Sizzle Miami 2023 Brings the Heat for Its 21st Anniversary

One of the country’s most celebrated and anticipated urban LGBTQ+ events is back in Greater Miami & Miami Beach this Memorial Day weekend. Kicking off on Thursday, May 25, with events through Monday, May 29, Sizzle Miami welcomes thousands of revelers for five days of curated and colorful festival events. Expect pool parties, beach bashes, a Ball followed by a BBQ, pulsating nightlife, and other community programs geared toward a predominantly Black audience (although all are warmly welcome and encouraged to attend). Celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, Sizzle Miami is the brainchild of event planner Dwight Powell. Sizzle Miami began in 2002 as a one-day event and has since grown to a multi-day festival throughout Greater Miami & Miami Beach. So, get those swimsuits and dancing shoes ready for a festival like no other as you celebrate Miami’s LGBTQ+ scene. 2023 festival event details to be announced. The event details below are for Sizzle Miami 2022.

Soak Up the Sun at the Host Hotels

The heat is on and for those looking to stay in the heart of all the action, Sizzle Miami has secured three host hotels. The Marseilles Hotel is the main host hotel and the location for some of the week’s top events – including the “Soak Him Pool Party” on Saturday, May 28. Overflow accommodations are also available at its sister hotel, The Dorchester Hotel, as well as the Suites of Dorchester apartments, which are perfect for large groups looking for a more chill place that’s still close to the action, across the street from The Marseilles. All host hotels are centrally located within Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District, with easy beach access.

Celebrating 20 Years of Sizzle Miami

Be prepared for endless fun in the Miami sun. Sizzle Miami kicks off on Wednesday, May 25 with a private 20th Anniversary VIP Soiree, celebrating two decades of events. On Thursday, May 26, Sizzle Miami will present Body Mind and Soul, a men's health and wellness workshop. That evening is the 20th Anniversary Edition of “Jump Off,” an explosive dance party with celebrity hosts, renowned DJs, dancers and more.

Black & Gay in America, a panel discussion about the past, present and future of the Black community, will take place on Friday, May 27, including a meet and greet with the festival organizers. During the day, get your boarding pass ready as festivalgoers are invited to the “Big Ass Yacht Party” on The Biscayne Lady. Enjoy an exciting cruise around Biscayne Bay with the coastline as your backdrop, as you listen to the sounds of global DJs and indulge in signature drinks and free food. The party continues Friday night with “Circuit Noise,” a massive circuit party that celebrates dance music and Miami nightlife.

THRIVE, a workshop on “living & thriving” with HIV, will take place on Saturday, May 28. The featured Sizzle Miami event takes place that night. The oceanfront Marseilles Hotel will come alive with the “Soak Him Pool Party.” The self-proclaimed “largest and most exciting urban pool party in America” will include special entertainment, a swimwear fashion show starring the “Men of Sizzle,” and a hot body contest. This is one pool party you do not want to miss.

A Battle on the Catwalk

It’s “tens across the board” on Saturday night with the 50th Birthday Platinum & Gold Ball at EB Hotel Miami near Miami International Airport, celebrating the 50th birthday of international vogueing icon, Jack Mizrahi, from The Gorgeous House of Gucci. Mizrahi is best known for his involvement in FX’s “Pose” and HBO Max’s “Legendary.” The Ball features a number of prize-winning categories along with sounds by Byrell The Great, ballroom throwbacks and more.

Sunday Bash on the Beach

The fun will continue on Sunday, May 29 with the official Sizzle Brunch along with Been “Woke,” a special art showcase and visual presentation that will shine a light on the lives of influential Black LGBTQ+ people who have made significant contributions to culture and society. The “Beach Bash” on Sunday afternoon is taking place on the sands of Miami Beach at 18th Street.

Club Space, one of Downtown Miami’s most iconic nightclubs, will be the host of “Insomnia,” featuring hip-hop, house, reggae and R&B music on the nightclub’s outdoor terrace and loft. The Insomnia party gets the party raging until sunrise.

On Monday, May 29, the final day of the festival, Sizzle Miami will present the “Sizzle Anniversary BBQ,” a free community event that all are invited to join. That evening, Sizzle Miami culminates with “Striptease,” a party featuring all-male entertainment with more than 15 of the best exotic dancers from all over the country. How’s that for a blowout finale?

By: Gino R. Campodónico | April 18, 2022