White Party Palm Springs Celebrates 30 Years as the Ultimate Desert Playground

Palm Springs truly is like no place else. The desert oasis has long attracted visitors from around the globe who immerse themselves in the destination's gorgeous mid-century modern design, soaring vistas, and bustling nightlife. And while Palm Springs offers plenty to do (or not do... be sure to allow plenty of time for rest and relaxation) any time of year, White Party Palm Springs descends upon Palm Springs each spring for the ultimate gay dance festival.

Jefferey Sanker, dubbed by the Miami Herald as "the priest of gay parties," has been at the forefront of the nightlife scene since his arrival in Los Angeles in 1987. White Party Palm Springs has become his trademark event, attracting upwards of 30,000 revelers for a weekend packed with DJs, themed parties, and plenty of revelry to go around. Sanker has been so impactful on Palm Springs' cultural zeitgeist that the city inaugurated him into the https://www.visitgaypalmsprings.com/index.php/overview/play/palm-springs-walk-of-stars/10784|Palm Springs Walk of Stars> in 2014.

White Party Palm Springs 2019 promises to be the epitome of Sanker's legacy, including the following signature events:

SPLASH
Friday, April 26, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Palm Springs Hilton
White Party Palm Springs premieres its first-ever pool party at Palm Springs Hilton. The day club event will feature a poolside dance floor, soaring LED screens, and daybeds and cabanas to recharge in between sets by DJ Blacklow.

Military Ball
Friday, April 26, 10 p.m. – 5 a.m.
Palm Springs Convention Center
"Stand at attention" at the brand new evening venue, and be sure to pack your favorite military threads (likely to be taken off as the night wears on). DJs Oscar Velazquez (Mexico) and GSP (Greece) bring international flair to what promises to be a night filled with stars, stripes and sexy men.

Muscle Pool Party
Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Hilton Palm Springs
Pump up for this afternoon of fun in the sun as White Party Palm Springs "flexes" its muscles with an arsenal of go-go boys, along with DJs Isis Muretech and Anne Louise. Remember, less is more whether you're sporting briefs or trunks!

Legend
Saturday, April 27, 10 p.m. – 6 a.m.
Palm Springs Convention Center
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, White Party Palm Springs lives up to its name with this iconic evening. Pack your favorite white outfit – lycra, feathers, tanks, sneakers, tighty-whities – all are welcome! The triple-threat DJ list includes Aron, Nina Flowers and Dan Slater and surprise guest performers that will add even more wow factor to the legendary event.

Circus T-Dance
Sunday, April 28, 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
White Party Park
Whether you're juggling the affections of the gorgeous crowd or taming the wild animal gogo boys, this afternoon soiree extends into the evening with DJs Ben Bakson and Suri, culminating in a superstar headliner you won't want to miss and fireworks that light up the desert sky.

Papa Tribal Presented by Eliad Cohen
Sunday, April 28, 10 p.m. – early morning
Palm Springs Convention Center
The 30th-anniversary-weekend celebration culminates in this jungle extravaganza, featuring DJs Dani Toro and Abel and plenty of wild entertainment for a final send-off that you won't forget.

Go Local

Whether you're arriving for the White Party or looking for LGBTQ-friendly nightlife options with more laid-back, lounge-like vibes, Palm Springs has plenty of opportunities for every queer traveler. Be sure to add these venues to your itinerary to rub shoulders with locals, imbibe in craft cocktails, or hit the dance floor.

Blackbook Bar – This latest addition to the Arenas District offers a sleek, industrial vibe, along with stellar cocktails and a vast whiskey collection. And if you're hungry for more than a couple of rounds, the New American-inspired menu offers fresh takes on comfort food such as disco superfries, two-handed burgers, and their own take on Nashville hot chicken.

Hunter's Palm Springs – This video bar is an LGBTQ playground where you can have a blast with karaoke, catch a cabaret show, or enjoy the weekly roster of events such as Drag Me to Bingo, Fur Fridays, or Underwear Contests.

RetroRoom Lounge – A throwback to the legends that have long been celebrated in Palm Springs (think Dean Martin and the Rat Pack), the swanky lounge offers handcrafted cocktails with whimsical names such as the Bohemian Rhapsody (two different types of rum, pineapple juice, lime, agave and bitters). Live entertainment is offered on weekends or do the hustle with 70s and 80s dance music on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Gay Enclaves

There are countless options for accommodations when it comes to spending the night in Palm Springs, but what makes the region so appealing for many queer travelers is its iconic collection of gay men's resorts. Here are just a few to consider. Consider dividing your time between two venues to get the full Palm Springs experience!

INNdulge Palm Springs – This clothing-optional resort dates back to 1958 and boasts 24 poolside rooms and a 12-man heated Jacuzzi. The lush landscaping and San Jacinto Mountain views are stellar, but you'll find plenty to look at in the courtyard as your fellow guests roll in!

Vista Grande Resort – A range of accommodations from poolside studios to luxurious villas ensure that everyone can enjoy Vista Grand Resort's multi-level gardens, waterfalls, dry sauna, steam room, and pools. Breakfast and lunch are included, too, so you can care freely unwind.

All Worlds Resort – This collection of four hotel properties encompasses nearly two acres of land and a sprawling array of entertainment options and amenities. There are plenty of room types (including those with an in-room Jacuzzi), but the real draw is its four swimming pools. Day passes are also available if you've arranged other accommodations, but in either case, be sure to visit on a Sunday for the weekly barbecue and pool party with DJs and go-go boys.

Insider Tip – Looking to get the most bang for your buck? Consider traveling Sunday through Thursday, when most resorts offer discounts, packages, or other cost-saving incentives.

Buzz Around Town... for Free!
Ride The BUZZ, a free shuttle with dozens of stops around town. The service operates Thursday through Saturday, 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. and offers a convenient way to explore different neighborhoods or kick off your evening.

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