By: Matthew Meltzer
The Miami Beach Pride Parade is back this spring, returning to Ocean Drive on April 10, 2022 after taking place in September last year. This procession of floats, DJs and outrageous outfits draws upward of 170,000 people to Miami Beach, celebrating everything that’s great about Greater Miami & Miami Beach’s LGBTQ+ community. This year’s theme is “No Place Like Home” and, while no one has promised a yellow brick road on Ocean Drive, decking yourself out like Dorothy, the Tin Man or the Wicked Witch of the West wouldn’t be the worst idea.
Get ready for the Pride Parade on April 10th
When and Where is the Miami Beach Pride Parade?
The Miami Beach Pride Parade is the culminating event of the Miami Beach Pride festival, which runs from April 1-10, 2022.
The parade itself will begin on April 10 at noon, starting on Ocean Drive at 5th Street and progressing north to 15th Street. It has no official ending time, but will transition into the Pride Festival at Lummus Park with live music and DJs.
The grand marshal for 2022 is Grammy-winning producer Tracy Young, who has remixed hits for more than 100 artists including Madonna.
Find Pride everywhere you look
How to Get to the Miami Beach Pride Parade
Traffic during the Miami Beach Pride Festival can be quite heavy, so if you’re planning to attend the parade, consider public transportation. The Poseidon Ferry leaves from the Hyatt Regency Miami in Downtown Miami and brings passengers to the Bentley Bay Marina at 6th Street and Alton Road. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the beginning of the parade route. The ferry costs $13 each way ($7 for Florida residents) and has a bar onboard.
For those coming from Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and other points north, Brightline offers regular, high-speed train service to Downtown Miami. Its Brightline Plus service allows you to book a private car ride from the station to Miami Beach for a small additional cost, so you won’t have to call a rideshare or taxi once you arrive.
If you decide to drive, public parking garages are available on 7th Street between Washington and Collins Avenue, on 13th Street and Collins Avenue, and on 12th Street between Washington and Pennsylvania avenues, near the Miami Beach Police Department. You can also park at the public garage at the 5th and Alton shopping center to avoid traffic in Miami Beach, though it’s about a 15-minute walk from the parade.
Another option, of course, is to stay at a hotel that’s close to the parade route and Lummus Park. Check out this story about hotels on South Beach’s Ocean Drive or see all South Beach hotels here.
Watch from the sidewalk
Where to Watch the Miami Beach Pride Parade
The parade route runs from 5th to 15th streets along Ocean Drive, so the best place for up-close action will be right on the sidewalk. As with any parade, be sure to get there early for a prime vantage point. Lummus Park provides a slightly elevated place to watch from, as do many of the sidewalk restaurants and bars along Ocean Drive.
The Pride Festival also offers VIP tickets that offer a special viewing area, as well as an open bar, light bites and air-conditioned restrooms.
Dress up & enjoy the Pride Parade
What to Wear to the Miami Beach Pride Parade
If you’ve been to the Pride Parade before, you know that almost anything goes as far as attire, so don’t be afraid to be daring. That said, do remember that afternoon temperatures can get into the upper 80s, and with thousands of people around, you’ll want to wear something comfortable. Sunscreen and water are always important, especially if you’re planning to enjoy boozy beverages during the parade.
Make your way to the Pride Festival in Lummus Park
What’s Happening After the Pride Parade?
The parade itself is reason enough to spend a day in Miami Beach. But if you’re looking for something to do after the parade, hit the Pride Festival in Lummus Park, which kicks off at noon and continues after the parade is finished. Sunday’s lineup will include DJ Dan Slater, DJ Abel, and DJ AJ Reddy. You’ll also be treated to live performances from Raye, who has written songs for the likes of John Legend and Beyonce. Also onstage will be Diva Janice Robinson and House music favorite and Pride regular Beth Sacks.