The Best Trips in August: Traveler Reviews to Inspire You / Advice For Solo Women Partiers From The Founder Of The Dinah / By Felicia Koch / Publisher Pinktickettravel

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 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.