Fort Lauderdale hosts a variety of events throughout the year. One of our favorites is Fort Lauderdale Pride! As one of the largest festivals of its kind in the Southeast, this event celebrates the vibrant diversity of our oceanfront community! It joins together people from all walks of life in support of LGBTQ organizations and the incredible people within them. Plan to join in the festivities this year, then be sure to view more of our local recommendations in our free Fort Lauderdale Vacation Guide!
The Political History of Fort Lauderdale Pride
This dynamic and quickly growing event has been a staple in Fort Lauderdale since 1978. It was founded following a 1977 Dale County human rights ordinance that prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. What should have been a celebration was countered with a highly publicized campaign to repeal the ordinance by Anita Bryant, a vehement opposer. Following this series of events, legislation that outlawed adoption by gays and lesbians passed. The ordinance brought gay groups and activists together in opposition and was ultimately defeated by electoral appeal.
National Gay Pride Day was established on June 28, 1977. At this time, several hundred people marched through Coconut Grove carrying signs, shouting slogans, and throwing a street party. The Pride rally grew to 1,500 people the next year. It has become a Fort Lauderdale tradition that has skyrocketed in size and scope.
What to Expect at Fort Lauderdale Pride This Year
Beachside Fun for Everyone
Fort Lauderdale Pride has gotten so big that it has moved to Fort Lauderdale Beach! It’s the only Pride festival in America where you can stand in the ocean and see the entire festival as it unfolds. Now, thousands of attendees arrive each year for advocacy, tradition, and celebration. You can expect more than 200 vendors and exhibitions as well as a variety of parties. That’s all in addition to the main parade and festival at Fort Lauderdale Beach! Discover a family area, sporting area, and educational area detailing Fort Lauderdale Pride’s history. There are also “Senior Chill” and “Sober” zones at the festival to accommodate for a variety of attendees. Fort Lauderdale Pride seeks to provide an all-around wonderful experience for everyone!
Top-Tier Entertainment
This year’s entertainment lineup is bigger and better than ever before! American Idol fan favorite Ada Vox and RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Todrick Hall will be in attendance. After a day full of fun, head down to the beach for the 7:45 p.m. fireworks show.
A Weekend-Long Affair
This year, the festival will be held on February 23—24. Attend the parade on Saturday, Feb. 23, then the beachside festival on Sunday. It’s a great time you won’t want to miss! The best part? You can buy tickets online (no day-of scrambling necessary).
Fort Lauderdale Stays Welcomes the LGBTQ Community!
The LGBTQ community is very near and dear here to us here at Fort Lauderdale Stays. During Fort Lauderdale Pride, we hope that you choose to stay with us. Our warm and welcoming staff will make you feel right at home in one of our luxurious properties! Browse one of our private vacation homes on Fort Lauderdale Beach so you can stay close to the festivities. From 1-bedroom, 1-bath Harbor Haven 804 to 5-bedroom, 5-bath Havana House, we offer beautiful views, outdoor pools, and premium amenities like gas grills, private pools, and complimentary Starbucks coffee in every rental.
Ready for an unforgettable celebration? Book a stay with us now and start planning! We can’t wait to see you here during Fort Lauderdale Pride!
If you like the idea of attending this year’s Pride Festival, you’ll love learning more about the best Fort Lauderdale annual events and the Stonewall Festival and Parade!