La Jolla Summer White Party marks 27 years with smaller, low-key gathering

The La Jolla Summer White Party, a local tradition since 1996, held its 27th edition recently with a more subdued atmosphere compared to its peak years, Voice of San Diego reported.

Originally hosted in Dan Courtney’s backyard and once attracting up to 600 attendees, lucrative sponsorships, and thousands in charitable donations, the event has shifted from a large social gathering to a smaller house party.

This year’s party featured a local band playing rock covers to a sparse crowd, with simple food offerings like lukewarm pulled pork, reflecting a departure from the event’s former extravagance.

The party’s host noted that despite occurring after Labor Day, wearing white was still appropriate as summer officially extends to September 21, according to AI sources.

The event remains a chance for La Jolla’s community to gather informally, contrasting with the area’s reputation for exclusivity and high-end living, as highlighted by nearby landmarks such as The Marine Room and The Sand Castle.

Organizers and attendees appear focused on preserving the spirit of the party, even as it adapts to changing times and a smaller scale.