Fort Lauderdale Pride Festival 2026 is expected to be an unforgettable celebration of South Florida’s lgbtq+Q+ community. Taking place from Friday 13 February to Sunday 15 February 2026, the three-day event will once again transform Fort Lauderdale Beach into a colourful playground. Organised by Pride Fort Lauderdale, a non‑profit group with decades of history, the festival combines community activism with music, art and culture. It is completely free and welcomes everyone who supports equality. For many, the highlight of the weekend is the parade. On Saturday afternoon, floats, dancers and community groups will line up along A1A. The procession will head north along Fort Lauderdale’s oceanfront, passing palm trees and beachfront bars as thousands of spectators cheer. Local schools, sports teams and lgbtq+Q+ organisations will join in, alongside corporate sponsors and flamboyant themed floats. The sound of marching bands, steel drums and DJs fills the air, and participants often stop to pose for selfies and share hugs with friends. But the festival is far more than a one‑hour parade. Organisers build a whole village on the sand just south of Sebastian Street Beach. Multiple stages host a wide range of acts: international pop stars, drag performers, dance troupes and DJs who keep the energy high well into the evening. There are separate zones designed to make everyone feel comfortable, from a family area with games and crafts to a senior zone with seating and shade. A sober space provides a supportive environment for those in recovery, while a history area celebrates the achievements of local activists. VIP ticket holders have access to a lounge with enhanced views of the main stage and premium bar service. Between the stages, a vendor marketplace offers everything from rainbow flags and art to local food trucks serving seafood, barbecue and vegan dishes. Non‑profit organisations run booths to share information about health, legal services and community support. One popular feature is the health village, where attendees can get free HIV testing and wellness checks. Beach sports tournaments and fitness classes take place near the water, and there is often a 5K run or beach walk early on Sunday morning. In the evenings, nightlife moves into Fort Lauderdale’s Wilton Manors neighbourhood, known for its thriving gay bar scene. Many bars host Pride‑themed parties with live DJs, drag bingo and drink specials. Pride Fort Lauderdale also organises cultural and educational events leading up to the main weekend. In the weeks before the festival you might find film screenings, panel discussions, art exhibitions and lectures on lgbtq+Q+ history at local colleges. These events are designed to spark conversations and connect different generations of the community. Volunteers play a big role, from planning the festival to cleaning up the beach after the last song ends. If you want to get involved, sign‑ups usually open in late autumn. Planning your visit is important. February is high season in South Florida, and hotels near the beach can book up months in advance. The closest airport is Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International (FLL), which is a short ride from the beach; Miami International Airport (MIA) is about 40 minutes away. Ride‑share services and taxis are plentiful, but consider using the city’s water taxi for a scenic trip along the Intracoastal Waterway. Parking near the festival is limited, and many roads are closed during the parade, so public transport or cycling may save time. The weather in February is warm but pleasant, usually around 23 °C (73 °F). Sun protection and comfortable shoes are musts. Fort Lauderdale Pride has a distinct beach vibe that differentiates it from larger city prides. Being on the sand allows for barefoot dancing and sunset views. At the same time, the festival retains a strong activist heart. The Pride 2026 theme has yet to be announced, but recent years have focused on issues such as racial justice, trans inclusion and mental health. Stages host spoken‑word poets and community leaders between musical sets, and donation stations are scattered throughout the site to support local causes. Visitors often extend their stay to explore more of South Florida. Wilton Manors, just north of downtown, is home to dozens of lgbtq+Q+-owned restaurants, cafes, galleries and shops. Las Olas Boulevard offers boutique shopping and art galleries, while the Everglades are a short drive away for airboat tours and wildlife spotting. If you’re keen on beaches, check out nearby Dania Beach or Hollywood’s boardwalk. Many hotels and guest houses in Fort Lauderdale are gay‑friendly, ranging from luxurious resorts to quaint B&Bs. What makes Pride Fort Lauderdale special is its sense of community. South Florida’s lgbtq+Q+ scene is a melting pot of cultures, with Caribbean, Latin American and European influences reflected in the music and food. Friends greet each other on the sand as if it were an annual family reunion. Even though the festival has grown – 2025’s event drew tens of thousands of attendees – it maintains an intimate and welcoming feel. The organisers emphasise accessibility, offering ramps onto the sand and ASL interpretation on the main stage. Donations support youth programmes and emergency funds for people facing housing or healthcare crises. As the 2026 festival approaches, keep an eye on the official Pride Fort Lauderdale website for announcements on headliners, volunteer opportunities and safety guidelines. Whether you’re a local, a snowbird escaping winter up north or a traveller from overseas, you’ll find yourself swept up in the enthusiasm. Pack light clothing, sunscreen and your most exuberant beachwear, and prepare to celebrate under the Florida sun. Pride in Fort Lauderdale is as much about listening to stories and meeting your neighbours as it is about partying. By the time the sun sets on 15 February, you’ll understand why so many people return year after year to dance in the sand and wave their flags with pride.

• Prev
• Next