Orlando is a great city with a lot to offer the LGBT community. It’s a place where there’s plenty of opportunity to live, work and play. Play is the best part of the equation and there are several events coming up specifically tailored to the gay community. With much for personalities of all kinds, these events promise good times and long lasting memories.
From socials to musicals to theme parks to music festivals, there’s plenty ahead in the coming months. Beginning this Thursday, April 17th at the Art and History Museums Maitland, it’s the Watermark’s April Third Thursday Social, sponsored by Stonewall! First drink is free of charge and light bites will be on-hand. There will be a raffle prizes up for grabs and the party starts promptly at 6 p.m. The event is located at 231 Packwood Avenue West in Maitland. For more information phone (407) 539-2181.
Upcoming LGBT Events in Orlando
On Friday, April 25th, the 3rd Annual Pride in Business Awards Gala will be hosted by Emmy Winner and WFTV Evening News Anchor Jorge Estevez. Nominees were announced on March 10th, and these are businesses which go above and beyond the call of serving the LGBT community. Tickets for the main event include a three-course meal with wine and water and are priced at $75 for members, and $90 for non-members. VIP tickets are also available, which includes the main event, access to the VIP reception, an open bar, and delicious Hors d’Oeuvres. Costs for VIP tickets are $105 for members and $120 for non members. The awards ceremony starts at 7 p.m. and is located at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld at 6677 Sea Harbor Drive.
Hairspray is coming back to town, starting on Friday, April 25th and running until Sunday, May 25th. Shows are scheduled Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Showing at the Garden Theatre located at 160 West Plant Street in Winter Garden, join Tracy Turnblad and her quest to dance on the Corny Collins Show. Tickets are $29 for adults, and children under 12 years of age are $12, and students and seniors enjoy discounted prices of $25.
The 2nd Annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast is scheduled for Monday, May 12th at the DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown, located at 60 South Ivanhoe Boulevard. In memory of Harvey Milk, the breakfast attracts local, state, and national politicians who seek equality for the LGBT community. Don’t procrastinate on purchasing tickets as this breakfast sold out quickly last year.
Gay Days Orlando is slated to be held starting June 2nd and running through the 9th, hosted by the Doubletree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld located at 10100 International Drive. There will be 25 pool parties on the 28 acre upscale grounds. Room rates start at only $110 and there are no resort fees! For more information, click here to read about the event or phone (407) 352-1100.
Saturday, August 23rd and Sunday August 24th, the Independence Music Festival or IMF brings electronic dance music to indoor and outdoor crowds. The event honors the celebration of autonomy, freedom, self-determination, potency, power, resilience, and self strength. Multiple stages come alive from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and there’s an after party from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. The festival will be held at Firestone Music Park located at 42 West Concord Street.