Sandblast Weekend returns to Atlantic City, July 17-19

Mid-Atlantic’s largest gay and lesbian beach party, Sandblast Weekend, returns to Atlantic City for three days on July 17.

It’s the second time around for the dance-centric bash, part of AC’s marketing strategy targeting the LGBT community.  New this year will be an evening of comedy from funny woman, Margaret Cho, an ardent supporter of LGBT rights. 
 

Once again, the organizers have segregated all but two of the event’s activities by gender, with most geared towards men.  Missing are the women’s beach volleyball competition and any mixer specifically designated for transgender folks. 

The festivities get started on Friday night with a kick-off dance party for all genders at Borgata Hotel Casino’s Mixx nightclub.  The action continues with the men’s late night Raw Underwear afterparty at the Claridge Hotel.  Only those in underwear will be admitted.  Guests can either arrive in their best skivvies or make use of the complimentary clothes check. 
 
All Saturday afternoon, Bally’s Spa rooftop pool will host the Riptide pool party for men.  Once evening hits, the Borgata will be the place to be with a Ladies Tea Dance at mur.mur nightclub and comedian Margaret Cho performing at the Music Box.   
 
Billed as the night’s main event, however, is the men-only Deep Blue dance party at Resorts Casino, followed by the Skinny Dip! afterparty (also just for men) at the Claridge Hotel pool.  
 
Philadelphia’s Drag Mafia founder, Brittany Lynn hosts Sunday’s drag race and handbag toss.  The men’s only competition can be watched from boardwalk and will be followed by the all-gender Sandblast Beach Party at Bungalow Beach. 
 
The weekend closes out with the Kahuna men’s dance party at Caesars Atlantic City’s Dusk nightclub. 
 
Weekend passes cost between $275 to $375.  Tickets to individual parties can be purchased separately and range in price from $25 to $400.  Admission to the Ladies Tea Dance is $15 and includes a wristband that will grant wearers free entry to the Women’s White Party.
 
When legs get tired from all that dancing, swimming and other strenuous fun, catch the free shuttle bus from the Claridge to the Borgata, every 15 minutes until 4 am.
 
Friday, July 17, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.; Saturday, July 18, 11 a.m. to 6 a.m.; Sunday, July 19, 11:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. – various locations, Atlantic City, NJ.

______________________________________

This post is part of our South Jersey Events Listing