Winter has come exhausting this yr in additional methods than one—and none of them nice. It’s tough to not really feel disheartened by the chilly winds blowing throughout what seems like an more and more hostile world for the LGBTQ+ neighborhood. However we’re no strangers to powerful instances, and collectively, we all know that nothing wards off a winter chill higher than coming along with our chosen household for an epic occasion—particularly one which raises cash for a superb trigger!
Enter the Winter Get together Pageant—a week-long bonanza of giant occasions, cutting-edge music, and no-holds-barred enjoyable unfold throughout Miami and Miami Seashore, which donates a wholesome portion of their proceeds to LGBTQ+ causes throughout Florida. The festial incorporates a world-class DJ roster that features worldwide skills like Chus, Karsten Sollors, and Tom Stephan, in addition to newer up-and-coming LGBTQ+ expertise, the pageant is now in its thirty second yr and welcomes over 10,000 attendees from across the globe yearly. This yr, from February 26–March 3, 2025, the pageant will characteristic 12 huge occasions throughout 10 world-class venues.
An outdated quote—made well-known in Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s lyrics—boldly declares, “If I can’t dance, I don’t need any a part of your revolution.” The Winter Get together Pageant takes this to the subsequent degree with this yr’s rallying theme: Dance IS Revolution. So whilst you won’t discover homicide on the dance flooring, you’ll undoubtedly discover the stirrings of a revolution. Right here’s why you have to be a part of it.
Events that Matter
Having the ability to give and take is a successful trait in life, and thru the mantra “Stay Free. Play Onerous. Give Again.” Winter Get together Pageant is all about partying whereas giving again to the neighborhood.
Based in 1994, Winter Get together is organized by the USA’s oldest nationwide LGBTQ+ rights group, the Nationwide LGBTQ Job Drive. Yearly, they donate a good portion of the proceeds raised at Winter Get together to advocacy teams in South Florida. Since 2005, the Job Drive has given again greater than $3.8 million to 100 LGBTQ+ neighborhood organizations throughout South Florida. So at Winter Get together, you may chill out, figuring out your cash goes the place it’s wanted as you showcase your two-step shuffle sway on the dance flooring.
World-Class Occasions with World-Class Names
Winter Get together’s occasions are an eclectic combine, every a singular expertise so that you can slide into. As tickets might be bought for particular person occasions or as a part of a celebration package deal, you’re free to select and select no matter suits your vibe.
These are just some highlights from this yr.
Ignite – Thursday, February 27 is a cool, high-energy occasion designed to create a “spiritual expertise” by music. Count on an electrifying lineup that includes DJ Harmful Rose, delivering her modern mix of entice, techno, and home (or Trapono, as she calls it). Miguel Clark blends disco and home fusion for max groove, whereas Naim Zarzout skillfully mixes digital, home, afro, and disco into one seductive components.
Localise – Thursday, February 27 is a community-building and networking occasion introduced by Avita Pharmacy and Prevention 305. Get pleasure from two-for-one drink specials, raffle giveaways, and fabulous vitality from shock hosts and drag performances. This occasion additionally contains an open dialog about sexual well being and the professionals and cons of PrEP as an efficient software for stopping the unfold of HIV.
VIP Cocktail Reception – Friday, February 28 is an opportunity to rub shoulders with neighborhood leaders, celebrities, and influencers in a stunning out of doors setting. There shall be an open bar, nibbles, particular leisure like drag reveals, and, in fact, loads of cocktails. This yr, Lisa Mercado shall be honored for her invaluable contributions, together with being the one feminine co-chair of Winter Get together Pageant.
Beneath One Solar – Saturday, March 1 brings the primary of Winter Get together’s signature daytime occasions again to the Sagamore pool in South Seashore. Because it’s the primary time since 2018, you may anticipate the vitality to be excessive, with DJs Dawson and Deanne preserving the group dancing all day beneath the Miami sunshine. Guide your self a cabana to get the total luxurious poolside expertise.
Carnival – Saturday, March 1 is The Unique Fetish Get together at Eagle Wilton Manors is Winter Get together’s love letter to the kink neighborhood. Going down within the legendary leather-based venue Eagle Wilton Manors—only a quick taxi experience away—this sex-positive occasion invitations you to don your leathers, harnesses, or jockstraps for an unforgettable evening. DJ J Warren shall be on deck, making the crowds sweat to his high-energy beats.
Seashore Get together – Sunday, March 2 is Miami’s premier celebration on the sun-kissed sands of Miami Seashore. Even in winter, it could be impolite to not hit the seashore. In 2025, main DJs Micky Friedmann and Erik Vilar will hold the sands shifting.
And that is simply half of what’s on supply! There’s additionally the Elevate T-Dance at Palace Rooftop Pool, Saturday Drag Brunch, and a bunch of nightclub occasions like Warmth on the week’s roster.
Area for Everybody
Florida may seem to be a hostile panorama proper now, given the anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and dangerous insurance policies being slammed into place, however Winter Get together will rework Miami right into a queer oasis, the place everybody beneath the LGBTQ+ umbrella is given full freedom to precise themselves—each on and off the dance flooring.
The official resort of Winter Get together is the Royal Palm, an Artwork Deco masterpiece that includes luxurious rooms with beachside views, two swimming swimming pools and a poolside bar, a 24-hour health middle, and three on-site eating places. To not point out, South Seashore is in your doorstep, and also you’ll be only a quick stroll from most of Winter Get together’s greatest occasions.
Be part of the Revolution. Stay Free. Play Onerous. Give Again.
With world-class music, breathtaking venues, and a mission that issues, Winter Get together Pageant is greater than only a occasion—it’s a motion, the place the revolution begins with a fierce bass drop.
Get your tickets now!