The Dinah Music Festival Concludes Landmark 34-Year Run: Founder Mariah Hanson Steps Down After Historic Palm Springs Celebration

Palm Springs, CA – After an unprecedented 34-year run, The Dinah, the world’s largest and longest-running music festival for queer women, nonbinary individuals, and allies, is set to host its final celebration from September 24-28, 2025, at the Riviera Resort in Palm Springs. This landmark event marks the end of an era as founder and producer Mariah Hanson prepares to step away from her monumental creation.

A Groundbreaking Legacy for Queer Women

Founded in 1991 by Mariah Hanson, The Dinah began with a vision to create an exciting, community-building, and life-affirming experience for queer women. What started as a one-night party at the Palm Springs Modern Art Museum has blossomed over three decades into a global phenomenon, drawing an estimated 15,000 attendees annually. The festival has evolved into a five-day immersive experience filled with live music, iconic pool parties, and a profound spirit of transformation and belonging. It has become more than just a party; it’s recognized as a cultural landmark and a vital movement, offering a safe and inclusive sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community to live out loud, connect, and celebrate their lives. The festival’s deep connection to Palm Springs, a city known for its welcoming atmosphere towards the LGBTQ+ community, has been integral to its identity.

Mariah Hanson’s Vision and Departure

Mariah Hanson, a trailblazing entrepreneur, has been the driving force behind The Dinah for its entire 34-year history. Her intention from the outset was to create a high-quality event that celebrated queer women, offering them a space where they could feel seen, empowered, and unapologetically themselves. Hanson has consistently curated a lineup that reflects the diversity and talent within the queer community, often booking emerging artists just before they achieve mainstream success, thus competing with major music festivals for talent. Reflecting on her decision to step down, Hanson stated, “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.” She feels the time is right for a new generation to bring their vision and energy to the festival’s legacy.

The Dinah’s Cultural Impact and Artistic Influence

The Dinah has not only provided a vital platform for community connection but has also significantly impacted the music industry. Many artists, including global superstars like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Lizzo, and Bebe Rexha, have graced The Dinah’s stage, with their performances often serving as significant career inflection points. Hanson’s knack for identifying future stars has cemented The Dinah’s reputation as a tastemaker’s event. Beyond musical acts, the festival has also featured comedians and celebrities, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of shared celebration and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. The event has consistently championed inclusivity, welcoming nonbinary individuals and allies, reinforcing its role as a sanctuary that transcends barriers.

The Final Celebration in Palm Springs

The upcoming final festival, scheduled from September 24-28, 2025, at the Riviera Resort in Palm Springs, promises to be an epic send-off. While the full entertainment lineup is anticipated to drop soon, special guests are already confirmed to add to the historic occasion. Icons Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey, stars of the groundbreaking series “The L Word,” will be in attendance to sign their new book, “So Gay for You,” and make special appearances, further linking the festival’s legacy to broader queer cultural touchstones.

Looking Ahead: The Future of The Dinah

While this marks the end of an era for Mariah Hanson as producer, she is actively engaged in discussions with potential successors, aiming to find the right partner to carry forward The Dinah’s powerful legacy. Hanson expressed her deepest hope that the festival will continue to thrive, stating, “While my Dinah chapter is ending, the future is full of possibility in new hands. My hope is that this beloved torch is carried forward — so The Dinah can thrive for another 34 years and beyond.”

The conclusion of The Dinah under Hanson’s leadership represents the end of a monumental chapter in queer culture and independent live events. This final music festival is poised to be a deeply meaningful celebration, honoring the decades of joy, liberation, and community that The Dinah has so powerfully fostered.