PRESS RELEASES – 2025

PALM SPRINGS, CA – Legendary LGBTQ+ trailblazer Mariah Hanson—founder and producer of The Dinah, the world’s largest and longest-running music festival for queer women, nonbinary folks, and allies—will take her final bow in September 2025 capping off an unprecedented 34-year run of music,
celebration and LGBTQ+ cultural impact.

Hanson has confirmed that the upcoming edition of The Dinah, set for September 24–28 at the Riviera Resort in Palm Springs, will be her final production—bringing a monumental era in queer culture and independent live events to a close. While this chapter comes to an end for her personally, Hanson is actively in talks with potential successors, seeking the right partner to carry the torch forward andpreserve the event’s powerful legacy of pride, visibility, and community for future generations.

“After 34 unforgettable years, I’m stepping away from producing this world-famous celebration of queer joy, freedom, and connection. It’s been the honor of a lifetime to help create space where our community could be bold, wild, and unapologetically ourselves,” says Hanson. “I’ve often been asked when I would pass the torch. I never had a specific answer — only that I’d know when the moment felt right. And now, the time is right. It’s time for a new generation to bring their vision, energy, and heart to this legacy and take it even further. That’s my deepest hope.”

Founded in 1991 by Mariah Hanson, The Dinah has evolved from a grassroots weekend gathering into a global phenomenon, drawing thousands to a five-day experience filled with live music, iconic pool parties, and a spirit of transformation. Mariah Hanson’s influence extends far beyond event
production—she’s long been regarded as a tastemaker with a remarkable instinct for booking artists on the verge of explosion. Thanks to her The Dinah stage has repeatedly served as career inflection points for artists who would go on to shape the sound of a generation. From Lady Gaga to Katy Perry, Lizzo to Bebe Rexha and Doechii (among others), Hanson didn’t just predict their success—she helped launch it.

Hanson’s decision to step down comes from a place of reflection and reverence for what has been accomplished – and a desire to conclude on a high note, giving one final, unforgettable celebration tothe community that helped build it, all while ensuring The Dinah is thoughtfully passed on to the right hands to continue its powerful legacy.

“If The Dinah has ever touched your heart, brought you joy, or helped you feel seen — I invite you to join me one last time as I close out my Dinah career and celebrate 34 years of unforgettable memories, community, and cultural impact,” says Hanson. “While my Dinah chapter is ending, the future is full ofpossibility in new hands. My hope is that this beloved torch is carried forward — so The Dinah can thrive for another 34 years and beyond.”
One final invitation to revel in the spirit of unity and community that defines the event—and to step into a world of empowerment and inclusivity, where authenticity is not just welcomed, but celebrated.

The Grand Finale promises to be a powerful homecoming celebration and an unforgettable thank you, with a line-up and legacy tribute that honor The Dinah’s musical history, queer cultural roots, inclusive ethos, community feel and contagiously electrifying energy.

One of the not-to-be-missed highlights of The Dinah’s Grand Finale will be the return of Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey from the cult lesbian Tseries The L Word—the show that famously catapulted The Dinah onto screens around the world. In a full-circle moment that blends pop culture and queer legacy,the duo will be back where it all began appearing at The Saturday Pool Party, to sign their new book “So Gay for You” and take photos with fans. A limited number of 150 copies will exclusively be available at The Dinah for purchase and signed in person. They’ll also make a special appearance at the Saturday night party – —but not before they hit The Dinah’s iconic red carpet in head-turning looks. Their
presence is more than a moment —it’s a celebration of visibility, chosen family, and a powerful nod to the monumental mark The Dinah leaves behind. Keep an eye out— —more exciting announcements featuring Leisha and Kate are coming soon.

And that’s just the beginning. The Dinah 2025 is shaping up to be another grand slam, with a powerhouse entertainment line-up and a stellar wave of celebrity guests expected to join Mariah Hanson’s final Dinah. From chart-topping artists to iconic queer talent, Hanson will raise the bar one last time to deliver a celebration that will be nothing short of legendary. The full entertainment lineup drops in mid-June—get ready for a history-making finale and the most epic send-offs in Dinah history.

“This final Dinah is my personal love letter to the community — a celebration that reflects the boldness, beauty, and heart that have always defined who we are,” shares Hanson. “More than anything, I hope the legacy I leave is one of joy, connection, and possibility — a foundation for the next generation to build something even greater.” At the heart of LGBTQ+ culture since 1991, The Dinah was never just a party – it was and will always be a movement, a unique sanctuary where generations of queer people came to connect, be seen and feel free and empowered in a safe space.

“This last edition isn’t just an event—it’s the culmination of 34 spectacular years of joy, liberation, visibility, and love. Whether you’re returning to relive the magic or experiencing it for the first time, this is your moment to be part of herstory,” says Mariah Hanson visibly moved. “Come raise a glass, dance under the sun, and help write this last, extraordinary chapter with me—a tribute to a journey that changed lives, built community and sparked decades of culture-shifting moments, bold firsts, and unforgettable memories. While I may be taking my final bow, the legacy we’ve built together will live on in every life it’s touched.”

Palm Springs, CA – As the dust settled on the Dinah for another year, it was clear the most memorable moments happened not just on stage but as well in the crowd. The volume of the cultural identity and impact of The Dinah felt louder than ever as attendees and performers alike beautifully infused their voices into The Dinah narrative.

A not to be missed bucket list destination, The Dinah is more than just another LGBQT+ music festival. It’s a cultural phenomenon persistently transcending boundaries and changing lives. Every Dinah first timer, every old timer, every queer influencer, every celebrity guest, every staff member, and every headliner were part of a bigger story. Because what vibrantly permeated this year’s Dinah was the emotional connection that beautifully bonded people together through storytelling and reminded us of our shared humanity.

The story of The Dinah is a testament to the importance of determination, creativity and passion, and the idea that big things often have small beginnings. Because what Mariah Hanson, the founder and producer of the Dinah, created is an amazing platform for us all to live one of the most bonding experiences ever. The timelessness and life transforming aspect of the event was not just evident in the demographics but as well in the impressive entertainment lineup packed with some of today’s most exciting young queer icons.

2024 headliners Lauren Jauregui, Iniko, King Mala, Lauren Sanderson, Sherrelle Holmes to Whitney Peyton, Lucy and La Mer, and Chloe Star have all seen their dream come true performing this past weekend a festival that has inaugurated, transformed and solidified so many influential artists’ careers. From the legendary pool parties with infectious energy, the annual Dinah red carpet extravaganza to the magnetic headlining performances, The Dinah’s entire program was an opportunity for all in attendance to immerse themselves in the spirit of unity, community and solidarity. An invitation to embark on a journey into a world of empowerment and inclusivity where freedom, creativity, and authentic selves were celebrated.

The Dinah 2024 presented an unparalleled kaleidoscope of queer culture where the colors of the LGBTQ+ rainbow shined. And what do these stunning colors do with their rich, meaningful, imported histories? They write love letters to the iconic event – heartfelt testimonies of life changing experiences that continue to shape the history and DNA of The Dinah and have given the pivotal festival its enduring legacy – one that still resonates with both longtime and newer attendees as well as top artists around the world. Offering a safe space for queer individuals to claim their narratives and tell their story in their own words, The Dinah gives hope, inspires, changes lives and connects us all together.

We let these voices be heard …

Video by Kylee Roman
@therealkyleeroman

THE DINAH ROLLS OUT STAR-STUDDED ALL QUEER ENTERTAINMENT LINE-UP FOR ITS 33 RD ANNIVERSARY. Lauren Jauregui, Iniko, KiNG MALA, Lauren Sanderson, Lucy & La Mer and Sherrelle Holmes to Headline.

Press Release

Palm Springs, CA – The Dinah, the world's largest event and music festival for queer women, is celebrating its 33 rd Anniversary September 25 th through the 29 th marking its lasting impact on both the LGBTQ+ community and the city of Palm Springs.

Press Release

Once more, big names make The Dinah 2024 a must-attend queer party destination for everyone’s bucket list. Lauren Jauregui, Iniko, KiNG MALA, Lauren Sanderson, Whitney Peyton, Lucy & La Mer, and Sherrelle Holmes have been announced as headliners for the 33 rd edition of the world renown festival.

If the past two decades has seen The Dinah take a commanding place in the music festival market, it is all thanks to the event’s founder and producer, Mariah Hanson – the creative mind fueling the magic. Always keeping her finger on pulse of the music scene, Hanson has secured a stunning line-up featuring an impressive array of high-profile headlining acts and up-and-coming talent.

Celebrating the power of queer expression, these incredible vanguards are bringing their empowerment anthems and true self-revolution to The Dinah stage. And breaking boundaries is all these exceptionally gifted rule-breaking and genre-bending queer artists are set out to do.

The iconic festival kicks off one of its main events, The Black and White Ball, with award-winning artist Lauren Jauregui. The multi-platinum Cuban American singer-songwriter and former member of girl group Fifth Harmony embraced her freedom of expression on her 2021 acclaimed independent debut, PRELUDE (AWAL). The pop star and LGBTQ+ activist has collaborated with the likes of Halsey and Steve Aoki to 6lack, Vic Mensa, Ty Dolla $ign and Russ. Her latest EP, IN BETWEEN is her sophomore effort which was recently released following a sold-out Latin American tour.

Adding to the pulsating and exhilarating fabric of The Dinah is multi-talented Brooklyn native, Iniko. who takes center stage at the Hollywood Party on Saturday night. As a proud non-binary artist, Iniko uses their music on behalf of the queer community. After rising to fame in 2018, they have amassed a huge following on TikTok, crossing the 4 million follower mark. Iniko’s songs “The King’s Affirmation” and “Jericho” achieved viral success, by reaching 1 over 25 million Spotify streams. That success led to a nomination for Outstanding Music Artist at the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards and a Billboard chart debut.

Another highly anticipated headliner is KiNG MALA. The LA-based alternative pop music artist, born Areli Castro, the is set to take the stage during the Saturday pool party. With masculine tropes and defiant lyricism KiNG MALA, whose name translates to “king bad bitch,” is on a mission to defy the rules of gender and to encourage her fans to embrace their individuality. And her latest EP, Split Milk, which dropped last November, does just that! Also bringing glitz and glamour to the Dinah’s Hollywood Party is Lauren Sanderson. The rule-breaking and genre-bending queer artist is making a lot of noise with her new anthem for self- love, “They Won’t Like This,” produced by KThrash, the lead single from her upcoming third studio album due out this summer. Since her 2020 debut album Midwest Kids Can Make It Big, Sanderson has earned accolades from MTV, Billboard, PAPER, Spotify’s New Music Friday and more. Sanderson made a memorable sneak appearance during The Dinah 2022 joining queer icon Fletcher on stage and whipping the crowd into a frenzy.

From supporting acts like FINNEAS and Chase Atlantic, releasing her viral TikTok banger, "THERAPY!" and a massively successful collaboration with queer icon GFLIP, "GAY 4 ME,” to hitting the road on her 37- city world tour taking her through North America, Europe & the UK, Sanderson’s star continues to rise. The Dinah pool parties is an experience that is second to none! The Margaritaville Resort’s main pool area, home to The Dinah’s legendary pool parties, is the perfect queer oasis with its massive pool deck and idyllic tropical surroundings.

Bringing the heat to the festivities, Whitney Peyton kicks off the pool party weekend-series Friday afternoon. The multi-Billboard-charting, Grammy Award Winning contributing rapper, songwriter, and performer rose to prominence in the underground by releasing 3 albums, 2 mixtapes & 4 EPs all independently. Her most recent independently released albums, 'The Audacity' and 'Side Effects,' achieved Billboard charting numbers. She has graced the main stage at major music festivals, including Pot of Gold alongside Post Malone, GOTJ opening for Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, SxSW, and numerous Pride festivals.

The Dinah has always been a festival that celebrates and promotes up-and-coming artists, and nothing exemplifies that ethos more than the Emerging Artist Contest. "The Dinah's musical line up strives to present the boldest and best in queer or queer friendly music, focusing on signed artists who are either breaking out or have achieved an impressive level of success,” says Mariah Hanson. “But so many unsigned artists wanted to play The Dinah. So, I developed the Emerging Artist Contest, which showcases unsigned artists and offers them a level of exposure that serves to both expand their fan base and expose them to a larger audience. It's been a huge success."

The contest, now a Dinah signature event, has shepherded the careers of many talents including Lucy & La Mer and Sherrelle Holmes who headline the Sunday pool party. Both queer artists participated in the Emerging Artist Contest in 2023 but their music videos were so well produced Hanson immediately pulled them out and officially added them to the 2024 festival bill.

The Dinah is far beyond a local event, it is a worldwide phenomenon that has seen its own community use the incomparable festival as the benchmark for all the others. A unique invitation to revel in the sense of unity and community that permeates the event and embark on a journey into a world of empowerment and inclusivity where true selves are celebrated.

Some things just need to be seen to be believed! There is simply nothing like The Dinah in the world. For more information visit: www.TheDinah.com