The Dinah Festival Celebrated 35th Anniversary
The iconic LGBTQ+ festival returned to Palm Springs for five days of performances and community events.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Food and Drink
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The Dinah, founded 35 years ago by Mariah Hansen, has marked its milestone anniversary in Palm Springs. The five-day festival concluded on October 4, 2026, featuring a lineup including Hayley Kiyoko, Da Brat, The Aces, and Sasha Keeble.
Why it matters
The festival provides a vital community space for LGBTQ+ individuals. It has evolved from its origins in the 1990s into a significant cultural fixture held at venues like the Hilton Palm Springs and Hotel Soso.
The Dinah spans a total of 5 days of programming. This year marks the festival’s 35th anniversary since its inception.
The players
Mariah Hansen
She is the founder who established The Dinah festival 35 years ago.
Bella Barco
She is one of the new owners who acquired the festival.
Rose Garcia
She is a new owner who acquired the festival alongside Bella Barco.
Hayley Kiyoko
She is a musician who performed as part of the 2026 festival lineup.
The Aces
This musical group was among the featured performers at the 2026 event.
The details
New owners Bella Barco and Rose Garcia managed the 2026 edition, which hosted pool parties, live music, comedy acts, and DJ sets. These events took place across various city venues, including the Hilton Palm Springs and Hotel Soso.
Timeline
The festival was first held in the 1990s.
The 35th anniversary festival took place in 2026.
The event concluded on October 4, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The festival's 2026 celebration marks a departure from the inaugural 1990s Dinah event by shifting from a single-founder model to ownership under Bella Barco and Rose Garcia. This transition highlights the ongoing professionalization and institutional growth of legacy LGBTQ+ cultural events.
Attendees accessed the festival's various pool parties and performances through organized programming across the Hilton Palm Springs and Hotel Soso. Guests participated in five days of curated events including live comedy and music.
The takeaway
The Dinah continues to serve as a cornerstone for LGBTQ+ community engagement in Southern California. The transition to new ownership suggests a commitment to maintaining the festival's long-standing cultural impact for future years.
Further reading
For more information on regional events, visit the Palm Springs Food and Drink section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Palm Springs.
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