“It is a pilgrimage for the queer community”
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY BEX EFFECT
The Dinah is more than a music festival. It’s about chosen family, queer pilgrimage and being your authentic self. It is the largest and longest-running annual music festival for LGBTQIA+ women worldwide, bringing the community together in Palm Springs.
After decades of LGBTQIA+ joy, The Dinah is moving into its next era, under the lead of its new owners, Rose Garcia and Bella Barkow. Taking place from 30 September to 4 October, this year’s celebration will see a lineup that includes none other than Lesbian Jesus Hayley Kiyoko, Sasha Keable, Da Brat, The Aces, and so many more incredible queer artists and comedians.
DIVA chatted to Rose and Bella about this year’s Dinah.
This year marks an exciting new chapter for The Dinah with both of you at the helm. What can attendees expect from this year’s celebration that may differ from previous years?
This year marks our 35th anniversary, and we are thrilled to be at the helm for this milestone. Attendees can expect a “new era” with BellaRose Productions, where we honour the festival’s deep roots while infusing fresh energy. We’ve curated a powerhouse lineup featuring headliners like Sasha Keable, Hayley Kiyoko, Da Brat, & The Aces, and we’re focused on creating an even more inclusive, diverse, and vibrant atmosphere that celebrates where we’ve been and where we are going.
You’ve got such an incredible line-up for this year’s Dinah. Why do you think artists like these are so important for LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people right now?
These artists are vital for LGBTQIA+ women and non-binary people because they live their truth authentically and out loud. For our community, seeing ourselves reflected on stage and on screen (like in Hayley Kiyoko’s new film) by powerful, successful artists who don’t compromise who they are is transformative. They provide not just entertainment, but inspiration, helping us feel seen and celebrated on a global scale.
The Dinah has such an incredible legacy. Why do you think it has continued to be a global hotspot for the community?
The Dinah has remained a global hotspot because it’s much more than a music festival; it is a pilgrimage for the queer community. Over the past 35 years, it has created a sanctuary of freedom and connection that doesn’t exist anywhere else. It’s the unique combination of the Palm Springs energy, the music, and the sheer number of queer women and non-binary people coming together from all over the world to celebrate their true selves.
What advice would you give someone attending their first Dinah this year?
Come with an open heart and be prepared to find your tribe. The Dinah is a space of total acceptance and joy, so leave any inhibitions at the door. Immerse yourself in everything – from the iconic pool parties to the evening performances – and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to someone new. You are walking into a space designed for you to be exactly who you are.
Why are spaces like The Dinah more important than ever in 2026?
In 2026, carving out spaces for queer joy and community is more important than ever. We live in challenging times, and The Dinah serves as a vital stronghold—a place where we can recharge, find collective strength, and celebrate our identities. It provides a unique, safe, and euphoric environment that reminds us that we are not alone; we are a massive, thriving, and powerful community.
Find out more about The Dinah here: thedinah.com/
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