Get ready to wave that rainbow flag because Miami Beach Pride is back and better than ever! What originally began as a parade down Ocean Drive has transformed into programming spanning 12 days that celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, beginning April 2nd. Now in its 16th year, there are so many festivities to look forward to, from exciting parties and lavish floats to awesome performances, all culminating in the festival and parade weekend on April 13 and 14. Here’s the breakdown of events taking place each day:
1. Pride Festival & Parade
The main event, Miami Beach’s two-day festival, will take place on April 13 and 14 at Lummus Park. Come ready to dance and have a great time because actor, singer and fashion icon, Billy Porter, will serve as this year’s Grand Marshal and headlining talent. It all begins at noon.
The Miami Beach Pride Parade, also not to be missed, rolls down Ocean Drive on April 14th, at 12 p.m. Floats, cheerleaders, drag queen performers and more can be seen marching together, a showcase of how the city uniquely stands for Pride. And did we mention that these events are free to attend?
2. Pride Movie Night at Rooftop Cinema Club
Take in stunning views of the city’s skyline during your next movie night! Co-hosted by Miami Beach Pride and OutShine Film Festival, Rooftop Cinema Club will screen 2023’s “The Mattachine Family.” It stars “The Walking Dead’s” Nico Tortorella and “Schitt’s Creek’s” Emily Hampshire in a story celebrating the love of queer family. The screening takes place April 7 at 7 p.m. You can get tickets here.
3. Pride Flag Raising & Pride Lights The Night
Marking the official start to the festivities is the Pride flag-raising ceremony at Miami Beach City Hall on April 4. At 6 p.m., local leaders will come together to raise the flag, one of the many visual representations of support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Directly following the event is Pride Lights the Night at 7 p.m. at the Euclid Oval (Lincoln Road & Euclid). They’ll flip a giant switch to light up the road in the rainbow colors of the community. This night serves as a memorial to the victims, survivors and families of the Pulse Nightclub and Club Q tragedies. Each of these events are entirely free.
4. Queer Art Showcase
Marvel at and support the work of queer artists at the 2024 Queer Art Showcase at Moxy South Beach on April 8. This is the fourth edition of the event, where you’ll see everything from paintings to sculptures to photography. It is a free event for the community, beginning at 6:30 p.m., and all proceeds from art sales go directly to the artists.
5. Family Picnic
If you’re looking to make it out with the whole family, including your fur babies, Miami Beach Pride is throwing an afternoon of free fun at Pride Park for its Family Picnic! Enjoy bounce houses, outdoor games, face-painting, costumed characters and crafts, as well as puppy adoptions hosted by the Humane Society of Miami. This Family Picnic is on April 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
6. In The Wyld
The party doesn’t end here! As the only official women’s event of Miami Beach Pride, ladies can get ‘wyld’ at the Hotel Gaythering on Lincoln Road until 2 a.m. There will be music by DJ Zehno and Chicky Lulu will host, as guests get a sneak peek at the Garden of Eve women’s pavilion. Into The Wyld will take place April 6th and a free drink is included with your ticket.
7. VIP Beach Affair
Also taking over Lummus Park the final weekend of Pride, the VIP Beach Affair will be hosted by Puerto Rican drag queen Jessica Wild on April 12th! A ticket to this true VIP experience includes complimentary drinks, special guest entertainment, passed Hors d’oeuvres, special giveaways and more surprises.
For more Miami Beach Pride events and tickets, you can visit their website here.