Palm Springs had been known for years as a golf-course-studded retirement mecca that’s invaded annually by hordes of libidinous college kids on spring break. Well, the city of Palm Springs has been quietly changing its image and attracting a whole new crowd. Thank’s to former mayor (the late) Sonny Bono’s revolutionary “anti-thong” ordinance in 1991,  halted the spring-break migration by eliminating public display of the bare derrière, and the upscale fairway-condo crowd now congregates in the outlying resort cities of Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and La Quinta.

These days, no billboards are allowed in Palm Springs; all the palm trees in the center of town are backlit at night, and you won’t see the word “motel” on any establishment. Baby boomers and lots of gays and lesbians come to Palm Springs these days. And they are buying home here.

And Spring Break is no longer about throngs of drunk teenagers but thousands of gays and lesbians! The White Party in the Palm Springs Convention Center is one of the biggest and best on the US party circuit. With over 20,000 gay men dressed in white, the event brings together the world’s most talented party people to create an evening of spectacular entertainment. usually around Easter Weekend, but this year April 18-21. 

April also is  Dinah Shore Golf Week, and The Dinah! The largest 4 day weekend event of its kind for gay women in the World. Pool parties, dance parties, golf and lots of women! The simple but daring concept catapulted the Dinah week to international fame. Today, The Dinah & Dinah Shore Week are considered the largest lesbian events in the world. This year is expected to be bigger and better than ever! With a huge fashion show, top-notch entertainment and a few surprises! This year running April 2 -6.

It’s probably too late to get there this year, but book early next year and plan to attend!