As Florida’s LGBTQ+ capital, Greater Fort Lauderdale welcomes visitors with a wealth of LGBTQ+ offerings throughout the year, from the exciting nightlife scene in Wilton Manors to Sebastian Street Beach, a top-rated gay beach in the United States. During Pride Month in June, the festivities are in full swing and July ushers in the irresistible FlockFest. Here’s a look at just a few of the events that are sure to make a summer holiday here one you won’t soon forget!
Floatarama, June 10-11, 2023
All aboard to show your pride! Now entering its fourth year, Floatarama just keeps getting bigger and better. The weekend event features a spectacular Flotilla of decorated vessels on Saturday and a Sailor’s Dance & Pool Party on Sunday. To join the Flotilla, you can charter your own boat or purchase tickets to the 65’ vessel donated by the Water Taxi. The lively procession will cruise the waterways along downtown Fort Lauderdale’s New River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Greater Fort Lauderdale’s 482 kilometres of scenic waterways has deemed the area as the world’s yachting capital, and along with the on-the-water festivities, you’ll be treated to amazing views of the area’s tropical charm, superyachts and stunning waterfront estates.
Best of all, proceeds from this event will support at-risk LGBTQ+ youth. Last year’s event raised $50,000 for the Floatarama LGBTQ Youth Fund. So, you’ll not only have a great time, you’ll also support a great cause.
Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival, June 17, 2023
Honouring the historic Stonewall Riots and the start of the LGBTQ+ human rights movement, this legendary event takes place in Wilton Manors, renowned as the nation’s ‘Second Gayest City’ and home to numerous gay-owned businesses, including a thriving row of nightlife hotspots along Wilton Drive.
This year’s colourful extravaganza will kick off with a street festival on Wilton Drive at 3pm, where you can enjoy everything from three stages of live music to over-the-top, interactive artistic experiences. The main event, the parade, begins at 7pm and is truly an unforgettable spectacle, followed by a street party until 11pm. The festivities will carry on into the wee hours complemented by Wilton Manor’s many bars, restaurants and nightclubs. It’s the ultimate celebration of love, acceptance, equality and inclusivity – and a party you don’t want to miss!
FlockFest, July 7-9, 2023
Bring your decorated winged floatie to Fort Lauderdale Beach Park and join this celebration of LGBTQ+ culture, dubbed ‘The Hottest Beach Party in Fort Lauderdale’. The fun for everyone under the sun culminates on Sunday in a Flamingo Splash T-Dance Pool Party from noon to 5pm at the Easton Rooftop Pool & Lounge at the Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Downtown. FlockFest supports a variety of charitable organisations and businesses that work to create social justice and equality for all, so if you like having fun while helping others, join the Flock!
Learn more about these and other LGBTQ+ events in Greater Fort Lauderdale and book your room now for the best summer holiday ever.
