Whether you’re here for the annual Orlando Gay Pride or for a fun year-round vacation, there’s plenty to enjoy in gay Orlando! Discover the top going out spots and things to do here.
Top gay Orlando events
The City Beautiful plays host to some epic gay events. These two annual festivals are ones not to miss!
#1 Orlando Gay Pride
The annual Orlando Pride returns, for an awesome multi-day experience you won’t forget. Enjoy everything from drag theater and comedy nights to a big coming-out concert! The festival begins with an opening ceremony and evening events on the 7th and 8th. Saturday 9th is the day of the much anticipated Gay Pride Parade. This takes place around the scenic shoreline of Lake Eola, in downtown Orlando from 12 noon – 9pm. Those bringing youngsters will relish the family fun zone, whilst the usual food vendors and cash-only bars will also be in attendance. For those shopaholics amongst you, the Come Out With Pride Marketplace offers every excuse to spend. Prepare to be tempted by 150+ LGBTQ-friendly brands!
Orlando Gay Pride also puts on dinner and fireworks along the Lake Eola promenade and there will be the perfect opportunity to party at Club H20 (at Lake Eola’s International Bridge) on the 9th of October, from 5 – 10pm. Out and about in gay Orlando, you’ll also find plenty of amazing things to see and do well into the night!
#2 One Magical Weekend
With Disney’s annual pride, music and sports festival One Magical Weekend returning this 2022, things are looking hot! Having been postponed for 2021, the much anticipated 30th Anniversary – Version 2 is set to be even bigger and better. On the 3rd June, the gay community will descend (or rather plunge) down the water rides of Typhoon Lagoon, for the annual RIPTIDE party. Get ready for some wet n’ wild fun from 8pm – 2am. With over 6,000 partygoers in attendance, soak up the epic rides of this 52-acre fantasy water park, or dance to the live DJ tunes and kick back with drinks.
On the 4th June, expect to welcome in your Saturday night with Red Volume V Varsity, at House of Blues Orlando (Disney Springs). Dress to impress in red and get ready to play the game with DJ Paulo, from 9pm – 2am! The 5th June sees the Wig Party make its grand debut, for an epic closing Sunday T-Dance from 9pm – 1am. Held at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort, the international DJ and producer Twisted Dee guarantees to bring your inner diva out. Don’t forget to rock your favorite wig!
One Magical Weekend will also be hosting awesome daily Therapy Pool Parties from 12 noon – 7/8pm at Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort (3rd – 5th June) and daily CADABRA Afterhour Dance parties for 21+ year olds at the same resort, from 2am – 8am.
Going out in gay Orlando
As the sun sets across Orlando, the vibrant buzz of the city’s best gay venues’ begins. Make sure you take some time during your stay to explore these great gay-friendly spots!
Downtown Orlando
The welcoming downtown community is a popular destination amongst the LGBTQ community. Head here for incredible live entertainment and a plethora of dance clubs. Take in a fabulous drag show and tuck into a gourmet burger and drinks at Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grill, in downtown’s Church Street District.
Those into Burlesque can catch the monthly Peek a Boo show at the Stardust Lounge, located next to the Lake Eola Park. It also hosts ‘Dirty Bingo’ each Tuesday and DJ sets each Friday and Saturday night (playing 80’s, Old School Hip-Hop and Dance). Decked out in the chic, retro trappings of Vegas in the 60’s and 70’s, be transported to a fun and outlandish time!
Ivanhoe Village District
Adjacent to downtown Orlando, this neighbourly district is home to the Savoy Orlando gay bar. Head here for nightly dance performances from the Men of SAVOY. You’ll also find enticing Happy Hour promotions, drag and DJ line-ups, billiards and a tasty new food menu and outdoor patio to savor, whatever the season.
The Milk District
Just 10 minutes from downtown Orlando, this trendy district is home to the popular LGBTQ+ nightclub, Southern Nights. The dance club hosts a jam-packed array of weekly nights you’ll want to experience. From classic College parties and Twisted Tuesdays to Latino-inspired evenings. When in the Milk District you’ll also want to check out one of Florida’s oldest theaters, Plaza Live. Catch live performances here from the Orlando Gay Chorus, alongside a packed program of concerts and events.
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