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 late March and early April, first 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. And then, in a switch from previous years (as this event typically has come earlier), when Dinah Shore Week brings thousands of lesbians to town.
Book rooms and compare rates on hotels in Palm Springs during White Party.
The acclaimed White Party, which is now headed into its 24th year, takes place a bit earlier this year than usual, from Friday, March 29, through Sunday, March 31, 2013, 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, March 29, the Renaissance Palm Springs is the site of the first two fetes, a pool party from noon until 6 pm with music by DJ Ryan Kenney; followed by a Bulge Underwear 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, March 30, 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, and DJ Pornstar. Next, gear up for the main event, the White Party Xtreme - this event features Peter Rauhofer, Danny Verde, Sean O'Grady, and Leonardo GloVibes. As if that's not enough action for even the heartiest party-boys, there's also a Climax After Party at the Renaissance Grand Ballroom, from 4 am until 9 am, following the White Party fete, DJ'd by Paulo and Jackinsky.
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 DJs Andy Almighty and Casey Alva. It's followed from 4 pm until 10 pm by the Circus XTreme 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 Wayne G and Manny Lehman.
Finally, the weekend culminates with the Sunday Closing Party in the Renaissance Ballroom from 10 pm until 8 am - DJs Tony Moran and Rosabel 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, 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.
