The Pink Palm Vol 11

thepinkpalm

FEATURES

03 RAINBOW SPRING

If you thought Miami was hot before, wait until you experience Rainbow Spring. Don’t miss the celebration!

04 MIAMI MUSES

Miami Muses highlights two artists inspired by Miami’s vibrant, multicultural creative energy.

Greater Miami & Miami Beach is

Miami hot spots offer more than just dining.

GAY BARS & NIGHTCLUBS

Dynamic nights. Endless Energy.

ANNUAL LGBTQ EVENTS

With more than a dozen annual events,

08

ART, IDENTITY & MIAMI MAGIC

A queer traveler’s cultural itinerary through beaches, dining, shopping and Miami’s vibrant, diverse neighborhoods.

14 THE LOCAL LESBIAN INSIDER

Women who love women find year-round joy, beauty, celebration and connection in Miami.

20

CULTURE, PERFORMANCE & CREATIVE EXPRESSON

Discover Miami’s queer arts scene through live music, comedy, performance spaces and community-driven creative expression.

Welcome…

In this issue, we celebrate the vibrant spirit of Greater Miami & Miami Beach in full color. Inside, you’ll find an exciting overview of the 4th annual Rainbow Spring program and all the ways it brings our community together. Meet two Miami muses, Francia and Robbie Elias, and discover how the destination fuels their art, music and fashion. Follow an itinerary for queer travelers, get the scoop from a local lesbian insider, and discover standout LGBTQ-owned restaurants across the destination.

We also spotlight Miami’s dynamic queer arts scene, from live music and comedy to performance spaces and community-driven creative expression across neighborhoods citywide. And of course, we round things out with a look at the hottest gay bars and nightclubs lighting up the night.

Dive in, explore, and enjoy the celebration!

Stop by the LGBT Visitor Center for local and visitor information.

LGBT Visitor Center

1130 Washington Ave., 1st Floor North, Miami Beach, FL 33139 305/397-8914•GoGayMiami.com

PLEASE CALL FOR HOURS.

305/673-4440

GayBizMiami.com

The Miami-Dade LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) is the largest not-for-profit corporation in the county for gay and lesbian businesses. MDGLCC offers the Pink Flamingo Hospitality Certification by training and certifying hospitality service professionals on issues related to gender and orientation and giving them tools to respond appropriately to all people. This is essential for creating environments where all visitors and employees are welcome.

For a list of Pink Flamingo Certified hotels and businesses in Greater Miami & Miami Beach, please visit GayBizMiami.com.

BOARD CHAIR

Julissa Kepner

PRESIDENT & CEO

David Whitaker

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Rolando Aedo, CDME

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING & TOURISM

Gisela Marti

LGBTQ TOURISM MARKETING

DIRECTOR + EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Dan Rios

DIRECTOR, CREATIVE SERVICES

Junia Parodi

SENIOR EDITORIAL MANAGER, PUBLICATIONS

Robert Franzino

MARKETING COORDINATOR

William Abreu

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Shayne Benowitz, Gino R. Campodónico, A.M. De la Torre, Jeffrey Wilkinson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Karli Evans/All Seeing Media, Laura Paresky Gould, Dale Stine

The Pink Palm is produced by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau with the support of the Miami-Dade LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC).

T: 305/539-3000; 800/933-8448

Advertising inquiries should be directed to Ali@GMCVB.com or 305/539-3076.

Editorial inquiries should be directed to Dan@GMCVB.com or 305/503-3245.

For information about Greater Miami & Miami Beach, please visit MiamiandMiamiBeach.com

STEP INTO RAINBOW SPRING

Just wait until you dive into Rainbow Spring! From March through June, this annual celebration welcomes LGBTQ locals and visitors, along with friends and allies, to enjoy vibrant events and festivities. Plan your getaway now to join the fun and take advantage of special offers on accommodations while you’re here.

EVENTS TO ENJOY

The celebration begins in late February and early March with the Winter Party Festival, a weeklong LGBTQ gathering filled with music, dancing and community connection. Its signature event is a highenergy beach party featuring world-renowned DJs and unforgettable oceanfront vibes. In early April, Miami Beach Pride takes center stage as one of the nation’s largest Pride festivals, culminating in a spectacular parade of 50 dazzling floats after 10 days of events. Film lovers can celebrate diverse storytelling at the OUTshine Film Festival, featuring screenings, panels and lively after-parties.

In mid-May, SweetHeat Miami brings dynamic experiences created by women for women. The Miami Beach Pride Concert lights up Ocean Drive at the end of May, launching Pride Month in radiant color. June continues with Wynwood Pride, the No Fear, We’re Queer Comedy Festival, CommuniTea Dance at the Adrienne Arsht Center and many more events celebrating love, inclusion and community.

CAN’T-MISS OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES

Greater Miami & Miami Beach dazzles with urban energy and iconic skylines, but beyond the buzz lies a serene escape. Slow down to discover sunshine-filled days, fresh ocean air and peaceful natural settings. From scenic parks to waterfront adventures, outdoor experiences are essential to Rainbow Spring and the perfect balance for the spirit.

UNBEATABLE OFFERS

Visiting Greater Miami & Miami Beach during Rainbow Spring means enjoying the celebration while staying on budget. A variety of hotels offer special discounts, buy-two-get-one deals, and seasonal packages to match every style and price point. Take advantage of added perks like happy hour specials, spa savings, complimentary parking and dining offers. With savings on accommodations, you’ll have more to spend on shopping, cocktails and memorable meals. For the latest information, visit RainbowSpring.com

MIAMI muses

IN A SPACE WHERE RHYTHM, COLOR AND CONFIDENCE CONVERGE, CREATIVITY BECOMES A WAY OF LIFE.

MIAMI MUSES SPOTLIGHTS FRANCIA AND ROBBIE ELIAS, TWO ARTISTS SHAPED BY MIAMI’S MULTICULTURAL PULSE, TROPICAL VIBRANCY AND FEARLESS SENSE OF STYLE. FROM THE MUSIC THEY CREATE TO THE LOOKS THEY WEAR, THE DESTINATION ITSELF ACTS AS A COLLABORATOR, INFLUENCING EXPRESSION THAT FEELS DEEPLY CONNECTED TO PLACE.

Creative Director: George Coronado | @georgecoronadomarketing

Models: Francia | @franciacanta• Robbie Elias | @robbieeliasofficial

Photographer: Dale Stine | @dalestinephotography

Creative Studio: Studio 24 Miami | @studio24miami

Makeup: Ade Castañeda | @makeupbyade

Production Assistant: Melba de Leon | @bklynrican19

Francia, a multifaceted Afro-Venezuelan singer, songwriter, host, actor, model and NYU-trained attorney, draws inspiration from the vibrant pulse of Miami, where bold culture and fearless style shape both the music and fashion.

The city’s color, rhythm and confidence echo in every note and every look.

Rooted in Rhythm

A native of Lima, Peru, George

is a fashion stylist and producer with over two decades of experience.

has collaborated on a wide range of creative projects and fashion editorials worldwide.

@GeorgeCoronadoMarketing

Robbie Elias, a Cuban-American songwriter signed to Warner Chappell Music, has contributed to Grammy-winning projects with Alejandro Sanz and Ricky Martin and toured with Gloria Estefan. He crafts soulful pop infused with Latin and R&B influences, reflecting Miami’s cultural mix and vibrant energy.

Art, Identity & Miami Magic

A QUEER TRAVELER’S CULTURAL ITINERARY

by Jeffrey Wilkinson

Pristine beaches lined with palm trees, a dynamic food scene and best-in-class shopping. These are among the top draws of Greater Miami & Miami Beach for LGBTQ travelers from around the world. The vibrant arts and cultural landscape in Miami’s many diverse neighborhoods is equally important. Each has its own distinct charm and personality.

DAY 1: MIAMI BEACH & DOWNTOWN MIAMI Morning Into Early Afternoon

Soak up some morning sun in Miami Beach, starting at 12th Street Beach – a longtime favorite of LGBTQ beachgoers. Visitors are welcomed by the rainbow-colored lifeguard tower designed by queer architect William Lane.

Continue south on the Beachwalk to the Miami Design Preservation League’s (MDPL) Art Deco Welcome Center and Official Art Deco Exhibition Gallery, where you will learn about the Art Deco District and the unique architecture for which Miami Beach is internationally recognized. (Leonard Horowitz, a gay furniture designer, co-founded the MDPL with Barbara Baer Capitman.)

On the other side of Ocean Drive is Villa Casa Casuarina, the former mansion of fashion designer Gianni Versace. The renowned architectural landmark is now a luxury boutique hotel. When Versace lived there, he lavishly entertained guests like Princess Diana and Elton John. You’ll have to be content with a glimpse of this historic gem from the outside unless you book a hotel room or dine at Gianni’s, the onsite restaurant.

With all this queer mojo, of course, there are several LGBTQowned restaurants in the immediate area. Palace is a legendary establishment known for its signature drag brunches and rooftop bar with stunning views. A few blocks away, Wanderlust Café & Lounge features a lineup of drag artists, themed nights and live music in a casual yet elegant Art Deco glam setting.

After grabbing a bite, visit The Bass, Miami Beach’s contemporary art museum. It presents international contemporary art in a historic 1930s Art Deco building and through its Art Outside program, featuring public art installations in Collins Park.

Nearby, at the Miami Beach Convention Center – host to Art Basel Miami Beach, the prestigious international art fair held every December – is more public art. There is an impressive collection of sculptures on the north side, in Collins Canal Park. And Pride Park is home to monumental sculptures and a Transgender Remembrance tree, reflecting the City of Miami Beach’s strong commitment to the LGBTQ community.

Lincoln Road, the world-famous shopping district and pedestrian promenade that has long been the site of LGBTQ community activities,

offers more public art installations and a collection of galleries. On the third Thursday of every month, the Lincoln Road Art Walk showcases the cultural side of the destination.

Afternoon & Evening

Head across the causeway to Downtown Miami, where a visit to the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) is a must for lovers of international modern and contemporary art of the 20th and 21st centuries. Situated on Biscayne Bay in a state-of-the-art building designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron, Miami’s flagship museum offers a Pride-focused tour on Thursdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 3 p.m. It highlights works by LGBTQ artists in the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions.

Stay in Downtown Miami for dinner at Tâm Tâm. Owned by celebrated chef Tam Pham and his husband, sommelier Harrison Ramhofer, the restaurant has received the MICHELIN Guide’s Bib Gourmand designation for its Vietnamese cuisine. Pham was also the MICHELIN Guide Florida 2024 Young Chef Award Winner, making him yet another bright star in Miami’s queer constellation.

DAY 2: COCONUT GROVE & LITTLE HAVANA

Morning Into Early Afternoon

Begin your morning by touring historic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, the former bayfront winter estate of industrialist James Deering. Visiting the estate and its lush formal gardens transports guests back in time.

Located in Coconut Grove, Miami’s oldest neighborhood, Vizcaya has a prominent place in Miami’s LGBTQ history. Upon its completion in 1922, the lavish Renaissance-inspired villa perfectly embodied Old World European elegance while offering every modern convenience imaginable at the time. Working alongside Deering as the estate’s chief designer and artistic director was Paul Chalfin, an openly gay artist who lived onsite with his partner on a houseboat Deering gifted them.

Further adding to its LGBTQ history, among Vizcaya’s early houseguests was John Singer Sargent, artist and renowned portrait

painter of the aristocracy and the wealthy. Sargent, like Deering, lived his life as a confirmed bachelor, and his circle of friends included LGBTQ icon Oscar Wilde. During his stay at Vizcaya, Sargent’s watercolor paintings were not only of the estate’s vistas, but also of its male workers as they sunbathed in the nude.

In the 1950s, Deering’s heirs transferred much of the estate to Miami-Dade County, and it became a museum and a popular venue for events, filming and photo shoots. In keeping with Vizcaya’s LGBTQ history, the annual White Party was held there from 1984 to 2010. The HIV/AIDS fundraiser drew the LGBTQ community and allies from around the world, with celebrity attendees including Gloria Estefan, Cyndi Lauper and Calvin Klein.

After visiting Vizcaya, explore the heart of The Grove to see more of the historic neighborhood. Over the years, it has been a cultural epicenter for bohemians and creatives, with many illustrious inhabitants in the LGBTQ orbit, such as Madonna and Tennessee Williams.

Stroll Main Highway, its side streets and CocoWalk for boutique shopping and an array of restaurants. Stop by Chug’s Diner, a beloved Coconut Grove mainstay fusing American diner-meetsCuban cafeteria fare – it’s no wonder it’s earned a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand designation.

Afternoon & Evening

Wrap up the day in Little Havana. This neighborhood is the soul of Miami’s Cuban community. Let Calle Ocho (Southwest 8th Street) – its main artery – be your pathway to immerse yourself in the area. From its street art, galleries and cultural institutions to its shops, restaurants and lounges, you’ll be transported to another time and place.

The Gay8 Festival has been a mainstay of the neighborhood’s LGBTQ culture. The annual Hispanic-flavored street fair – a celebration of LGBTQ art, music and dance – will return to Little Havana in 2027.

The Cubaocho Museum and Performing Arts Center, which preserves and celebrates Cuban heritage through art and live music, is a cultural highlight. The Futurama 1637 Art Building is a creative workspace with artists’ studios, including that of LGBTQ artist Orlando Gonzalez. Futurama is also the base for Viernes Culturales (Cultural Fridays), a celebration of art, music and community on the last Friday of every month.

Plan to stop at Domino Park (Máximo Gómez Park) and watch some friendly yet competitive gameplay among locals. Across the street is Azucar Ice Cream Company, an artisanal ice cream and sorbet shop serving Cuban, tropical and other flavors. Or try a traditional Cuban afternoon pick-me-up down the block at La Colada Gourmet – known as The House of Cuban Coffee – where you can pair your cafecito with a guava pastry.

Heading into dinnertime, consider Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina. The self-proclaimed House of the Mojito features live music, and its signature dish is lechon asado (slow-roasted pork). Or you can try James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein’s MICHELIN-recommended Cafe La Trova. She is joined by master mixologist Julio Cabrera. The duo delivers a modern take on classic Cuban cuisine and cocktails – plus, there’s live entertainment by Cabrera’s team of Cantineros (singing bartenders).

DAY 3: MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT, ALLAPATTAH AND WYNWOOD

Morning Into Early Afternoon

A walk through the Miami Design District, one of Miami’s premier art, architecture, dining and shopping destinations, is akin to visiting an open-air museum. Situated amid the neighborhood’s luxe retailers –Chanel, Cartier, Hermés and Louis Vuitton to name only a few – and the visual eye candy of their beautiful window displays are a number of public art installations.

From famed Pritzker Prize-winning architect and artist Zaha Hadid to preeminent architect and inventor Buckminster Fuller, as well as LGBTQ artists April Bey, Amani Lewis and Bony Ramirez, the installations reflect the creativity embedded in the district’s DNA. Complimentary public art tours are offered on select days, or you can easily explore on your own.

The Miami Design District is the home of two noted cultural institutions. The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) promotes international contemporary art, providing a platform for local, emerging and under-recognized artists. The extensive collection at the Haitian Heritage Museum showcases and preserves Haiti’s history and culture.

Numerous private galleries contribute to the district’s dynamic energy. Highlights include Swampspace and the David Castillo Gallery. Castillo, a member of the LGBTQ community, was one of Miami’s first gallerists selected to exhibit at Art Basel Miami Beach. Dale Zine, an indie art bookshop and gallery, adds to the eclectic mix.

Snacking and dining options abound, whether at a standalone eatery or at MIA Market, the district’s chef-driven food hall, where you’ll find Jaffa Miami. Its Mediterranean cuisine highlights the North African and Middle Eastern roots of chef/owner Yaniv Cohen.

Afternoon & Evening

The art scene in nearby Allapattah is hot, courtesy of the galleries, private collections and museums in the neighborhood. Make Spinello Projects your first stop. Gallerist Anthony Spinello has been an influential driver of the Miami art scene for years, championing artists from marginalized communities and their allies.

As you move further into the neighborhood, there are many more galleries making Allapattah a focal point in Miami’s contemporary art scene, all offering exceptional and diverse exhibition programming.

Top choices include Baker–Hall, KDR, La Cometa Gallery, Andrew Reed Gallery, Mindy Solomon Gallery and Voloshyn Gallery.

Near the cluster of galleries are Allapattah’s two museums.

The Rubell Museum, which evolved from the Rubell family’s extensive private contemporary art collection, is hailed worldwide for its quality and scope. Right across the street, Superblue offers immersive large-scale light, sound and digital experiences created by the world’s most innovative artists.

Just as the Rubell Museum originated as a private collection, there are two other collections in Allapattah that are among the best in Miami and beyond: El Espacio 23, a 28,000-square-foot warehouse converted into a contemporary art space for real estate developer Jorge Peréz’s private art collection, and Marquez Art Projects (open by appointment only), established by real estate developer and restaurateur John Marquez.

End your day in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, where you’ll be met by colorful street art and graffiti that sets – and raises – the bar for other destinations around the world. From the moment you set foot on the main strip along Northwest 2nd Avenue, you’ll feel the energy pulsing through this diverse hub of creativity and culture.

Wynwood Walls, the world’s largest outdoor street art museum, is a definite must-visit. Its family of artists reads like a who’s who of the form’s pioneers – Shepard Fairey, Kobra, Retna, Kenny Scharf and Peter Tunney are a few of many whose work is on display.

The Museum of Graffiti is the first museum of its kind dedicated to graffiti, with its indoor and outdoor exhibitions featuring the movement’s top artists. You can even get in on the action with the museum’s Spray It Loud graffiti class for beginners.

Continue your exploration of contemporary art at the Margulies Collection at the Warehouse. It presents seasonal exhibitions from the private contemporary art collection of real estate developer, philanthropist and esteemed collector Martin Margulies, a leader in Wynwood’s arts community.

Dinner is at R House, the iconic Wynwood restaurant that keeps the LGBTQ community and its allies coming back for more. Acclaimed chef Rocco Carulli and his husband, Owen Bale, are co-owners. They have a finely tuned, hands-on formula for success at their house: a high-quality menu served with over-the-top drag brunches and dinner shows starring a coterie of talented drag artists. n

The Local Lesbian Insider

People visit Greater Miami & Miami Beach to unwind, celebrate and bask in the destination’s beauty. For women who love women, Miami offers countless reasons to make you glad you’re here – and queer – every day of the year.

by A.M. De la Torre

DAYTIME’S PLAYTIME, BEACHSIDE

The beaches here are worldclass, and at the official LGBTQ beach at 12th Street and Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, you can begin your day like a sun goddess. Follow the rainbow-striped street and find a sandy spot facing the warm, aquamarine waters, then relax and laze away the day among family.

GET THE 411 FROM LOCALS

One of the first in the country, the LGBT Visitor Center is a few blocks west of the gay beach and situated within Miami Beach’s historic Old City Hall building (an attraction in itself). You can pop in here to get the latest on local happenings and hangouts.

HIPSTER OR BOHO STYLE “GAYBORHOODS”

Over on the mainland, Wynwood is known for its street art and galleries, breweries, restaurants and hipster vibe. Colorful and buzzy at night, a daytime visit spotlights this vibrant urban neighborhood’s casual, urbane side.

Heading south and delving into Miami’s past, Coconut Grove is a lush neighborhood along Biscayne Bay that’s always been a home to originals. Bahamians and bohemians, as well as hippies and artists, created a vibrant area tolerant of all kinds of lifestyles. Sidewalk cafes and unique boutiques attract LGBTQ locals who come to The Grove for people-watching, brunch, shopping, romantic al fresco dining and the annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival, a neighborhood favorite.

GET READY FOR A NIGHT OUT (OR A STYLISH NIGHT IN)

Some destinations make it hard for lesbians to feel welcome. But feeling at ease is a breeze in Miami, with its wealth of LGBTQ-friendly establishments.

The Vagabond Hotel is a woman-owned boutique hotel in the trendy Biscayne Boulevard corridor that spotlights Miami Modernism (MiMo) architecture. It has a fun, retro-luxe vibe channeling its glamorous past as a Rat Pack-era hangout, plus designer and tech-savvy finishes. It also offers a laidback poolside bar.

STAY HYDRATED AT LGBTQ-FRIENDLY BARS

Miami is keen to cater to the queer community’s thirst at bars such as Bar Gaythering

(hotel bar with drinking and dancing), Palace (home of a legendary drag brunch) and R House (restaurant with drag shows). Although it’s not considered a gay bar, Blackbird Ordinary’s Tuesday ladies’ night has become a low-key (and low-cost) lesbian hangout, appealing for its dive bar/dance club atmosphere and drink specials.

LGBTQ EVENTS

Miami is legendary for its energetic parties. You can enjoy lesbian-focused soirees at trending venues with awesome DJs and entertainment organized by Pandora Events. The wife & wife-owned AmaviMiami combines great times and good deeds with events at locations throughout Greater Miami & Miami Beach that often give back to local LGBTQ causes and

organizations. The non-profit Aqua Foundation for Women creates opportunities for community-minded LGBTQ women to come together, have fun and do good.

BEAUTY AND BRAINS: CULTURE THRIVES IN MIAMI

All year long, Miami stimulates the creative spirit. O Cinema (located in the same building as the LGBT Visitor Center) features art film screenings, with films for LGBTQ audiences very well represented. The biannual OUTshine Film Festival offers a celluloid celebration of the LGBTQ experience. Performance art stands proud during the annual Out in the Tropics series featuring LGBTQ artists in music, dance, comedy and film at venues throughout Greater Miami & Miami Beach. With its bold punchlines

and fearless perspectives, the annual No Fear, We’re Queer Comedy Festival elevates every evening, be it date night, friends’ night or a celebration of queer women’s voices.

MAKE A PLAN TO VISIT MIAMI

Greater Miami & Miami Beach is special. The feeling is palpable — in the sunshine and the easy way people connect. Whenever you’re here, whether during annual LGBTQ events or any time of year, know the rainbowcolored carpet is always rolled out for you. This is a place where authenticity is celebrated and everyone is invited to show up as they are. There’s plenty of fun to be had every ordinary, extraordinary day in Miami, from sunrise swims to latenight dance floors. n

Dine With Pride

EXPLORE LGBTQ-OWNED RESTAURANTS IN GREATER MIAMI & MIAMI BEACH

by Shayne Benowitz

The vibrant restaurant scene in Greater Miami & Miami Beach is known for its fusion of cultures, bold flavors and innovative cuisine. This dynamic landscape includes a wide range of LGBTQ-owned restaurants, from lively drag brunches to eclectic international and casual spots. More than places to eat, these restaurants are symbols of pride and progress across Miami’s neighborhoods.

R

Tâm

Wanderlust

Culture, Performance & Creative Expression

DISCOVER MIAMI’S QUEER ARTS SCENE THROUGH LIVE MUSIC, COMEDY, PERFORMANCE SPACES AND COMMUNITY-DRIVEN CREATIVE EXPRESSION.

by Gino R. Campodónico

Greater Miami & Miami Beach has always been a destination that performs. From the street to the stage, expression is part of the atmosphere. The queer cultural scene is deeply rooted in community, creativity and storytelling. For LGBTQ travelers and culture lovers, this is where Miami reveals itself most clearly. Here is a look at queer Miami through its performers, its spaces and the people shaping what it means to create authentically in a destination that never stops evolving.

COMEDY, CABARET AND FINDING YOUR PEOPLE

Villain Theater has become one of Miami’s most reliable homes for queer comedy, drag shows and performances that take real risks. The Little Haiti venue is known for its inclusive improv and stand-up comedy programming, and its drag nights have made it a core part of the queer scene.

Every Friday, Doll LinkUp transforms the space into a celebration of trans and genderexpansive talent. Hosted by resident performers, including Linerbaddie, Ariesela and Opal Am Rah, the night blends high-energy performances with an unmistakable sense of chosen family.

Villain is also a go-to destination for “RuPaul’s Drag Race” viewing parties, drawing devoted crowds who come early, tip generously and stay late as the night rolls

into live drag showcases. “It’s extremely rewarding to see this renaissance of queer art happening in our city,” said Miami-based performer, producer and hostess, Ariesela.

ICONS, INSTITUTIONS AND SACRED STAGES

When it comes to live music in Miami, queer spaces often blur the line between performance and gathering. Las Rosas, in Allapattah, is one of those places. When it reopened in 2025 after going dark for several years, it felt like a homecoming. Known for its eclectic mix of artists and unapologetically raw atmosphere, Las Rosas remains a vital space for queer performers and audiences.

One of its most popular LGBTQ nights is Wig!, hosted by FKA Twink on select Thursdays. The event features local drag favorites, including

Icy Love Dion, Calypso Monroe and Ariesela. The night is part drag show, part dance party and entirely Miami.

No conversation about queer performance in Miami is complete without mentioning Churchill’s Pub. It’s a legendary Little Haiti venue that also reopened recently after a lengthy closure. It has shaped generations of artists across punk, drag, spoken word and experimental performance. Its legacy still echoes through today’s queer cultural spaces.

Miami’s queer performance scene also finds powerful expression on some of its largest stages. The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown Miami regularly platforms LGBTQ artists across its theater spaces and resident companies, affirming that queer stories belong at the center of the cultural conversation.

Zoetic Stage, one of the center’s artistic partners, recently presented Matthew Lopez’s “The Inheritance,” a sweeping two-part play exploring love, loss and legacy across generations of gay men.

Dance has also played a role in the Arsht Center’s queer storytelling. Pioneer Winter became the organization’s first year-long artist-inresidence, premiering “Birds of Paradise,” an immersive work exploring queer identity and transformation. Each June, the Arsht Center celebrates Pride with the CommuniTEA Dance, a free event that fills the stage with music, movement and community, spotlighting local artists, drag performers and icons such as Tony Award winner Alex Newell.

INTIMATE, QUEER AND UNEXPECTED

La Poubelle, hidden away in the Normandy Isles area of North Beach, is the kind of place that feels like a discovery. This speakeasy cabaret offers an intimate setting where the room transforms nightly, shifting from piano bar to jazz club to theatrical stage.

There are only 50 seats, so reservations are recommended.

La Poubelle regularly spotlights LGBTQ performers and presents Broadway-caliber talent alongside original one-person shows and cabaret debuts. Past performers include Jai Rodriguez of “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” and local favorite Miss Bouvèé.

“Places like Poubelle are essential in keeping LGBTQ artists visible,” said Victor Valdez, a Miami-based singer, musician and frequent performer at La Poubelle. “They are safe havens for our artistry and spaces where community grows through shared joy, storytelling and connection.”

Producer and host with the most, David Sexton, is the face of La Poubelle and part of what makes it special within Miami’s creative community. With multiple shows each month, it feels less like a venue and more like an escape.

“When folks are at La Poubelle, they are linked by their shared love of great food, good storytelling and wonderful music,” Sexton said. “That connection helps people embrace differences instead of feeling challenged by them.”

MIAMI BEACH AFTER DARK

Over in South beach, queer performance takes on a polished yet playful tone. The Piano Bar at Hotel Greystone blends cabaret-style performance with live music and theatrical flair. Queer-owned and thoughtfully designed, the venue comes alive on Friday nights with live piano and vocals by Miami-born performer Alexander Zenoz. A charismatic entertainer and proud member of the LGBTQ community, Zenoz brings ease and connection to the room, drawing audiences into singalong moments and intimate musical storytelling.

Just a few blocks away, South Beach’s newest gay bar is already finding its rhythm. Foxhole Bar has been reimagined as an LGBTQ club that balances early-evening performances with late-night energy. Piano bar nights on Tuesdays invite sing-along moments and low-key cabaret energy, while Wednesdays turn the mic over to the crowd with drag karaoke. Thursdays lean theatrical, with cabaret performances that spotlight local queer artists before the lights dim and the dance floor takes over. On weekends, Foxhole shifts gears entirely, staying open late with DJs and dance club energy that carries into the early morning hours.

FESTIVALS, DANCE AND COLLECTIVE EXPRESSION

Miami’s queer cultural life comes into focus through its festivals, where performance becomes communal and stories stretch across stages and screens.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida stands as one

of the region’s most impactful LGBTQ arts organizations, drawing more than 35,000 attendees annually. Known for blending musical excellence with advocacy and visibility, the chorus presents bold performances and collabs with LGBTQ artists like Frankie Grande and Todrick Hall.

Film plays an equally central role. The OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival returns each year with spring and fall editions, showcasing premieres from emerging and established filmmakers. Beyond screenings, OUTshine is known for fostering conversation through community-driven events and monthly “Cocktails & Cinema” programs. The Miami Film Festival and its fall counterpart, Miami Film Festival: GEMS, regularly highlight LGBTQ stories and creators, bringing queer narratives to the forefront of international cinema. For live performance lovers, Out in the Tropics features a daring lineup of international artists every spring. Presented by FUNDarte, the series spans multiple venues and explores themes of gender, sexuality and freedom of expression through bold, boundary-pushing work.

WHY QUEER MIAMI FEELS DIFFERENT

What sets Miami’s queer cultural scene apart is its sense of ownership. These are not borrowed stages or fleeting moments. They are spaces built by people who live here, create here and stay here.

Miami does not ask queer artists to fit into a box. It invites them to build their own — and shows up. From live music and cabaret to artistic connections, queer Miami is waiting to welcome you. n

Miami’s Hottest

GAY BARS & NIGHCLUBS

LGBTQ travelers heading to Greater Miami & Miami Beach will find nightlife that’s just as dynamic as the destination itself. From drag brunches and daytime pool parties to karaoke nights and dancing until dawn, there’s no shortage of ways to have fun. Here are some of the best gay bars and nightclubs to kick off your night.

AZUCAR NIGHTCLUB

Coral Way

AzucarShows.com

CLUB BOI

North Miami @ClubBoiMIA

FOXHOLE BAR

South Beach FoxholeBar.com

GAYTHERING BAR

South Beach Gaythering.com

KILL YOUR IDOL

South Beach @KYIMiami

LPN! Downtown Miami LPNparty.com

PALACE South Beach PalaceSouthBeach.com

R HOUSE WYNWOOD Wynwood RHouseWynwood.com

SUPERNATURAL HAUS

Upper Eastside Supernatural305.com

TUESDAYS AT BLACKBIRD ORDINARY

Brickell @YesMaam305

TWIST South Beach TwistSoBe.com

WANDERLUST CAFÉ & LOUNGE

South Beach @Wanderlust.MiamiBeach

If you want to dance till dawn, check out these roving late-night parties at rotating venues throughout Miami:

MIDNIGHT SERVICE Midnight-Service.com

THE PLAYLIST ThePlayL1st.com

SCORE + URGE URGEMiami.com

Annual LGBTQ Events

Mark your calendar — these annual LGBTQ events bring Miami’s pride to life year after year with color, culture and community. For dates and information about these and all events in Greater Miami & Miami Beach, go to VisitMiamiLGBTQ.com

Gay8 Feb

Winter Party Festival Feb-Mar

Miami Beach Pride

Apr

CONEXION Queer

Tango Festival

Apr

OUTshine Film Festival Apr + Oct

Out (Loud) in the Tropics Apr-May

SweetHeat Miami May

Wynwood Pride

Jun

No Fear, We’re Queer Comedy Festival

Jun

Arsht Center’s CommuniTea Dance

Jun

Celebrate ORGULLO

Oct

URGE Miami Festival

Nov-Dec

Art Gaysel Dec

A modern Miami base for global travelers

From global events to everyday escapes, AC Hotel Miami Beach offers a modern, design-driven stay just steps from the beach. Thoughtful spaces, rooftop craft cocktails, and a location made for exploring — all designed for travelers who move with purpose. Scan to explore rooms and availability.