Circuit party


A circuit party is a large dance event closely associated with LGBT culture. It extends through the night and into the following day, almost always with a number of affiliated events in the days leading up to and following the main event. Proto-circuit parties in the late 1970s, the precursors of what later became circuit parties, were called disco parties. They lasted only one evening and were held in various large venues in metropolitan areas with large gay populations.
Circuit parties were first developed in connection with the early tea dances attended by a subset of gay men, as well as theme parties held on Fire Island, in the days before the beginning of the health crisis of HIV/AIDS. They came to resemble underground rave parties in some respects, but differ in that circuit parties are highly publicized and professionally produced, and tend to attract people from a wider age range and a broader geographic area.

Background

Founding as disco parties (1970s)

The start of the circuit has been attributed to many different parties that sprang up during the time-frame of the late 1970s and early 1980s. These proto-circuit parties in the late 1970s, the precursors of what later became circuit parties, were called disco parties. They lasted one evening only, and were held in various large venues in metropolitan areas with large gay populations. Although Flamingo and 12 West were New York clubs that had theme-centered gay parties, these nightclubs were eclipsed by the opening of the mega-nightclub, The Saint, in the East Village in 1980. This members-only male club was very technologically advanced. Some say its like has not been recreated since.
The Saint, which was constructed inside the renovated space that had once housed the renowned Fillmore East theatre, featured a dome-covered dance floor, the dome being suspended in mid-air, and a complete planetarium mechanism that projected a starscape onto the dome above the dance floor. While open every weekend beginning in September, The Saint's once monthly parties became marathon events that drew gay men from around the world. These parties created the concept of a single party being the focal point for a weekend get-away in the gay community.
What was to become another circuit party was founded during the same time period by Corbett Reynolds, a Columbus, Ohio-based artist and nightclub owner in the late 1970s. Initially, Reynolds envisioned a one-night party-to-end-all-parties, designed around the theme of the color Red, which was to be held at Reynolds' nightclub, “Rudely Elegant.”
The Red Party proved to be so successful, and drew so many outside visitors, that it filled the Valley Dale Dance Hall to capacity and became an annual event, outliving the closure of the bar in the early 1980s. Reynolds was a true artist, creating complete party-scapes all in red. On the 25th anniversary of the Red Party, the theme of which was to have been "Rome", Mr. Reynolds died. Those in charge of his estate thought about how, if at all, to continue the event and, in the end, decided to retire the concept of the "Red Party" and leave it to history.

AIDS crisis and growth of parties (1980s–1990s)

The early 1980s saw the start of the AIDS crisis, and entire communities were affected. Several benefit parties sprang up around the country, which were run by volunteer organizations that donated their proceeds to AIDS|HIV-related charities, such as Halloween's in New Orleans The success of these early parties gave way to other events hosted in other cities, with each party having its own theme. Many were named after colors, such as White Party, Black Party, Blue Ball, and Black and Blue Festival. And many center around other events, such as Southern Decadence and the Folsom Street Fair. Dance parties provided an environment in which gay men processed the experience of HIV/AIDS and served to build particular forms of communal response to the epidemic
One economic reality of a well-run circuit party is that the event can bring large amounts of tourist dollars to the locality where the event is held. Because of their economic impact, Circuit parties have actually been welcomed into some of the more liberal cities where they are held.
In early 1990s, as more and more gay men became attracted to these mega dance-events, the real modern day circuit party scene emerged and expand into ever-larger productions, featuring superstar DJs and performers. Promoters sometimes turned events from one party into a major series of parties at various venues, transforming a weekend into a three-day or longer continuous party. For example, a pool party might go from noon to 5PM, a "t-dance" from 5PM to 9PM, a main event from 9PM to 4AM, and an after-hours party from 4AM until 12 noon, after which the cycle repeats itself.
To keep putting together these increasingly elaborate and costly productions, the prices of circuit parties increased greatly, so that it was not uncommon for a ticket covering the full weekend of parties to cost $400 or more.

Peak and decline in popularity (2000s)

Having reached its peak around 1999–2000, the Circuit found itself a smaller part of a much larger whole. In 2004, The New York Times travel section featured an in-depth look at The White Party in Palm Springs in conjunction with staff members of Noizemag. The central focus was to determine why thousands of men spend multi-thousands of dollars to travel to this yearly event. Taken from the viewpoint of an experienced raver, this gave the mainstream a view into what makes Circuit Parties so compelling for many and highlighted many of the changes taking place in these commercial events.
Nonetheless, the downward trend continued through the entire decade, with the downfall of a dozen events such as The Red Party, FireBall, Hotlanta, The Morning Party, Hell Ball, Reunion, and Motorball.
In the early 2000s, promoters became worried as attendance decreased dramatically at many circuit events. This decline in attendance was attributed to several factors. The original circuit audience that began attending the circuit parties of the '80s and '90s had grown older and no longer had such an active interest in multi-day partying. The communal experience of HIV/AIDS changed in the context of the availability of more effective treatments. In addition, all-gay cruises, which attract upwards of 1,500 passengers, have had a dramatic impact on the attendance at circuit parties.
Much had been said about the decline of the Circuit in recent years. Some parties have disappeared from the landscape. But the scene continues to thrive in many places with attendance rebounding from the dip that occurred after the new Millennium. This is especially true at the better produced events, like Black and Blue in Montreal, and events that have more than just a circuit party to offer, such as Southern Decadence weekend in New Orleans. Also, all-gay cruises that carry upwards of 2,000 passengers on week-long excursions to exotic ports continue to be very popular.

Recent resurgence (2010s)

Circuit parties are currently organized in many international cities, each of them having another leading company, such as Matinee in Barcelona and WE Party Madrid.
Circuit parties seem to gain widespread popularity again. This resulted in the annually organized Circuit Festival by the Matinée Group since 2008. Circuit Festival is currently the biggest international gay and lesbian event, hosting more than 50 DJs every year during twelve days of circuit parties, bringing together all leading international circuit brands in Barcelona. Since 2012 it attracts an increasing number of gay visitors of over 70,000 per edition. The circuit scene in the United States sharply declined after 2011.

Culture and controversy

Observers within the gay and medical communities have published concerns about the culture of circuit parties, particularly the high use of drugs and mood changers including: alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamine, ecstasy, ketamine, GHB, amyl nitrite, and other "party drugs". They point to the risks of overdose, dehydration, and impaired judgment leading to unsafe sex and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Circuit parties have been blamed for the spread of methamphetamine abuse and the rise in transmission of STDs, particularly HIV, among North American gay men. In March 2020, one of the last US circuit parties, Winter Party Festival Miami, suffered a super-spreader event of Covid-19, leading to dozens of infections and numerous deaths.

Overview and media perception

While open to anyone, the parties generally are viewed as social events for gay men. Circuit parties charge admission, with some being run for-profit and others benefiting charities, generally those that benefit the LGBT communities or HIV/health related programs. Circuit parties are typically lavish affairs with elaborate lighting, music, and decor and are held in venues that can accommodate large crowds.
Some of the larger circuit parties are the White Party in Palm Springs, the Black and Blue Party in Montreal, and the Winter Party in Miami, each of which attracts attendees in the thousands to tens of thousands. The White Party in Miami, Florida is now the longest running Circuit event and for twenty-four years has been held at Villa Vizcaya. White Party Miami is referred to as the Crown Jewel of the Circuit.
Circuit parties are known to attract a broad range of demographics, from young gay men in their early 20s to those in their 40s, 50s and even 60s, and both single gay men and couples in long-term relationships. The parties are described by attendees as very important social events, analogous to a major holiday for the gay community. They can be described as a "celebration" of gay life and gay sexuality, an expression of freedom, and as a statement of the power and strength of the gay community.
Circuit parties are not without controversy, and they are often perceived by outsiders as characterized by a high degree of superficiality; moreover those who attend them are often the target of broad and negative judgments by others in the gay community, usually because of the amount of promiscuous sex and drug use that is often perceived to be associated with the events. A small body of empirical research from different research groups does, indeed, point to a high prevalence of drug use among people who attend circuit events during the course of the events and raises questions about an association between drug use and risky sex practices among gay and bisexual men Circuit parties frequently host celebrity performers or headliners, usually gay icons.

Related media

NameYearLocaleNotes
2020 – presentWorldwide is a worldwide online social platform celebrating the LGBT community and providing DJ Livestreams every weekend along with a social networking platform to connect, video chat, group video chat, and learn about the circuit community and its music! Connect with your favorite DJs, dance together in our virtual club, and more!
Prism2012 – presentToronto, CanadaPrism Festival is North America's largest gay circuit music festival, spanning five events with over 15,000 attendees Prism also produces a variety of shows and events throughout the year including SALVATION, the LIVE series, and two new productions set to launch in the new year: LEGENDS and PARADISO.
One Magical Weekend1990 – presentOrlando, FloridaCelebrating LGBT Pride at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida the first weekend of June every year! One Magical Weekend hosts parties at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's EPCOT along with 3 Pool Parties and 3 After Hours! It's one of the largest events in the US for LGBT parties with 18 International DJs spinning your favorite and brand new house music! Come for Mickey, Stay for Mikey!
Chicago White Party1974– presentMiami, FloridaOne of the first White Party's held by the gay community as a circuit party
Red Party1970s-2001United StatesOne of the earliest disco parties
Black Party1970s- presentThe Saint at San FranciscoSeveral times during the year, themed parties at the important gay venue The Saint held disco parties such as the "Black Party" and the "White Party," which attracted celebrities from around the world. These Saint parties are considered by most disco historians to be the precursors to the circuit party.
Hotlanta River Expo1979– 2004Atlanta, Georgia, United StatesKnown as the nation's first circuit party. It featured 4 day event centered around a rafting trip down the Chattahoochee River outside of Atlanta. The party weekend featured a Mr. and Miss Hotlanta Pageant and attracted crowds of gay men and women from around the world. The event went under in 2004 after years of financial trouble.
Rat Parties1983–1992Sydney, Australiaa series of large dance parties held in Sydney, Australia that "formed a key element of an emerging subculture" that was fashion-aware, gay-friendly, appreciated dance music and open, outrageous celebration. Forty Rat Parties were organized by the Recreational Arts Team between 1983 and 1992.
Southern Decadence1984–presentNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Halloween in New Orleans1984–presentNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Miami White Party1985–presentMiami, FloridaOne of the first White Party's held by the gay community as a circuit party, the first event promoted safe sex practices, and all attendees wore white. Sixteen hundred guests, asked to wear white, showed up that Sunday night, Dec. 1, 1985. Each paid $10, which went to support AIDS nonprofits. Now a weekl long event, most of the parties are geared to gay men from all over the globe, but there are several events for lesbians and mixed crowds as well. In 2019 the news was broken on the LGBTQ+ Talk Show "It's Happening Out" that the White Party was being postponed until further notice.
Magnitude1997–presentSan FranciscoThe official circuit party of the Folsom Street Fair.
Joining Hearts1987–presentAtlanta, Georgia, United StatesThe Joining hearts Pool Party occurs annually in July, often at the Piedmont Park pool, and raises more than $100,000 for local charities focusing on prevention, housing, and care for people with HIV.
Real Bad1989–presentUnited Statesthe name of a fundraising party held annually in San Francisco, California immediately following the Folsom Street Fair.
La Demence1989–presentBrussels, BelgiumLeading international circuit party in Belgium. Organized on a monthly base, with two weekend editions: one during Eastern and one anniversary weekend every year in October. Since a few years La Demence also organizes an annual one week gay cruise.
Black and Blue Festival1991–presentMontrealthe world's largest gay-benefit dance festival, attracting thousands of tourists to Montreal every Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, which raises money for HIV/AIDS and the gay community. The various events attract up to 70,000 participants as at 2010.
Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend1991–presentPalm Springs, CaliforniaDubbed “The Dinah”, the five-day festival is considered the largest lesbian event in the United States and the world. The first unofficial Dinah Shore Weekend took place in 1986 when women began to flock to Palm Springs in conjunction with a golf tournament, and has since grown to include a White Party.
Winter Party Festival1993–PresentMiami, FloridaWinter Party Festival is an annual, week-long celebration of music, dance, and community, produced to raise critical funds for the LGBTQ community. Winter Party is a fundraising venture produced by, and in support of, the National LGBTQ Task Force. First weekend in March
Bal en Blanc1995– presentMontreal, CanadaIt now features headliner DJs from all over the world and attracts over 15,000 attendees. Bal en Blanc usually has two separate rooms, one catering to house music and the other to trance music.
Purple Party2000– presentDallas, Texas, United States
Pines Party2000– presentFire Island, New York, United States
Nation2001–2005SingaporeGay parties held in Singapore featuring electronic music, notable to the local subculture.
Rapido2004–presentAmsterdam, NetherlandsLeading international circuit party in the Netherlands, hosted in famous former church Paradiso. The smaller edition, Funhouse, is often visited by a slightly younger crowd and organized at a smaller venue. Rapido is organized about six times a year, with two weekend editions: one for the national holiday King's Day and one for the annual Amsterdam Gay Pride. During the weekend editions Rapido and Funhouse are organized one day after another.
The Week International2004–presentBrazil
Forever Tel Aviv2006–presentTel Aviv, Israel
Circuit Festival2008–presentBarcelona, SpainLargest circuit festival in the world, bringing together several international circuit parties.
Peach Party2011– presentAtlanta, Georgia, United StatesPeach Party is a circuit party named after Georgia's most notable icon, the peach. This is a 3-day event that takes place at various venues in Midtown, Atlanta. This circuit party was created to replace the now defunct "Hotlanta River Expo," which is known as the nation's first circuit party. It is held annually in June.
H.I.M2014–presentAntwerp, Belgium
Blue Ball1992-2008,2012Philadelphia, PA
USA		Despite its "wink, wink, nudge, nudge" title suggesting some thwarted sexual encounter resulting in the alluded-to condition of the male reproductive organs, there was plenty of male-on-male hookups at these gay dance parties held in the dead of winter, leading to an alternative interpretation of the party's name. Begun as a fundraiser for the AIDS Information Network in 1992, then later for Philadelphia FIGHT, and finally for the LGBTQ grant-making organization. Sapphire Fund in 2002. The party reached its zenith in 2000, '01 and fizzled out by '07, '08. In 2012, a final, Blue Ball 'redux' party was held to mark what would have been the 20th anniversary of the event.
BEAT2017–PresentDallas, TX
USA		BEAT kicked off its annual circuit event in September 2017, offering a Saturday night main event for Dallas PRIDE Weekend. Impulse Group, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide HIV awareness and prevention education, produces this event via the use of internationally acclaimed circuit DJs, well-known gogo talent and memorable performances by drag personalities and recording artists.