For a long time, Miami had politely excused itself from partaking in annual World Pride Month celebrations. By June, the Miami sun is already hot enough to melt off even the most seasoned drag queen’s full face—and who wants to plan a parade in the midst of hurricane season? Besides, New York pretty much has the East Coast covered when it comes to Pride festivities, and April’s Miami Beach Pride is a fun way to kick everything off. At least, this had been the thinking from 1995 until around five years ago, when Wynwood Pride was born.
The annual Pride celebration on the mainland stands defiantly in the face of heat waves, tropical storms and gay flight to Fire Island, boldly asserting: We’re here, we’re queer and Miami’s LGBTQ+ community deserves the world—including a proper World Pride celebration alongside everyone else. The concept was to create a more music and performance-driven atmosphere in the heart of Miami’s booming arts district that appealed to different ages and underserved groups. “The core belief was to be a Pride for everyone,” says Liza Santana, Wynwood Pride’s founding spokesperson.
When is Wynwood Pride 2025?
Don we now our gay apparel. Wynwood Pride is almost here! The annual LGBTQ+ festival kicks off June 1 with the always fabulous official pool party at Arlo Wynwood, featuring music by DJs Janky (Chicago) and Miguel Clark, plus drag performances from Gia Gunn (RuPaul’s Drag Race icon), FKA Twink and Persephone Von Lips. Later this month, look out for a night of queer fashion, a weekend-long drag festival and more festive events. Stay tuned to their Instagram page for the latest.