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Palm Springs Officially Sets Guinness World Record™ for Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Marilyn Monroe

More than 1,000 Marilyn look-alikes gather during Marilyn 100 celebration, shattering

previous record


Palm Springs has officially made history. Today, the Records Management Team at Guinness World Records™ in London formally notified Palm Springs Pride that its application for the "Largest gathering of people dressed as Marilyn Monroe" has been approved, confirming a new Guinness World Records™ title with 1,037 participants gathered at 4:59 p.m. on May 30, 2026, in Palm Springs, California.


The achievement shattered the previous world record of 254 people, which was set in Australia in 2020. The record-breaking gathering took place as part of Marilyn 100, a five-day celebration held May 28 through June 1, 2026, commemorating what would have been Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday on June 1. The milestone event brought together Marilyn look-alikes from across the country and around the world in Palm Springs, a destination beloved by the legendary Hollywood icon.


"Residents and visitors shared in an unforgettable, historic day for Palm Springs. Marilyn

Monroe was far more than Hollywood glamour; she was a courageous ally who stood for

authenticity and marginalized communities when it mattered most," said Ron deHarte, President of Palm Springs Pride, which organized Marilyn 100. "By celebrating Marilyn's 100th and setting a new world record, we honor that brave spirit and champion the love, representation, and belonging that define our city." deHarte added, "Major events of this scale are only possible through the generous backing of our sponsors, including our presenting sponsor, PS Resorts. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the Palm Springs Pride volunteers and the incredible leadership of Jasmine Sullivan Waits, who truly did the heavy lifting to bring this together. And finally, a special pat on the back to event co-chair Max Dirdah, whose idea sparked this centennial birthday celebration."

The world record attempt became one of the signature moments of Marilyn 100, which featured a series of events honoring Monroe's enduring legacy and connection to Palm Springs.


"It was absolutely the busiest, happiest, and most lively weekend I have ever experienced in my 15-plus years in Palm Springs," said Gerald "Jerry" Keller, owner of Lulu California Bistro. "I appreciate all the time and creative work spent to make it happen."


"PS Resorts was proud to be the presenting sponsor of this historic event that cast a spotlight on Palm Springs and generated positive press for our unparalleled destination from all around the world," said Peggy Trott, President of PS Resorts.


The event was a fundraiser to support the 40-year-old Palm Springs Pride organization and keep the City's November Pride Festival free and accessible to everyone. Rob Giesecke, owner of Palm Springs businesses, Chill Bar and Reforma, said, “We were excited to be included in Greater Palm Springs Pride’s successful Marilyn 100 event as it was such a unique fundraiser because of the way it engaged participants with an experience and brought us together as a community. We love supporting Pride, and their events are great for business too. People got excited and made a day of it with drinks, dining, and dancing." deHarte reported that $100,000 was raised by Marilyn 100 to support the programming of Palm Springs Pride.


The official Guinness World Records confirmation cements Palm Springs' place in history while underscoring the global appeal of both Marilyn Monroe and the destination she famously loved.


About Marilyn 100

Marilyn 100 was a five-day celebration held May 28 through June 1, 2026, in Palm Springs,

California, honoring what would have been Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday. The event featured entertainment, community celebrations, special appearances, and the successful Guinness World Records™ attempt for the Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Marilyn Monroe.


About Palm Springs Pride

Palm Springs Pride is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and

inclusion while creating opportunities that celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community in

Greater Palm Springs and beyond.

 
 
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