Over its 33-year history, Club Skirt’s The Dinah has become the world’s largest and longest-running festival for queer women (nonbinary and trans people are welcome, as well as allies). The next edition, running September 25 to 29 at the Margaritaville Resort (1600 N. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs), is bringing in artists like Lauren Jauregui, Iniko, KiNG MALA, Lauren Sanderson, Lucy & La Mer and Sherrelle Holmes for its many pool parties.
You’re dying to go, but your friends aren’t or can’t afford it? You’re single and ready to mingle, but aren’t sure you’re ready for that much socializing? Like with many festivals and parties where attendees stay overnight, sometimes for days at a time, The Dinah raises the question of whether it will be comfortable for single people, particularly solo women.
The Dinah 2024 might a good test for those curious about flying solo since there will be a gaggle of gays to break their fall. Here are a few questions that many solo travellers have about going to big parties, answered by The Dinah founder herself, Mariah Hanson.
Will I be the only one showing up solo?
The Dinah is so solo friendly because we as producers and staff understand that our event is so much more than a party. It’s outrageously friendly. It’s an invitation to living in a way that we’d love to be able to do 365 days of the year. We realize that there are so many different reasons that people come to The Dinah, and a lot of them are because they just need community. There are so many heartbreaking reasons to go out and search for community, and we embrace that as part of why people might come, as much as we embrace the people who just want to come and celebrate. We emphasize a very approachable attitude with our staff, so that when people come to the event, they experience a sense of community from the get go.
How will I make friends?
We’ve all experienced some social awkwardness in our lives, but The Dinah offers an intentional breath of fresh air from typical cliquey clubs and exclusive events that you might have experienced in your hometown. A common icebreaker used at The Dinah is the phrase “Happy Dinah.” Guests generously offer up the greeting in the same way that one would say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy New Year” to a stranger passing on the street. That little moniker immediately makes everyone feel more at ease, like they’re with family or close friends. One of the things that we hear at The Dinah is how people met their best friend or partner there, or how they met people there from all over the world and go back every year to reconnect. We really cultivate that kind of community.
Where will I stay?
The Dinah offers hotel packages, which include two nights at the Margaritaville Resort and your choice of either a festival or a premium pass. All of The Dinah’s events are held on the Margaritaville property, creating what they refer to as a “Dinah World” that guests can completely immerse themselves within. Purchasing event tickets and booking your own hotel room off-site is an alternative.
Will there be singles events?
This year’s event will include plenty of fun opportunities to make friends, including ice-breaker games and activities like celesbian dodgeball. Events designated for singles or solo attendees usually aren’t considered necessary. We embrace the music festival where people stand around and watch music, but it’s also an event where people interact and meet each other, creating a sense of community. So it’s definitely novel.
Will I feel safe?
It’s important to be and feel safe and secure while travelling solo. Fortunately, like most big queer events, The Dinah takes security very seriously in order to ensure the safety of staff and guests. The Dinah’s security team has been trained to spot problems before they arise—we’ve rarely had to deal with altercations or unwanted attention.
Do I have to identify a certain way in order to attend?
The Dinah is a great space to come absolutely as you are. You won’t have to worry about being targeted for being trans or as a vulnerable queer woman travelling alone. We like to lead the change. We understand how the world is changing, and we embrace that because we think it’s changing in really beautiful ways. Self expression is critical to a life well lived, and we embrace all of the many ways that our clientele show up.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
