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, 2024
The City Beautiful plays host to some epic gay events. These two annual LGBTQIA+ festivals are ones not to miss!
#1 One Magical Weekend
When: May, 30 – June, 3, 2024 Where: Select Walt Disney World Resorts, Orlando
With 10 LGBTQIA+ events planned across Disney Springs, House of Blues, Sheraton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Walt Disney World Resort, the annual One Magical Weekend Pride and Music festival is back, with a vibrant bang!
Thousands of fun-loving revelers will descend (or rather plunge) down the water rides of Typhoon Lagoon, for the signature RIPTIDE party, so get ready for some wet n’ wild fun! With over 6,000 partygoers in attendance, soak up the epic rides of this 52-acre fantasy water park, kick back with drinks and dance to the live electric beats or thrilling sounds from world-renowned DJ sets. On the Saturday night, get ready to volumize your evening, with Red Vol. VII, at House of Blues (Disney Springs), followed by the Main Event Party on Sunday. One Magical Weekend will also be hosting awesome daily Therapy Pool Parties at Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort and daily CADABRA Afterhour Dance parties (for 21+ year olds) at the same resort – for a fabulous weekend you won’t forget!
#2 Orlando Gay Pride
When: October, 2024 (dates, TBD) Where: Orlando, with the Gay Pride Parade & party events at Lake Eola
The annual ‘Come Out with Pride’ Parade and Festival returns to Orlando this October, 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 events in the week, followed by the main Gay Pride Parade, live performances and party events on Saturday. This takes place around the scenic shoreline of Lake Eola in downtown Orlando, from lunchtime onwards. The Orlando Pride Parade normally kicks off from Orange Ave at Washing Street, Downtown Orlando, around 4pm. Those bringing youngsters can enjoy 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 puts on an evening dinner and a fireworks grand finale, along the Lake Eola promenade. There will also be the perfect opportunity to party at Club H20 (at Lake Eola’s International Bridge). What’s more, out and about in gay Orlando, you’ll find plenty of amazing things to see and do well into the night!
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 and LGBTQIA+ 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. As well as hosting Orlando’s longest-running burlesque show, this retro basement bar also hosts weekly ‘Dirty Bingo’ 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, expect to be transported to a fun and outlandish time!
Ivanhoe Village District
Adjacent to downtown Orlando, this neighbourly district is home to one of the best gay bars in Orlando – 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 LGBTQIA+ nightclub, Southern Nights. The multi-room 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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