It’s summertime, and who doesn’t like a beach trip to work on their tan, flirt and party with their friends? If you are like most of us, you have to pick a few weekends each year to spend your hard-earned dollars. After all, a weekend at the beach in the prime of summer can be a costly venture.
In 2014, Sand Blast, one of the gay community’s largest summer beach events, moved from Asbury Park, NJ, to Atlantic City for that very reason. A year later, after a hugely successful event in the city by the sea, Sand Blast will once again return to Atlantic City on July 17-19, 2015. And not only will this year’s edition keep costs low, the producers have also shuffled the schedule and added new events to offer you an even better summertime experience.
The first of the weekend’s 13 events kicks off on Friday, July 19, with its traditional beach day located at the gay beach directly in front of The Claridge, the host hotel. That evening from 7-9 p.m., Club 11 within the Claridge hosts a social cocktail hour where guests can mix and mingle before the big welcome party, Lost At Sea. Over at Mixx Nightclub, located within the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Montreal’s DJ Alain Jackinsky will start the weekend parties off in a big way at 10 p.m., and the party officially goes to 3 a.m. Meanwhile, back at the Claridge Hotel, Raw, the famed underwear party hosted by The Maverick Men, gets underway at 2 a.m. with DJ Eddie Elias. Be warned. Clothes check is mandatory, and this party goes till 6 a.m. This is always an event you do not want to miss!
Then the big schedule changes kick in on Saturday, July 18, most notably a decision by producers Brad Hurtado and Bruce Yelk to move the premier Sand Blast Beach Party from Saturday to Sunday for 2015.
Brad offered this explanation for the change: “The Beach Party has always been the highlight of the weekend for our guests” says Hurtado. “So, this year we decided to let the excitement build to a fantastic climax and give our guys what they want. Plus, it’s a schedule that’s worked well for other beach party weekends, so it’s an easy decision.” The event will once again be held at the Bungalow Beach and will feature internationally renowned producer and DJ Phil Romano from Rome along with D.C.’s DJ Mike Reimer.
With the Beach Party moving to Sunday, Saturday’s Rip Tide pool party will be bigger than ever in its new time slot from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bally’s Hotel and Casino will host the event at their 8th floor pool with a spacious outdoor deck overlooking the world’s most famous boardwalk and the Atlantic City beach. Barcelona’s DJ Dani Toro and NYC’s DJ Dawson will provide the music for revelers all day long.
Later that evening the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa will host two big events. The first, a women’s Tea Dance hosted by Ladies 2000, will begin at 5 p.m. inside the beautiful Mur.Mur Nightclub. The second, and newest addition to Sand Blast, is a comedy show featuring famed comedian Margaret Cho on her Psycho Tour at 9 p.m. The evening closes out with Sand Blast’s Deep Blue dance party inside Resort’s Superstar Theater with New York DJs Eddie Martinez and Morabito. This event begins at 10 p.m. and features a performance by Beth Sacks singing her hit “No Drama” – plus, some of the hottest guys that will make you anything but blue. Be ready to party as the event goes till 5 a.m.
Rise early or go to bed late since DJ Barney hosts the Skinny Dip pool party
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at the Claridge Hotel from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Sunday. This party overlaps with the Deep Blue event, so plan accordingly, as there is time to sleep some other day. After a disco nap don’t miss the hilarious Ms. Brittany Lynn as she hosts the Drag Race & Handbag Toss, which begins at 11 a.m. in front of Bungalow Beach. This event is FREE and takes place right before the beach party opens. After the beach party, Kahuna closes out the weekend of events and features Asbury Park’s DJ Mick Hale and NYC’s HOT producer and DJ Aron. The party begins at 11 p.m. at Dusk Nightclub inside Caesar’s Dusk Nightclub and ends at 6 a.m.
With so many hotels in Atlantic City, you have plenty of places to stay. Although their Host Hotel, The Claridge, sold out of their special $175 / night rate on July 1st, they do still have higher priced rooms available. For those looking for a more upscale option, the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa is offering a discounted rate for Sand Blast patrons as well.
For event tickets, transportation options and general information on the weekend – please visit SandBlastWeekend.com.
