Not to be confused with the Fort Lauderdale Stonewall Festival, which is held in the city's Wilton Manors neighborhood in late June, Pride Under the Sun, which is billed as the "largest Pride Festival in Florida," takes place in late March (the weekend of March 21 & 22 in 2009). It's one of the earlier Pride events to take place each year, taking place during one of the best times to visit Fort Lauderdale, when northern parts of the United States and Canada are still a bit chilly, and South Florida is warm but not overly hot.
Also known as Pridefest Fort Lauderdale, Pride Under the Sun comprises two full days of concerts, dancing (including a country-western dance tent), carnival rides and games, food, and all sorts of entertainment. Here's a glimpse of what you can look forward to at Pride Under the Sun 2009:
PrideFest takes place noon until 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday. It comprises music spun by top DJs, and outdoor and indoor stage with concerts, a food court with adult beverages available, and dozens of vendors as well as social organizations. An AIDS Memorial Quilt is also on display. Performers in 2009 include Comedy Hypnotist Jon Simon, who's doing two shows on both Saturday and Sunday, singer Lori Michaels (performing one of her popular and sexy "Me and the Girls" shows), MC Derek Hartley of Sirius Radio's Derek and Romaine Show, TP Lords (Miss Florida at Large), DJ Miik (famous for his work at Miami's White Party), and HGTV Design Star contestant Mikey V.
The cost for attending the festival is $8 ($5 for students). Events occur at Holiday Park and the War Memorial Auditorium, which is just off Federal Highway between Sunrise and Broward Boulevard.
Of course, additionally, numerous gay bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties throughout the week in Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors. Check local gay papers, such as Express Gay News and Hot Spots Magazine, for details.
