The legendary White Party Global (formerly White Party Palm Springs), celebrated 33 years this year, and the three-day weekend event saw an impressive line-up of seven action-packed events. As the temperatures soared in the southern California desert oasis the sights, sounds, and memorable moments truly heated up. Thousands of party goers from around North America flocked to the Coachella desert, May 12-14, for White Party Global, an annual LGBTQ+ dance music festival weekend. 

Throughout its 30+ year history, White Party Global has continued to evolve, and 2023 was no different. The annual event was streamlined, refreshed, and reimagined, which resulted in new experiences and an exciting line-up of impressive talent throughout the weekend. With a notable decline in attendance over the years, the event continues to deliver on its core commitments of delivering new trends in dance music, showcasing award-winning performers, fresh event themes, and creating memorable moments.  

“The excitement and music thrilled revelers, and we were delighted to host some of the world’s greatest DJs and musical divas, including Cece Peniston, Robin S, Inaya Day, Crystal Waters, and Ultra Nate,” said Chris Diamond, Executive Producer of White Party Global.

Signature Events 

Soaked Pool Parties 

Each afternoon of the three-day event, the Hilton pool deck played host to the Soaked Pool Party series. Each of the exciting events offered the opportunity for attendees to strip down and enjoy the gorgeous, sunny skies, splash in the pool, have titillating conversations, and sip signature White Party cocktails. 

The go-go boys danced to the music pumping throughout the pool deck by a remarkable variety of emerging and established DJs, playing tracks to set the mood that ranged from mellow beats to high energy. 

Fluidity 

On Friday night diversity and inclusion took center stage at the Palm Springs Convention Center with Fluidity, a brand-new event celebrating drag and house ballroom and expanding the White Party Global event for the broader LGBTQ+ community. 

Embodying the event theme, ‘live your life’, attendees dazzled and unleashed their inner diva with bold outfits that portrayed their confidence and strength. 

The night of fearless self-expression included dance battles to drag performances, and a brilliant performance by queer artist, Vincint. 

Whiteout 

The signature event of the weekend was the annual Whiteout party, a jaw-dropping 10-hour dance party held Saturday night at the Palm Springs Convention Center. 

Guests arrived dressed in the traditional all-white outfits, while others wore creative, custom snow and ice-themed costumes, reflecting the blizzard theme. 

Upon arrival, attendees were welcomed to strolled across the traditional white carpet, lined with event and media photographers to have their photo taken. It was the moment to see and be seen. Groups, friends, and VIPs strutted the featured white carpet moment, showcasing their attire and best assets. 

As guests headed inside, they were greeted to dazzling, winter-chill effects of snow and ice, indicative of the event theme. Large gantries provided VIPs with spectacular views of the stage and the ocean of people, dressed in their impressive outfits, dancing below. 

Orbit T-Dance

The highlight of Sunday was the Orbit T-Dance party, held under the sun and the stars. It set the mood for an epic outdoor party. Towering over the festival grounds was a giant ferris wheel, providing incredible, sky-high views of the event. 

As the sun began to set over Palm Springs, a fantastic drone show took to the skies. It was a great new addition to the party. 

The Orbit T-Dance surged with energy as the five headlining divas graced the stage at White Party Park for an incredible, jaw-dropping, set of performances called, The Diva Show. 

Crystal Waters, who celebrated self-expression and liberation with ‘Gypsy Woman’.

Robin S hit the stage next and lit up the night with new energy as she sang ‘Show Me Love’. 

Inaya Day had the entire crowd singing along while she performed her hit song ‘Nasty Girl’.

CeCe Peniston belted out her hit song ‘Finally’.

Wrapping the show was Ultra Nate with her hit song, ‘Free’. 

The event closed out with a spectacular choreographed fireworks show set to a moving remix of music, energizing the crowd with emotion. 

Following the Orbit T-Dance, attendees migrated across the street to the Palm Springs Convention Center to cap off the weekend at the Escape closing party that lasted into the early hours of Monday morning. 

The Music 

Soulful house music, energizing pop, and deep house beats, the music for each of the seven events throughout the weekend offered unique sound and style, reflecting the party themes. 

The line-up of new and alumni DJ’s kept people dancing throughout the day, night, and into the early-morning hours. DJ’s included Dan Slater, Liza Rodriguez, Nick Stracener, Manny Lehman, Phil Romano, Tom Stephan, Micky Friedmann, Jeremy Dava, Shane Marcus, and many more.

A Shift to Inclusivity 

In 2023, White Party Global ushered in a new era, embracing diversity and inclusion, providing a far-reaching, daring, and all-encompassing weekend. 

Traditionally, circuit parties have had an unsaid expectation of body and conforming image. While many attendees proudly display their bulging biceps, barrel chests, and 6-pack abs, which can be intimidating for many. Gone are the days of exceptionally skinny twinks and muscle men. There was a notable and visible shift this year with the variety of people, body types, and sexual identities who attended, which was welcomed with open arms by all party goers. 

2023 signaled the shift of White Party Global from a circuit party to an authentic LGBTQ+ music festival. The message was clear: be the best you that you can be. Everyone is welcome at White Party Global.

Plan to Attend White Party Global 2024

For regular attendees, White Party Global is an annual tradition and a chosen-family reunion. It’s an exciting weekend to reunite with friends, and a great event to meet new connections. White Party Global 2024 will continue to incorporate new trends and themes, headline artists, and fresh events. At White Party Global, you can find love, unity, and acceptance.