The Dinah, known as the largest and longest-running music festival for LGBTQ+ women, said goodbye to its founder, Mariah Hanson, who stepped down from the festival last year after 35 years. But the festival and revelry continues under new management and is splashing its way to Greater Palm Springs again from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, 2026, with the Hilton Palm Springs and Hotel Zoso serving as the host hotels. All the good times, pool parties, live music, and sun-soaked frivolity that fans far and wide have come to expect will continue. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 version of The Dinah, including an introduction to the new duo who will take the reins and oversee the event’s next chapter. 
 

Meet Bella Barkow and Rose Garcia 

The new owners, Bella Barkow and Rose Garcia, are Dinah mainstays who know the festival inside and out. Under the name of their newly founded company BellaRose Productions, Barkow and Garcia will shepherd the event into its new era. 

Barkow is the longtime Dinah Operations Manager, and Garcia has been the Dinah emcee, a reality star, and a real estate entrepreneur. “I’ve been to over 20 Dinah events, and each one has been unforgettable, a place to meet incredible women, build lifelong friendships, and feel fully accepted,” Garcia said in a statement announcing their purchase of the event. “Keeping The Dinah in the family ensures Mariah’s legacy lives on. Bella and I share the same deep love and unwavering dedication for this festival, and I know her vision is safe with us.” 

Let’s take a closer look at what this new era of The Dinah has in store. As always, it starts with the music. 

Who is Headlining The Dinah

Poolside hangouts and nighttime parties need to have music to provide the soundtrack to the festivities, and The Dinah has always had a knack for attracting big-name talent, often before those names became household ones.  Past performers include Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Lizzo, Ke$ha, Bebe Rexha, Iggy Azalea, Tegan and Sara, Indigo Girls, Salt-N-Pepa, and Meghan Trainor. 

This year’s headliners are no exception, with an established hip-hop legend leading the way. 

Da Brat:  Iconic rapper Da Brat will perform at the Friday night Black and White Ball. She has been a major part of the rap and hip-hop scene since the late 1990s and has gained fame in recent years on reality shows like “Love and Hip Hop Atlanta.” 

Hayley Kiyoko: While Da Brat is the most famous artist at this year’s event,  actress, singer, and author Hayley Kiyoko is The Dinah’s main headliner. She will perform at The Hollywood Party on Saturday night,  a fitting party for her; her book,  “Girls Like Girls,” was made into a movie that was released in June. She's a dance-pop musical artist and will author a night full of dance hits to be sure. 

Sasha Keable: The British singer-songwriter Sasha Keable will also be lighting up the stage at the Friday night Black and White Ball. She’ll bring her soulful brand of hip-hop (think Lauryn Hill) to the mix. 

The Aces: The Aces are an all-female band from Utah made up of sisters Cristal and Alisa Ramirez, along with Katie Henderson and McKenna Petty. They’ll drop some Indie rock for partygoers to vibe out to at The Hollywood Party on Saturday. 

Blimes Brixton: Blimes Brixton, whose sound transitions from fast-paced rap to melodic vocals, will set the tone for the G Spot Pool Party on Friday. 

Mama Duke: Texas native Mama Duke will rock the Sapphic Splash on Sunday with a versatile blend of rap, hip-hop, and even some country influences at times.  

Comedy returns to The Dinah 

Music-makers and DJs dominate the action at The Dinah, but back by popular demand in 2026 is a comedy night to let everyone take a break from the heat and the revelry to add laughter to the mix. 

Headliner Cameron Esposito, a veteran of standup who has appeared on late night shows and has her own podcast, “Queery,” leads the way at the Hotel Zoso ballroom on Saturday night. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. sharp. She’ll be joined by comedians Pink Foxx and host Abe Farrelly. Tickets are just $23.51 and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Event Schedule and Tickets 

Whether you prefer splashing around a pool or dancing to live music or DJs, there’s a variety of events to choose from.   

Wednesday, Sept. 30: The first party of the weekend is free, and it’s called Down the Rabbit Hole and takes place at Spirit Animal, a new live performance venue and club located inside Hotel Zoso. The party is from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. and features DJs and dancing. 

Thursday, Oct. 1: The Dinah official opening party is held at Hunter’s in Palm Springs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. and includes a musical performance by the winner of the emerging artist contest. Tickets are $46.04. 

Friday, Oct. 2: The G-Spot Friday Pool Party at the Hilton Palm Springs pool. Blimes Brixton will perform. The event is from noon to 6 p.m. Tickets are $91.08. 
The Black and White Ball features a headlining concert from Da Brat and Sasha Keable at Hotel Zoso. The event is from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. with star-studded red carpet arrivals. Tickets are $113.61. 

Saturday, Oct. 3: The L-Word Pool Party is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hilton Palm Springs pool. Tickets are $113.61. 
The Hollywood Party featuring band The Aces, as well as dance pop artist Hayley Kiyoko, is a Dinah staple. It’s from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Hotel Zoso with a celebrity-filled red carpet. Tickets are $113.61. 

Sunday, Oct. 4: The Sapphic Splash unfolds from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hilton Palm Springs pool with Mama Duke set to perform. Tickets are $91.08. 
The Dinah’s official Closing Night Party is at Hunter’s Palm Springs with some of the nation’s hottest DJs. The event is from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. and tickets are $46.04. 

Individual tickets can be purchased for the pool parties and nightly musical events. Or if you plan to hit them all, purchase a general admission festival pass for $303.94, which provides admission to everything (minus the comedy show).  

A premium pass for $658.54 is also available, which includes admission to all events (minus the comedy) plus priority entrance, premium area at pool parties, priority seating when available at evening events, and exclusive lounges and bars.  

If you prefer hanging out for just one day though, you can buy a Dinah For The Day pass for Friday for $168.80, Saturday for $191.32, or Sunday for $123.75. For all the details and to purchase tickets, go to The Dinah's website.

Helpful Tips  

First, let’s start with the fundamentals. Be sure to bring and use sunscreen, maybe a hat, and just be cognizant of how much time you’re spending in the sun. Take some shade breaks periodically.  Hydration is the other obvious key. Mix some bottles of water in between your adult beverages and always have water handy in the pool, in the room, and on the dance floor. A smart packer will bring multiple bathing suits or pool outfits, because you don’t want to be missing fun while you’re waiting for something to dry. 

Both host hotels this year are in downtown Palm Springs, so take some time to eat and shop at some of the local businesses. They’ll appreciate it and maybe you’ll find a new favorite you’ll want to return to next year. 

To start planning your getaway, see more on the Greater Palm Springs LGBTQ page and discover plenty to enjoy around town, including hotels, events, and bars, and nightlife options.