Pride Miami Beach consists of two weeks of LGBTQIA+-themed activities that are fun and fabulous, no matter who you are.
You don’t have to be gay or LGBTQIA+ to enjoy Pride Miami Beach. All you need is a positive, fun-loving attitude with some energy to spare. This year’s event occurred on April 2- 14, attracting nearly 200,000 partygoers to one of the country’s largest and most colorful Pride festivals. It’s come a long way since it started as a modest 15,000-person event in 2009. This year’s extravaganza was packed with so many activities that there was barely time to catch your breath. Highlights included:
Miss Miami Beach Pageant
This was an all-night drag revue in various costumes, with contestants judged for presentation and performance. You’re a superstar. Yes, that’s what you are, you know it!
Pride Flag Raising
Effectively, the Pride Opening Ceremony. This was like lighting the flame at the Olympics – however, the only thing flaming were some of the attendees. It was also a chance for local City Hall officials and Pride organizers to show unity and display that Miami is unlike the rest of its parent state, where diversity is embraced and cherished.
Pride Lights The Night
Lighting the circle along Miami Beach’s Lincoln Square in Pride colors was both a tribute to the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District and a heartfelt memorial for those lost in the Pulse nightclub tragedy.
Into the Wyld
One for the ladies — the Garden of Eve saw Pride’s fabulous females take over Hotel Gathering on Lincoln Road from 8 pm-2 am with drinks, live music, and more.
Family Picnic
A day for the family – whatever the configuration — with pooches welcome, too. Just like any other family festival around the country, there was bounce house, outdoor activities, face painting and crafts, with food and drinks for sale onsite. The Humane Society of Greater Miami will also be hosting a puppy adoption.
Rooftops Cinema Club Screening
Pride Movie Night partnered with the OUTShine Film Festival to host a special screening at the Rooftop Cinema Club South Beach on Lincoln Road. This year’s film was “The Mattachine Family,” starring “Walking Dead’s” Nico Tortorella and “Schitt’s Creek’s” Emily Hampshire.
Queer Art Showcase
Miami is a big player in the world Art scene with its Art Basel Festival. The Queer Art Showcase was a chance to highlight gay-themed art in the city with Queen Art Showcase at Moxy South Beach, featuring talented gay Florida artists with live music and proceeds going to the artists.
Pride VIP Affair
The 1980s had its faults, but being over the top wasn’t one. The era of big hair, big make-up, and even bigger shoulder pads got a revisit at the VIP Beach Affair at Lummus Park drag performer and comedian Jessica Wild, joined by “The Voice” finalist Kimberly Nichole, belting out Tina Turner’s greatest hits. They were simply the best!
Miami Beach Pride
The final two days were the crowning glory of an amazing two weeks. Lummus Park was filled with music, dancing, and live performances. There were three stages of entertainment, as well as an expo pavilion with the women’s Garden of Eve space, the Lambda Legal Senior Lounge, and a “Tea Tent” for non-binary and trans members.
Miami Beach Pride Parade
If you come to Pride Miami Beach, come for the final day because it’s a sight to be believed. It begins with the now-famous march down Ocean Drive at noon, including a procession of more than 50 colorful floats heading down 5th to 15th Streets. Visit a sidewalk cafe and have a ringside view of the proceedings. However, arrive early and bring a large bottle of water, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing because after a day of partying in the Miami heat amongst the crowds, your powers of endurance will be tested way more than your dance moves.
Come to Pride Miami Beach with an open mind and a loving spirit; the rest will take care of itself.
