Miami Beach Pride is back April 2-12, 2026, and it’s bigger than ever.
What started as a 15,000-person gathering in 2009 has exploded into the Southeast’s largest Pride celebration, drawing upwards of 170,000 people to South Beach for nearly two weeks of parades, parties, and poolside fun. The 2026 theme is “Pride is ∞” (Pride is Infinite)—a fitting message in a year when visibility matters more than ever. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it.
The Basics: What, When, Where
Key Dates for 2026:
- April 2: Pride Flag Raising at Miami Beach City Hall (6 PM) — the official kickoff
- April 4: Pride Family Picnic at Pride Park (10 AM–4 PM)
- April 6: Queer Art Showcase at Moxy South Beach
- April 10: “DRAG ME TO PRIDE” — an open-air drag spectacular in Lummus Park featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race stars
- April 11-12: The Main Event — Pride Festival in Lummus Park (noon onwards)
- April 12: The Pride Parade down Ocean Drive (starts at noon)
The Festival & Parade are FREE. Miami Beach Pride has committed to keeping them accessible to all—which, given that security and insurance costs have ballooned to over $1.2 million, is no small feat.
The Parade: Everything You Need to Know
The Miami Beach Pride Parade kicks off at noon on Sunday, April 12, snaking down Ocean Drive from 5th Street to 15th Street. It’s one of the most photogenic Pride parades anywhere—50+ floats rolling past Art Deco hotels with the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop. (Yes, The Birdcage vibes are absolutely intentional.)
Best Parade Viewing Spots:
- Sidewalk cafés on Ocean Drive: Get there EARLY (like 10 AM) to snag a table. Palace Bar is the ultimate spot if you can get a seat.
- The designated seating areas: Set up along Ocean Drive for crowd control, these fill up fast.
- 12th Street Gay Beach: Not technically on the parade route, but perfect for people-watching before and after.
Pro Tips:
- Arrive by 10 AM for a good spot—streets get packed quickly
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and water—April in Miami is already hot and humid
- Wear light, breathable clothing (this is a marathon, not a sprint)
- Bring singles for tipping the performers—it’s expected and appreciated
The Festival: Where the Magic Happens
The two-day Pride Festival (April 11-12) takes over Lummus Park, the gorgeous beachside stretch running along Ocean Drive. This is the beating heart of Pride weekend—world-class DJs, live performances, food vendors, and over 125 LGBTQ+-friendly vendors and businesses.
Festival Highlights:
- Three Stages: The Love Spirit Entertainment Stage (headliners), the HealthyMD Dance Stage (DJs all day), and the Capital One Café Community Stage (emerging talent)
- Dedicated Spaces: A Senior Lounge, the “Garden of Eve” Women’s Tent, a Trans Pavilion, and a Calming Pavilion for neurodiverse and disabled attendees
- Family Area: Yes, Pride is for everyone—there’s a designated family-friendly section
- Sunday Fireworks: The festival wraps with fireworks over the beach
The Beaches: Where to Sun, See, and Be Seen
12th Street Gay Beach
The most famous gay beach in Miami, and basically Pride’s unofficial headquarters. Located where 12th Street meets Ocean Drive—look for the rainbow flags, the rainbow-painted lifeguard station, and the parade of bronzed bodies. It’s right across from Palace Bar, so you can easily bounce between beach and drag brunch.
- What to know: Free and open to all. You can rent chairs and umbrellas from Boucher Brothers, or just throw down a towel like the locals.
- Parking: City garage at 13th and Collins, or along Ocean Drive between 5th and 15th (good luck).
- During Pride: Expect it to be PACKED. This is the place to be.
Haulover Beach (Clothing Optional)
If you want to tan without lines, head to Haulover Beach—Florida’s only legal clothing-optional beach. The gay section is at the northern end between lifeguard towers #15-17. It’s about 20-30 minutes north of South Beach (10800 Collins Ave, Miami Beach).
- Getting there: By car (parking $7-10), Uber/Lyft (~$20), or bus Route 108/119/S (~$2.25)
- Pro tip: Hotel Gaythering offers a free shuttle to Haulover for guests
- Hours: Daily 8 AM to one hour before sunset
The Nightlife: Where to Party
Miami’s gay scene may have lost some spots over the years (RIP Score, Magnum, Mova), but what remains is solid. The epicenter is South Beach along Washington Avenue and Ocean Drive, with Wynwood offering a mainland alternative.
South Beach Essentials
Twist — 1057 Washington Ave
The reigning queen of South Beach gay clubs since 1993. Seven bars, three dance floors, never a cover. This is the late-night spot—shirts come off around 2 AM and the place doesn’t close until 5 AM. Happy hour daily 3-9 PM (two-for-one drinks).
- Hours: Daily 3 PM–5 AM
Palace Bar — 1052 Ocean Drive
THE iconic LGBTQ+ bar of South Beach for over 35 years. Famous for drag shows seven nights a week and the legendary drag brunch (Friday-Monday). The outdoor patio puts you right on Ocean Drive across from 12th Street Gay Beach—prime real estate for people-watching and parade viewing.
- Drag Brunch: $60/person, includes one entrée and bottomless mimosas. Book ahead—it sells out.
- Evening Shows: Daily 7 PM–11:30 PM
Bar Gaythering — 1409 Lincoln Rd (at Hotel Gaythering)
The epicenter of the local gay community—a chill cocktail bar perfect for starting your night. Craft cocktails at neighborhood prices. Events include Karaoke Mondays, Trivia Wednesdays, Bingo Thursdays, and Bears & Hares Fridays. Happy hour daily 5-8 PM.
Nathan’s Beach Club — 1216 Washington Ave
A more chill vibe—part lounge, part speakeasy. Great place to start your night before heading to Twist. Themed nights with DJs throughout the week.
Wynwood & Beyond
R House Wynwood — 2727 NW 2nd Ave, Wynwood
Voted Best Brunch in Miami 2025 by Miami New Times. Their drag brunch (Saturday & Sunday, 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM) is legendary—Latin-inspired food, bottomless drinks, and high-energy queens. Also hosts dinner shows and RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing parties.
- Brunch: $60 Classic / $85 Premium. Reservations strongly recommended. 18+ for shows.
Willy’s Neighborhood Bar — 356 NW 24th St, Wynwood
A no-frills LGBTQ+ bar in the heart of Wynwood’s arts district. Great for casual nights out, karaoke, and during Wynwood Pride in June. Also hosts leather events like TUFF during Pride weekend.
Azucar — 2301 SW 32nd Ave (Coral Way)
For those who want Latin flavor. This LGBT nightclub is home to Miami’s thriving Latin queer community—salsa, reggaeton, and spectacular cabaret nights. Sunday’s Noche de Cabaret is a must. About $10 cover.
The Circuit Parties
Pride weekend attracts major circuit parties. URGE typically hosts the official Saturday night party (10:30 PM–5 AM)—expect international DJs and thousands of shirtless guys. Keep an eye on official announcements for 2026 lineups and venues. Pool parties happen throughout the week at hotels like the Clevelander.
Where to Stay
Book early. Hotels fill up fast during Pride. South Beach is ideal for walkability to everything, but expect premium pricing.
Hotel Gaythering — 1409 Lincoln Rd
The gayest hotel in Miami Beach—and they’re proud of it. Men-only spa with steam room, dry sauna, and jacuzzi. The bar is a nightly gathering spot for locals and visitors. Free breakfast, free bikes, free Haulover Beach shuttle.
- Rooms from: ~$150-250/night (book WAY ahead for Pride)
- Location: Lincoln Road—great shopping and dining, 15-minute walk to the beach
- Best for: Gay men looking for a social, community-focused stay
The Colony Hotel — 736 Ocean Drive
An official Pride partner hotel. Art Deco icon since 1935, right on Ocean Drive at 7th Street—you can watch the parade from here.
- Best for: Those who want to be in the absolute center of the action
Moxy South Beach — 915 Washington Ave
Another Pride partner. Modern and buzzy with a 72-foot rooftop pool. Hosts the Queer Art Showcase during Pride week.
- Best for: Design-forward travelers who want ocean views and a social scene
The Kent Hotel — 1131 Collins Ave
Pet-friendly Pride partner with recently renovated rooms. Walking distance to everything.
Loews Miami Beach — 1601 Collins Ave
If you want a larger resort with pool and beach access, Loews is a solid gay-friendly choice. One-minute walk to the beach, spacious rooms, beautiful pool.
Where to Eat
The Gay Scene Staples
Palace Bar (1052 Ocean Drive) — Beyond the drag shows, Palace actually has solid food. Tacos, burgers, pasta, and brunch classics. The outdoor patio is perfect for Ocean Drive people-watching. Book ahead for brunch.
R House Wynwood (2727 NW 2nd Ave) — Chef Rocco Carulli’s Latin-inspired menu is legitimately excellent. If you go for brunch, you’re there for the show, but the food holds its own.
Beyond the Scene
Versailles (3555 SW 8th St, Little Havana) — The world’s most famous Cuban restaurant since 1971. You cannot visit Miami without eating here. Get the Cuban sandwich, the ropa vieja, or the vaca frita. Don’t skip the ventanita (walk-up window) for a shot of Cuban coffee and a guava pastelito. Open late (until 1 AM weeknights, 2:30 AM weekends).
Joe’s Stone Crab (11 Washington Ave) — A South Beach institution since 1913. Yes, get the stone crab. No, they don’t take reservations—go early or late to avoid the worst waits.
Big Pink (157 Collins Ave) — A 24-hour diner with huge portions. Perfect for late-night post-club refueling. You can’t miss the bright pink building.
11th Street Diner (1065 Washington Ave) — A restored 1948 Paramount dining car. Classic American diner food near all the gay bars. Fun fact: this is where Will Smith’s “Miami” music video was shot.
Getting Around
For the Parade: Do NOT drive. Take the Miami Beach Trolley (free!), rideshare, or walk. Parking is a nightmare.
If you must park: City garages at 7th Street (between Collins and Washington), 12th Street, 13th Street, or 5th Street and Alton Road (15-minute walk to Lummus Park).
From out of town: Brightline high-speed train runs from Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando to Miami Central Station. From there, rideshare to South Beach (about 15-20 minutes).
Miami International Airport is about 18 minutes from South Beach by car (longer with traffic).
Things to Do Beyond Pride
- Art Deco Walking Tour: The Miami Design Preservation League offers daily tours at 10:30 AM from the Art Deco Welcome Center (1001 Ocean Drive). $35-40. The area has over 900 historic buildings—it’s the largest concentration of Art Deco architecture in the world.
- Wynwood Walls: The world’s largest open-air street art installation—50 blocks of murals. Perfect for Instagram. Free to wander the neighborhood; Wynwood Walls proper is ticketed.
- Little Havana: Calle Ocho is about 15 minutes from South Beach. Walk the street, catch a domino game at Máximo Gómez Park, grab cigars, and eat at Versailles or Ball & Chain.
- South Pointe Park: Beautiful waterfront park at the southern tip of Miami Beach with a 450-foot pier, stunning views, and great sunsets.
- The Wolfsonian-FIU: A museum of propaganda, design, and decorative arts. Quirky and fascinating.
- Lincoln Road: Miami’s outdoor pedestrian mall with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Great for a stroll.
Safety & Survival Tips
- Hydrate: Seriously. April in Miami is hot and humid. Drink water constantly, especially if you’re drinking alcohol.
- Sunscreen: Reapply every 2 hours. The Miami sun is no joke.
- Watch your stuff: Big crowds attract pickpockets. Keep valuables secure, especially at the parade and beach.
- Pace yourself: Pride is a marathon, not a sprint. There’s nearly two weeks of events—you don’t have to do everything in one day.
- Use rideshare: Don’t drink and drive. Miami is full of Ubers and Lyfts.
- Calming Pavilion: If you need a break from the sensory overload, the festival has a dedicated quiet space for neurodiverse and disabled attendees.
What to Skip
- Driving to the parade: Trust us. Walk, trolley, or rideshare.
- Booking last-minute hotels: Prices skyrocket and availability vanishes. Book months ahead.
- Tourist trap restaurants on Ocean Drive: With exceptions like Palace, most Ocean Drive spots are overpriced and mediocre. Walk one block inland to Collins or Washington for better options.
- Forgetting sunscreen: Seriously, we’re saying it again.
The Bottom Line
Miami Beach Pride 2026 is shaping up to be one of the best yet. With the free festival and parade, dedicated community spaces, and a scene that ranges from beach lounging to circuit partying to cultural exploration, there’s something for everyone. Book your hotel now, pack your sunscreen and rainbow gear, and get ready to celebrate Pride on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
See you on Ocean Drive. 🌈
Quick Reference
Official Website: miamibeachpride.com
Festival Dates: April 11-12, 2026
Parade: April 12, 2026 at 12 PM
Location: Lummus Park / Ocean Drive, South Beach
Cost: FREE (festival and parade)
