You Don’t Have To Stay Here To Play Here
Here’s the little secret every local already knows—room key or not, our doors are always open to you. Because The Dunes isn’t just a place to stay, it’s where people gather to have a great time.
For decades, The Dunes has been the social heartbeat of LGBTQ+ life in Saugatuck/Douglas. Rooms here tend to fill up fast—and for good reason. But you don’t need to stay here to be part of the fun. Here are a few ways you can jump in.
Published March 24, 2025 • By The Dunes Resort
Start with the Pool
In the summer, the pool deck is where it’s at. What better way to begin the day than with the sun on your shoulders, a drink in your hand, and beats bouncing across the water?
During the week, the vibe is relaxed and social. It’s free to get in and a regular crowd of locals—gay and straight—drops in for a swim, some sunshine, and a cocktail (or a few.) It feels less like a resort pool full of strangers and more like the best backyard party in town.
Then the weekend arrives, and everything kicks up a notch. More friends, bigger energy, and a crowd that’s really ready to let loose. There’s usually a small cover—typically $5-$10—but once you’re here, you’ll understand why. This is the kind of epic daytime party people hear about long before they arrive—and talk about long after they leave.
And if you want to claim a little space for your crew, poolside cabanas are available to rent—just check in at the front desk or give The Dunes a call ahead of time.
When the Sun Goes Down
As the sun sets, the party moves indoors, and the dance floor takes over. If you’re staying elsewhere in town, it’s easy to swing by and join the party.
The Club is open every weekend year-round. The DJs are legit, with The Dunes regularly hosting internationally recognized names, like Paulo, GSP, Mohammad, James Anthony, J Warren, Dan Darlington, Aaron Aanenson, Alex Romas, Brady Prince, and Sam Gee, who keep the crowd moving late into the night.
Like the pool, weeknight entry is usually free, while weekend covers typically range from $5–$10 in the off-season and $10–$20 during the summer. One thing to keep in mind: cover charges are cash only, so plan ahead. If you find yourself coming often, memberships are worth looking into. Many frequent visitors grab one because it covers admission to regular cover events, which pays for itself pretty quickly.
If dancing isn’t your thing, there’s always the Main Bar, where you can grab a drink and chill, or the Vinyl Lounge, which features indoor pool tables for a night of friendly rivalry. No matter how you like to spend an evening out, there’s a corner of The Dunes that fits.
The Cabaret Scene
If you haven’t experienced a Dunes cabaret night yet, add it to your list. Think dazzling live entertainment in a space where the performers get up close and personal.
This stage has welcomed some serious talent over the years—Big Red, Amy Armstrong, Molly & Alex, Sutton Lee Seymour, The Rubi Girls, Hannaniah Whitley, and, of course, the beloved Dunes Divas. Expect big vocals, quick wit, and performers who know exactly how to work a room.
On most nights, your cover gets you into everything—the bar, the dance floor, and the cabaret—so you can move between spaces and catch a show whenever the mood hits. And on Sundays, the Dunes Divas drag show, right after Tea Dance, is typically free except on holidays, making it the perfect way to wrap up a weekend.
Sunday Tea Dance
If you’re in town on a Sunday from May until October, Tea Dance is basically required. Starting at 4 PM, this late-afternoon gathering has become a signature moment of the weekend, bringing everyone together for music, drinks, and one last burst of fun before the work week begins again.
Tea Dance is free to attend (unless it’s a holiday weekend), and there’s an added bonus: happy hour drink specials with half-off beer and well drinks from 4-6 PM on non-holiday Sundays. During the summer, the Burger Hut pops up on the Tea Deck from 5–8 PM, serving burgers, brats, chicken, and sides to fuel your energy for the dance floor.
Karaoke, Drag Queen Bingo & the Unexpected Moments
Some of the best nights at The Dunes happen when you least expect them.
Friday karaoke nights can get wildly entertaining, whether you’re cheering someone on or finding yourself in front of the mic. Thursday night Euchre + Potluck (from October through April) is exactly the kind of charm you’d expect from the Midwest, where casseroles and cards make for a fun night of comfort food and friendly competition. And Sunday Drag Queen Bingo (from October through May) brings on plenty of laughs, playful trash talk, and big cash prizes. (Even better: there’s no cover to play.)
The Big Events Everyone Talks About
Then there are the legendary theme nights, benefit shows, and major holiday parties where The Dunes really flexes its reputation as one of the region’s most iconic LGBTQ+ nightlife destinations.
Events like Underwear Weekend, Kink Weekend, the White Party Weekend, GoGirl! Saugatuck, Christmas in July, and Halloween (just to name a few) draw crowds from across the Midwest and beyond. Be sure to check out our events calendar to see what’s happening while you’re in town—because whether you’re just in town for the day or staying somewhere else, you still belong here.
Tell Us Your Story
As we celebrate 45 years, we want to hear from the people who made The Dunes what it is. This year, we’re collecting the moments—big or small—that shaped your connection to this place. Maybe it was your first time walking into a gay bar, or where you had your first kiss, or met the love of your life. Maybe there’s a legendary performance you still talk about, or a night you never wanted to end, or the moment you realized you found “family” here.
If The Dunes has been part of your story, we’d love for you to share it. Whether it’s a few sentences or a short video, share your story by emailing info@dunesresort.com or sending us a DM on Instagram. We’d love to celebrate it with you and share on social. After all, this anniversary isn’t just about our history—it’s about yours, too.
