Known to many as circuit parties, the "gathering of the tribe" dance events have been a uniquely gay phenomenon in the U.S. and worldwide for many years with many stops that have come and gone, including here in Chicago (with the former "The Hearts Party" and its successor "Fireball"). So where are today's Circuit stops? Here's our annual planner to help guide you.

WINTER PARTY - Miami, FL
Feb 25 - Mar 2
This very fun week includes cultural events and various entertainment offerings. DJ Tracy Young guides the signature beach party with DJs Chus & Ceballos, Tony Moran, and Abel playing significant roles and Chicago's own DJ Ted Eiel spinning the leather party.
www.winterparty.org

SYDNEY GAY & LESBIAN MARDI GRAS - Sydney, Australia
Mar 7-8
This year's Mardi Gras features the world famous parade, followed by the all-night dance party with headliners Paul Oakenfold and Freemasons. DJ Tony Moran is the featured DJ at the closing "Homesexual" party. www.mardigras.org.au
www.homesexual.com.au

ELEVATION 2009 - Mammoth Lakes, CA
Mar 18-22
This high quality ski & party weekend features DJs Roland Belmares, Jamie J Sanchez, and Josh Peace. Mammoth is known for great spring skiing and attracts California boyz and folks from all over the world. www.mammothgayski.com

THE SAINT AT LARGE 30th BLACK PARTY - New York, NY
Mar 21
This milestone edition of the ultimate leather party is sure to be filled with fantastic music and extravagant production numbers and demonstrations at Roseland Ballroom.
www.saintatlarge.com

JUNGLE 17 - Houston, TX
Apr 9 - 12
Masterbeat's DJ Brett Henrichsen and Miami's Tracy Young headline this Easter weekend event that benefits Houston area HIV/AIDS service providers.
www.junglehouston.com

WHITE PARTY PALM SPRINGS ­ Palm Springs, CA
Apr 10­13
The 20th anniversary edition of the White Party has Manny Lehman and Tony Moran set to spin the Main Event with Joe Gauthreaux and Brett Henrichsen guiding the Sunday Tea and Rosabel taking care of the Closing Party. www.jeffreysanker.com

PURPLE PARTY - Dallas, TX
May 1-3
Featured DJs for this Dallas-area AIDS/HIV fundraising weekend include Tony Moran, Eddie Baez, Phil B. and Alyson Calagna. www.dallaspurpleparty.org

DC BLACK PRIDE ­ Washington, DC
May 21­25
This is one of the oldest Black gay pride celebrations in the U.S. and draws celebrants from all over the country for a Memorial Day weekend of fun and games as well as social and political action.
www.dcblackpride.org

GAY DAYS - Orlando, FL
Jun 4-7
This largest annual gathering of gays and lesbians in the world features the One Mighty Party dance events with DJs Peter Rauhofer, Offer Nissim, Rosabel, Joe Gauthreaux, Manny Lehman, Don Bishop, and many more.
www.OneMightyWeekend.com
www.gaydays.com

SUMMER CAMP 4TH OF JULY ­ Provincetown. MA
Jul 4-6
Combined with all that Provincetown has to offer, this has become a "can't miss" event and includes pier dances and party cruises with DJs Roland Belmares & Randy Bettis www.davidflower.com

SAN DIEGO PRIDE - San Diego, CA
Jul 17 - 19
This SoCal city's Pride events include the unique and legendary party at the world-famous San Diego Zoo
www.sdpride.org

FOLSOM STREET FAIR - San Francisco, CA
Sep 26-27
The outdoor leatherfest attracts more than 400,000 people and includes the Magnitude and Real Bad dance parties. www.folsomstreetevents.org
www.realbad.org

BLACK & BLUE - Montreal, Canada
Oct 7-13
The Black & Blue Festival includes activities ranging from art exhibits and movie screenings to athletic events. The highlight is the main event dance party at Olympic Stadium www.bbcm.org

HALLOWEEN 26 - New Orleans, LA
Oct 29-Nov 1
This will be only the 4th time that the main event happens on Halloween night
www.halloweenneworleans.com

WHITE PARTY WEEK - Miami, FL
Nov 25 ­ 30
This is the crown jewel of AIDS fundraisers and features the White Party at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
www.whiteparty.org