ORLANDO, Fla. - Known for its vibrant culture and inclusive spirit, Orlando is gearing up to celebrate Pride this summer. The city invites LGBTQ+ visitors to experience its flavorful cuisine, thrilling attractions, and must-see events. There is something for everyone in this unforgettable summer celebration.
Orlando has a trailblazing history in LGBTQ+ tourism dating back to the original Gay Days in 1991. Named a top destination in the 2022 “Gay Travel Awards”, Orlando champions inclusivity with events, nightlife, and activities that welcome everyone. The “city beautiful” has earned a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index, which measures the LGBTQ+ inclusiveness of cities' laws, policies and services.
Celebrate Pride month this June with long-lasting events to enjoy including:
- GayDays (May 30 – June 3), hosting a variety of events such as Drag Bingo and a 90s hits party, staged at world-famous attractions; gay and lesbian clubs; and unique, distinctive venues that create an exceptional LGBTQ+ vacation experience.
- Girls in Wonderland (May 30 – June 3), exclusively for the vibrant female members of the LGBTQ+ community, with a dazzling fusion of parties and star-studded appearances, igniting a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and women empowerment.
- One Magical Weekend (May 30 – June 3), hosted on the first weekend of June, is one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride and music festivals of the week. Taking place at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista, the festival hosts a roster if international DJ talent and offers around-the-clock, world-class events.
- RED Shirt Pride Day (June 1): This annual tradition invites guests to wear a red shirt to Magic Kingdom Park on the first Saturday in June. Inspired by the original group of 30 to 40 people with "kindred spirits" who bravely gathered there in 1991, what started as a social event has evolved into one of the longest-running and most iconic events in LGBTQ+ history.
- Bear Jamboree (May 31 – June 3): Celebrating its 34th year, this event takes place at the Crowne Plaza Lake Buena Vista. It attracts LGBTQ+ individuals from around the globe for four days of thrilling activities. The agenda includes daily pool parties and events in collaboration with One Magical Weekend.
- The Pride Cup (May 31- June 2), is an annual LGBTQ+ multi-sport competition welcoming all levels of athletes held during pride events happening at first weekend in June in Orlando.
- Annual Pulse Remembrance Ceremony (June 12) was created to spread messages of love, unity, acceptance, courage, and strength throughout the community. This year, the ceremony is taking place at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts this year, and it will start with the traditional ringing of the 49 bells at 4 p.m. in memory of those lost.
CELEBRATE PRIDE WITH A DIVERSE DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT SCENE
Explore why Orlando is celebrated as a top foodie destination, showcasing vibrant nightlife and exceptional cuisine in its local neighborhoods.
- Hamburger Mary’s is a drag themed restaurant in the Church Street District offering nightly entertainment with a side of sass.
- Savoy Orlando is an LGBTQ+ nightclub located in Ivanhoe Village with themed events, drag shows and daily happy hour.
- Southern Nights the largest LGBTQ+ nightclub in Orlando, presents numerous experiences for guests, like drag nights and GIRL The Party, a popular Saturday-night celebration for lesbians.
- Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is the best place to catch live theater, ballet, opera, comedy and more in downtown Orlando. The venue now includes Judson’s Live, an immersive and intimate music experience alongside cocktails and remarkable food.
- SAK Comedy Lab is Orlando’s premier venue for improvisational comedy with shows that are heavy on audience participation.
- 1-Up Orlando is an arcade bar & retro lounge located in Downtown Orlando full of nostalgic memorabilia from the 80s and 90s. Featuring a life-sized Barbie Dream House.
To find more information about the many LGBTQ events and activities in Orlando, check out Visit Orlando’s LGBTQ in Orlando blog post, or check Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planning Services.
About Visit Orlando
Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, we represent more than 1,500 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida’s tourism community.
Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando’s travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks — as well as refreshing water parks, activities to connect with nature, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com or OrlandoMeeting.com.
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