Upcoming events, celebrations, dining and nightlife showcase Orlando as a top destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. 

ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando, the No. 1 travel destination in the U.S., is home to diverse cuisine, thrilling attractions and must-see events — where there’s something for everyone. This year’s Pride celebrations promise an unforgettable experience representative of Orlando’s welcoming and inclusive destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. 

Orlando has been a pioneer in LGBTQ+ tourism dating back to the original Gay Days in 1991. A winning family travel destination in the “Gay Travel Awards,” Orlando promotes inclusivity through events, nightlife and activities that welcome all. The City Beautiful has earned a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index 11 years in a row including 2023, which measures the LGBTQ+ inclusiveness of cities' laws, policies and services. 

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS 

Upcoming destination experiences for all and LGBTQ+ celebrations across Orlando: 

  • Seven Seas Food Festival (Select Dates, Feb. 2 – May 19) at SeaWorld Orlando invites foodies and families to explore over 50 global cuisine options and enjoy live entertainment in addition to exhilarating coasters.  

  • Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval (Feb. 3 – April 7), catch the spectacular parade, live concerts on select nights, and amazing international cuisine along with New Orleans classic flavors.   

  • EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival (Feb. 28 – May 27) returns to the Walt Disney World Resort with 90 days of topiaries and gardens along with fresh flavors, lively entertainment and more. 

  • The Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival (March 15 – 17), is one of the nation’s oldest, largest and most prestigious outdoor art festivals. The fine art festival features sculpture, paintings, digital art and more, along with live music, hands-on easel painting and children’s art workshops. 

  • The Pride Prom (Apr. 12) at the Orlando Science Center is an adult-only (21+) Prom hosted by Come Out with Pride. Guests are invited to “Be Your Brightest Self” at this neon-themed glow party.  

  • GayDays (May 30 – June 3) is comprised of multiple events staged at world-famous attractions; gay and lesbian clubs; and unique venues that create a renowned gay and lesbian vacation experience. 

  • Girls in Wonderland (May 30 – June 3), the counterpart to GayDays, caters to female members of the LGBTQ+ community and features parties, special performances and celebrity appearances. 

  • One Magical Weekend (May 30 – June 3), always on the first weekend in June, is one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride and music festivals in the world. 

  • The Pride Cup (May 31– June 2) is an annual LGBTQ+ multi-sport tournament organized by the KindRED Pride Foundation.  

EXPLORING ORLANDO’S DINING & ENTERTAINMENT SCENE 

These venues, many of which are in local neighborhoods’, highlight the vibrant nightlife and exceptional cuisine that Orlando has to offer, including local fan favorites and new experiences everyone can enjoy in 2024. 

  • Arcade Monsters unveiled its fifth location of the video-game bar and restaurant in Orlando’s International Drive area offering a menu of classic bar food. With the purchase of wristbands, visitors of all ages can play unlimited classic arcade games. 

  • BANDBOX Orlando, the spirit-free speakeasy in Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village district, will expand in the new year. The 1920s-inspired venue is partnering with a local coffee company to offer a variety of coffee and tea options by day, and a sober speakeasy by night. The expansion will also feature a larger bottle shop and retail selection.  

  • Crush Yard Pickleball Club & Restaurant, a new entertainment complex backed by NFL stars such as Rob Gronkowski, is expected to open in Kissimmee in 2024. The complex will feature multiple indoor/outdoor pickleball courts, a food menu that services different dietary preferences and an active calendar of events, including tournaments, clinics and lessons. 

  • Hamburger Mary’s is a drag-themed restaurant in downtown Orlando’s Church Street District. This flamboyant dining experience offers nightly entertainment with a side of sass.  

  • Latitudes is a rooftop tiki bar in downtown Orlando’s City District. Take in views of the city’s skyline, while enjoying nightly drink specials in a tropical atmosphere.  

  • Pointe Orlando, dubbed a playground for adults with or without kids, will debut a trio of new indoor/outdoor entertainment spaces, including Sports & Social, a place to watch and play games such as Skee-Ball and Foosball; a PBR Cowboy Bar, featuring a mechanical bull and multiple bars; and Live! Plaza, a space for special events, live music, viewing sporting events, festivals and more.  

  • Savoy Orlando is an LGBTQ+ nightclub located in Orlando’s Ivanhoe Village Main Street district with themed events, drag shows, and daily happy hour.  

  • Southern Nights, the largest LGBTQ+ nightclub in Orlando, presents numerous opportunities for guests, like drag nights and GIRL The Party, which is a popular Saturday-night celebration for lesbians. It’s part of The Milk District near downtown Orlando. 

  • The Cake Bake Shop Bakery by Gwendolyn Rogers is coming to Disney’s BoardWalk and will feature savory and sweet options, along with afternoon tea service in a whimsical atmosphere that complements the area’s idyllic charm.  

  • The Glass Knife, located in Winter Park, is well known for its handcrafted pastries and savory menu options.  

To find more information about the many LGBTQ events and activities in Orlando, check out Visit Orlando’s LGBTQ in Orlando blog post, or check Visit Orlando’s Vacation Planning Services. 

 

About Visit Orlando    

Visit Orlando is The Official Tourism Association® for Orlando, the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World® and No. 1 meeting destination in the country. A not-for-profit trade association that brands, markets and sells the Orlando destination globally, we represent more than 1,600 member companies comprising every segment of Central Florida’s tourism community. 

Visit Orlando connects consumers and business groups with all facets of Orlando’s travel community, whether for a vacation or meeting. Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks — as well as refreshing water parks, nature and outdoor adventures, vibrant neighborhoods, a dynamic dining scene with Michelin-recognized restaurants, and a robust calendar of entertainment and sports events — Orlando is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive community for all travelers. Find more information at VisitOrlando.com, VisitOrlando.org or OrlandoMeeting.com. 

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