Miami Beach Pride
The date for this annual event has passed. A new date will be provided when available.
Miami Beach Pride’s springtime festival returns in 2022, bringing its 10-day celebration of all things LGBTQ+ throughout Miami Beach from April 1-10. What began as a relatively small, 15,000-person event in 2009 has grown to be one of the largest Pride festivals in the country, drawing as many as 170,000 revelers to Greater Miami & Miami Beach. This year’s festivities will be headlined by grand marshal Tracy Young, a Grammy-winning producer who has mixed tracks for more than 100 artists, including Madonna. Beyond the much-anticipated Sunday parade, Miami Beach Pride 2022 will also include a pool party, music festival, a gala and other fabulous fun.
WHAT'S THE LINEUP OF EVENTS FOR MIAMI BEACH PRIDE 2022?
This year’s Pride Festival runs from April 1-10, with a full slate of events and parties. Though many activities at the festival are free, access to others requires a ticket. There are different levels of ticket prices; you can find more information about ticketed events on the Pride Festival website.
Fun Dip Pool Party
Saturday, April 2
The fun kicks off on April 2 with the Fun Dip Pool Party at the Palomar Hotel. This rooftop rager on Alton Road will feature live beats by Sweet Spot resident DJ Deanna and special guest DJ Hex Hector. The party goes from 2 - 11 p.m., meaning you can day party right on through into the night. This is a ticketed event, with admission ranging from $40 for general admission to $650 for a poolside cabana with perks for six people.
Queer Art Showcase
Monday, April 4
April 4 brings the Queer Art Showcase, an art show from LGBTQ+ artists at the Moxy South Beach hotel. The showcase runs from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. and it’s free to attend. The art show will have a cash bar and live DJ, and all art sale proceeds go directly to the artists.
Social Justice, Health & Wellness Evening
Wednesday, April 6
On April 6, the Art Deco Museum will host a Social Justice, Health, and Wellness Evening beginning at 6 p.m. The event is run in conjunction with the University of Miami and Florida International University and will offer discussions about current social justice topics as they relate to the LGBTQ+ community. No ticket is required, but an RSVP is requested through the event website.
Legends Hall
Thursday, April 7
On April 7, the party portion of Pride continues with the second annual Legends Ball. The epic evening is a tribute to Greater Miami & Miami Beach’s thriving ballroom scene, and will feature ballroom competitions from the area’s top performers. The party starts at 8 p.m. at Exchange South Beach. Ticket prices range from $30 to $50.
Pride VIP Beach Affair
Friday, April 8
The beachside Pride Festival begins at Lummus Park on April 8, with the Pride VIP Beach Affair. While it’s far from black tie, this swanky soiree is Pride’s most elegant event, with an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and appearances by as-yet-unannounced celebrity guests, from 7-11 p.m. Tickets are $225. Note that there’s also a VIP Weekend Pass for $600 that includes the Beach Affair and VIP admission to the festival on both Saturday and Sunday.
Miami Beach Pride Festival
Saturday and Sunday, April 9 & 10
The main Pride Festival is an exciting, two-day live music event in Lummus Park on April 9 and 10 featuring multiple stages of live music and DJs. Best of all, it’s free to attend. This year’s lineup includes DJ Dan Slater, DJ Abel, DJ AJ Reddy, DJ SDOT, Latice Perry and others. Sunday’s headliner is Raye, who has written songs for artists including Beyonce and John Legend. Pride revelers will also be treated to a set from House music favorite and Pride regular Beth Sacks.
Miami Beach Pride Parade
Sunday, April 10
Finally, April 10 brings the festival’s main event, the much-anticipated Pride Parade. The procession of more than 50 floats begins at noon and will go up Ocean Drive from 5th to 15th streets. Seating areas will be set up along of Ocean Drive, and many of the sidewalk cafes are ideal for putting you in the heart of the action, too. Arrive early for the best vantage points for the parade.
TIPS FOR GETTING TO AND ENJOYING MIAMI BEACH PRIDE
Hydrate and Dress Comfortably
Pride is a marathon, not a sprint, so remember to pace yourself. As most of the events are outdoors, drink lots of water, especially if you’re consuming alcohol. Also, wear plenty of sunscreen, and dress in light and comfortable clothing.
Timing, Parking and Transportation
If you’re not staying in Miami Beach, it’s generally wise to head to the parade and festival as early as possible, as traffic and crowds become more challenging as the day goes on. If you’re driving to Pride, you’ll find city garages on 7th Street between Collins and Washington avenues, as well as on 12th and 13th streets. They will fill up fast, though, and may be tough to exit when the events are over. Be patient and kind to your fellow festival-goers.
Another parking option is the city garage at the end of the MacArthur Causeway on 5th Street and Alton Road. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Lummus Park and will save you the traffic jams and parking challenges along Collins and Washington avenues.
If you’re not driving, consider taking the Poseidon Ferry from Downtown Miami to Miami Beach. It leaves from the Hyatt Regency Miami in Downtown Miami and brings passengers to the Bentley Bay Marina at 6th Street and West Avenue in Miami Beach. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk to Lummus Park. The ferry costs $13 each way ($7 for Florida residents) and has a bar onboard.
Those coming from Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach can take the high-speed Brightline train to Miami Central station, and then add a Brightline Plus private ride to the beach for a small additional fee. This means you won’t have to find a rideshare or taxi once you get off the train.
Remember, this is a Pride festival, so keeping an open mind is a must. Pride is nothing if not a celebration of unbridled joy, so bring your positive vibe and have a great time.
By: Matthew Meltzer | March 16, 2022