ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando is preparing for a weekend of celebration, culture and connection during the 20th year anniversary of Come Out with Pride on Saturday, Oct. 19. The event will coincide closely with National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11 and the anniversary of the first 1979 "March on Washington," adding significance to the festivities.
With the theme "Colors of Courage," the event will feature two entertainment stages with local and national talent (to be announced), vibrant vendor marketplaces and a new parade route through downtown Orlando. The parade will start at Washington Street and Orange Avenue and end at Lake Eola Park in Thornton Park. Highlights include Rainbow Ranch, a dedicated sober space, a youth pride zone and a trans rally.
Additional new features this year include an ADA guide, a "quiet corner" for relaxation and an event on Friday, Oct. 18 honoring Black and Brown Queer Women. Attendees can elevate their experience with a VIP package, offering exclusive perks like catering, private bathrooms, air conditioning and a headliner meet-and-greet.
Visitors are also encouraged to support local LGBTQ+ -owned businesses and experience a wide variety of live entertainment offerings throughout the destination.
LGBTQ+OWNED BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT ORLANDO
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Southern Nights: Voted Orlando Weekly’s Best Gay Bar for five years and counting, and the largest of its kind in Orlando, Southern Nights is a vibrant nightclub in the trendy Milk District. With incredible themed nights, multiple drag performances throughout the week and tantalizing burlesque acts every Saturday, it has become a must-visit spot in the city.
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SAVOY Orlando: Part of the Ivanhoe Village Main Street district, SAVOY Orlando is a never-ending party complete with go-go dancers, drag shows, billiards, dancing and electrifying themed events. Best of all, there’s no cover charge, so you can make this the main attraction or one of several stops on an unforgettable night out in Orlando.
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Out Of The Closet (thrift store in Winter Park), Maffrey’s (gift store in Ivanhoe Village) and Lacastro (men’s clothing store on Mills 50) are just a few of the LGBTQ+ owned stores in Orlando.
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Quantum Leap Winery: Located just around the corner in the Mills 50 neighborhood, Quantum Leap is a sustainable winery and cidery that offers tastings by the glass or in various themed wine flights. They do close relatively early — typically around 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays — but their lively events, delicious wines and welcoming environment make this a fantastic first stop on a night out.
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The Glass Knife: Known for their beautiful, handcrafted pastries and scratch-made savory dishes.
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Se7en Bites: A MICHELIN Recommended restaurant serving Southern comfort dishes.
LIVE SHOWS AND EVENTS
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Catch a live performance at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts or have a laugh over at SAK Comedy Lab, both located less than a mile away from the host hotel, AC Hotel Downtown Orlando by Marriott. There will be eight live events to choose from throughout the weekend, ranging from ballet spectaculars to musical presentations.
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For an immersive horror experience, Renaissance Theatre Company will offer two opportunities to experience Nosferatu within the weekend. Additionally, guests can attend an exclusive Vampire Nightclub featuring dancers, music, specialty cocktails and drag performances (with separate admission).
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The Plaza Live will host Ancient Aliens live on Oct. 18, based on the History channel TV show by the same name on the History channel that explores the controversial theory that extraterrestrials have visited Earth for millions of years.
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A Hispanic Heritage Month Art Exhibit (Sept. 17- Nov. 3) will display the artwork of a diverse group in the Terrace Gallery at Orlando City Hall. Visitors are encouraged to visit to enjoy a beautiful display that enhances the rich Latin American culture and heritage through the artistic creativity and lens of the artists.
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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