until 7:30 am - DJs Abel and Ralphi Rosario lead this event. Then you can rest.
Hotels tend to be packed this weekend, so book as soon as you can. Also note that the host hotel, the swanky Renaissance Palm Springs has special rates for this weekend - you can book online or call 760-322-6000, requesting special White Party rates, to take advantage of this offer.
For tickets to White Party events, book online at the official website.
Also note that numerous Palm Springs 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.
