The Dinah—the longest-running and world’s largest music festival for queer women, nonbinary folks, and allies—will host its final event in September 2025 after dedicating 34 years to LGBTQ+ pride, music, visibility, and celebration of an inclusive community.
Mariah Hanson, founder and producer of The Dinah, makes the decision to conclude the final festival on September 24-28 in Palm Springs, California.
“After 34 unforgettable years, I’m stepping away from producing this world-famous celebration of queer joy, freedom, and connection. It’s been the honor of a lifetime to help create space where our community could be bold, wild, and unapologetically ourselves,” Mariah says.
“I’ve often been asked when I would pass the torch,” she adds. “I never had a specific answer—only that I’d know when the moment felt right. And now, the time is right. It’s time for a new generation to bring their vision, energy, and heart to this legacy and take it even further. That’s my deepest hope.”
The Dinah was founded in 1991 and has since evolved from its grassroots origin into a global phenomenon, drawing thousands of attendees to the five-day festival. Filled with live music, pool parties, and spiritual transformations, The Dinah has elevated generational artists including Lady Gaga, Lizzo, Bebe Rexha, and Doechii.
The conclusion of the festival comes from Mariah’s decision to end on a high note by giving a final epic celebration that will include special guests Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey from the iconic lesbian series The L Word. They will be attending the Saturday pool party to sign their new book So Gay for You and take photos with fans. Kate and Leisha will also make a special appearance at the Saturday night party.
“This final Dinah is my personal love letter to the community—a celebration that reflects the boldness, beauty, and heart that have always defined who we are,” Mariah says. “More than anything, I hope the legacy I leave is one of joy, connection, and possibility—a foundation for the next generation to build something even greater.
“This last edition isn’t just an event—It’s the culmination of 34 spectacular years of joy, liberation, visibility, and love,” she adds. “Whether you’re returning to relive the magic or experiencing it for the first time, this is your moment to be part of herstory.
“Come raise a glass, dance under the sun, and help write this last, extraordinary chapter with me—a tribute to a journey that changed lives, built community and sparked decades of culture-shifting moments, bold firsts, and unforgettable memories. While I may be taking my final bow, the legacy we’ve built together will live on in every life it’s touched.”
Photos courtesy social media
