PALM SPRINGS

34 YEARS AGO, Mariah Hanson did more than just kick-start her Dinah. Most importantly, she launched what would become her enduring legacy to the city of Palm Springs and the LGBT+, queer and lesbian event community. From a small, one-night event at a Palm Springs museum with 1,500 participants, 34 years ago, to booking lavish locations at deluxe hotels over five days of epic pool parties and world-class entertainment with some 10,000-plus attendees and significant corporate sponsors today, The Dinah has evolved into one of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley’s largest tourism boosters and undisputed biggest queer events in palm springs not to mention the globe. The natural symbiosis shared by these two iconic LGBT+ Mecca has continuously been a match made in heaven.

More than a tradition The Dinah has over these past 34 years (and counting) become a Palm Springs institution and one of the city’s most popular spring attractions. Once the party pied-a-terre of Frank Sinatra and his Rat Pack, who turned Palm Springs into America’s most glamorous destination for the glitterati in the 1950s, the famous sunny oasis has now gotten back in the swing of things to once again reclaim its status as one of Hollywood’s hippest playground and the world hub for major high-profile festivals and special events.

The envy of the world with its 360-days of sunshine, the swanky modern city of glitz and glamour has been attracting a new generation of visitors from young hipsters, and international jet-setters to Hollywood A-listers and socialites, who vie for the ultra-chic weekend getaway of martini-sipping, cabana lounging, and celebrity sightseeing. As one of the early pioneers, the Dinah has become one of Palm Spring staple events sharing the spotlight with the likes of the Coachella Music Festival, Stagecoach, The Palm Springs International Film Festival, the BNP Paribas Open Trophy, and the PGA and LPGA golf tournaments –all intrinsically linked to the famous desert community.

LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION

Palm Springs, California lies on the western edge of the Coachella Valley, within the Colorado Desert. Located approximately 110 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 140 miles northeast of San Diego, it’s an easy two hour drive by freeway. The permanent year-round Palm Springs population is 45,000, and doubles during the winter season. To the east of Palm Springs, are several other desert cities including Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Desert Hot Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and Indio. Palm Springs International Airport, just two miles from downtown, welcomes over 1.5 million passengers a year from throughout the U.S. and Canada. This is the way to fly… shorter lines, friendly staff, and yes, the amazing view of the mountains. It’s been described as one of the most “hassle-free” airports in the U.S., and once you fly into PSP, you’ll know why. Ontario International Airport is just over an hour northwest.

Within approximately a two-hour drive are the Los Angeles International Airport, Orange County-John Wayne Airport, Burbank Airport, Long Beach Airport and San Diego-Lindbergh Field. There are many rental car agencies, taxis and shuttles within Palm Springs. No matter how you get here, or how far you’ve come, it will be well worth the trip.