Greater Fort Lauderdale

A top destination for LGBT+ travel and events

Photos courtesy of Visit Lauderdale

Visit Lauderdale, the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale in South Florida, is the vanguard in global LGBT+ travel and destination marketing.

The destination isn’t known only for its 24 miles of golden beaches, countless dining options and fun-filled ways to explore our waterways, it’s equally renowned for its commitment to inclusion and its welcoming, authentic vibe.

Known as Florida’s LGBT+ capital and one of the most progressive destinations in the world, Greater Fort Lauderdale welcomes more than a million LGBT+ visitors every year. Here you’ll find 31 municipalities with a thriving local LGBT+ community and the highest concentration of same sex couple households in the country.

You’ll also discover hundreds of gay owned and operated businesses on Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors’ pedestrian main streets, featuring drag brunches, shopping and luxe gay guesthouses. And nestled in Fort Lauderdale beach is Sebastian Beach, the top-rated gay beach in the United States.

“With demand for travel to LGBT+ friendly destinations at an all-time high, our reputation for welcoming ‘everyone under the sun’ is attracting visitors from all over the world,” says Richard Gray, Visit Lauderdale’s Senior Vice President, Inclusion & Accessibility. “We celebrate diversity and inclusion in every way, every day. It’s where Pride is the daily way of life.”

As a community that embraces diversity and celebrates everyone under the sun, LGBT+ individuals and allies are all welcomed with open arms. With its unrivaled enthusiasm for Pride, Greater Fort Lauderdale is the perfect destination to celebrate love and acceptance. A variety of signature events such as beach bashes, film festivals and concerts take place throughout the year. Here are a few upcoming events where you can join the celebration:

FlockFest, July 7-9, 2023

Bring your decorated winged floatie to Fort Lauderdale Beach Park and join this celebration of LGBT+ 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 organizations and businesses that work to create social justice and equality for all, so if you like having fun while helping others, join the Flock!

OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Fort Lauderdale, October 19 - 29, 2023

Critically and internationally acclaimed, OUTshine serves as a platform for numerous premieres and is the largest LGBTQ+ cultural arts event in South Florida. Its mission is to inspire, entertain, and educate; encouraging a sense of community through international and culturally diverse film, video, and other media that o er historical and contemporary perspectives on the LGBTQ+ experience.

OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Fort Lauderdale will screen films at three noteworthy cinemas throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale, the recently renovated and

Cannonball Bash, October 26 - November 1, 2023

Predicted to be the largest bear, chub and chaser event weekend in the United States. Cannonball organizers have been hard at work planning a fun-filled extended event weekend, complete with exciting surprises for everyone. Between the beautiful beaches of Fort Lauderdale and a host of other attractions, it will be a weekend that no one will soon forget.

Wicked Manors, October 31, 2023

Always a wicked good time and a party to remember, Wicked Manors returns for its 10th annual Halloween spectacular in Wilton Manors. With Wilton Drive closed to vehicular traffic, Wicked Manors draws more than 40,000 costumed revelers who pack the bars and line the sidewalks. In addition to spotting some incredible Halloween costumes, there’s live entertainment on three stages. As usual, many bars expand outside and set up service areas on the sidewalks while DJs pump beats up and down The Drive.

“Our goal is to make everyone feel seen, supported, comfortable and safe,” said Gray. “Simply put, Greater Fort Lauderdale is meant for everyone under the sun.”