text by Jorge Perezchica
HOT, WET N’ WILD… and LOUD. These are the words that come to mind after spending the latest Splash House weekender August 9-11 in Palm Springs. If there was any doubt that record breaking temperatures might slow down fan attendance — those notions were crushed and quickly dispelled. With its consistent dedication to world-class music programming, party atmosphere and iconic poolside views, Splash House 2019 did not disappoint. The festival kicked off Friday night with crowds checking in at the Renaissance hotel and then shuttling fans to the after-hours party at the Palm Springs AirMuseum. Set against a backdrop of vintage aircrafts, this unique venue allows guests to dance under the stars or sit VIP inside an air hangar with plenty of drink options available.
On Saturday the energy level ramped up a notch. From Saguaro to Riviera and the Renaissance hotels packed to the hilt and decked out with bitchin’ balconies. A steady stream of attendees gathered around from the bare chested to the latest swim fashions and floaties. I’ve been covering Splash House since 2013 — and this edition was bigger, louder and livelier than I can remember.
As if you needed another reason to indulge, Carl’s Jr. food truck was parked outside the Renaissance hotel handing out free burgers, fries and drinks all weekend. I had The Beyond Burger® (made by the folks at BEYOND MEAT®) the world’s first plant-based burger. It was better than I expected. Outdoors by the Renaissance pool Stella Rosa Wines were offering an array of samples. And at each shuttle stop water bottles were available to keep fans hydrated and thirsty for more high jinks. This is a festival that cares just as much about safety as it does having fun.
One reason Splash House has become so successful over the years, is its unique sense of camaraderie gathered around the shared feeling of music and pool party atmosphere. And it remains more palpable now than ever. Standing next to a throng of attendees dancing to pulsating music — the energy was undeniable. Splash House August edition featured a huge roster of dance music favorites like DIRTYBIRD label-boss Claude VonStroke, bass-heavy powerhouse Ekali, and progressive phenom Lane 8 and many more.
On Sunday the good vibes continued to permeate across Palm Springs to the sound of nonstop beats. From noon until the sun went down the energy level never abated. But as good as the music is and the people you meet or the pictures you take for social media, perhaps the true masterpiece of Splash House is the visceral experience you come away with. For one weekend it made you feel as though there were no problems in the world, as if stumbling upon a slice of paradise. By the end of Sunday, I was hot, exhausted and sunburned. But the lasting memories left to hang are like timeless paintings in a museum. Until next summer, Splash Mates.
WEB: Splash House
Photo Gallery by Coachella Magazine