Rainbow Dreams In Orlando
There’s a real feeling of freedom here in Central Florida. Orlando is one of the world's premier LGBTQ+ travel destinations, rolling out the rainbow carpet, beckoning with year-round warmth, top notch dining and clubs with inclusive events and festivals.
Here in Orlando you will discover a sense of belonging and acceptance, a highly inclusive destination that has been a pioneer in LGBTQ+ tourism dating back to the original Gay Days in 1991 and was named the first ever “City of the Year” by GayCities.com.
Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic getaway or a family searching for kid friendly fun, we can’t wait for you to experience everything we have to offer!
Special LGBTQ+ Events in Orlando
Orlando hosts special celebrations throughout the year and everyone is invited to the party!
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Many events are of special interest to the LGBTQ+ community, including the following can’t miss affairs:
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June: RED Shirt Pride Day
This annual tradition invites you to wear a red shirt to Magic Kingdom on the first Saturday in June, inspired by the original 30 or 40 people with “kindred spirits” that bravely met at Magic Kingdom back in 1991. Their courage that started as a social gathering has grown to become one of the longest running, most iconic events in LGBTQ+ history.
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June: One Magical Weekend
Always the first weekend in June, One Magical Weekend is one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride and music festivals
in the world. Taking place at Walt Disney World, it boasts a roster of international DJ talent and around-the-clock, world-class events.
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June: Tidal Wave Party
A private party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon featured many unique experiences where you can make a splash during this weekend of events and activities.
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June: Annual Pulse Remembrance Ceremony
This event is designed to spread messages of love, unity, acceptance, courage and strength throughout the community. It normally takes place at the Pulse Interim Memorial, which honors the 49 lives lost on June 12, 2016, and is open throughout the year.
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June: Gay Days Orlando
What started as a one-day get-together on the first Saturday in June has blossomed over the past three decades into one of the argest LGBTQ+ pride celebrations and includes many ancillary events.
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June: Girls in Wonderland
This event is especially for the female members of the LGBTQ+ community. It features parties, special performances and celebrity appearances.
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Oct: Come Out With Pride Orlando
This celebration fosters a sense of community, encourages LGBTQ+ citizens to live openly and with pride, and educates the general public.
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Everyone from Central Florida and beyond is invited to come together and make an impact on Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community.
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To see what’s happening during your visit, check out our events news and socials.
Nightlife & Entertainment
Orlando has a vibrant nightlife scene with awesome live entertainment and dance clubs, all making Orlando a great choice for LGBTQ+ travelers.
In Orlando’s trendy Milk District, Southern Nights is an LGBTQ+ nightclub that’s perfect for dancing the night away. The Milk District is also home to The Plaza Live, which is the place to see the Orlando Gay Chorus.
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At SAVOY Orlando in the Ivanhoe Village district, the Men of SAVOY dancers perform nightly, you’ll also find The Venue in this area, where you can catch burlesque shows every Friday night.
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More burlesque can be experienced at downtown’s Stardust Lounge, right next to beautiful Lake Eola Park, and in downtown’s Church Street District, you can take in an authentic drag show and entertainment while enjoying gourmet burgers and a full bar at Hamburger Mary’s Bar & Grille.
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Weddings
Orlando first welcomed gay marriage with a mass wedding on the steps of City Hall in 2015 and Orlando has never looked back! You'll discover many one of a kind venues including the theme parks, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando, all have unique wedding options.
The tourism areas offer numerous resorts and venues all offering gorgoues wedding venues.
In the downtown area, the Orange County Regional History Museum and Harry P. Leu Gardens are both exceptional, and in Winter Park, the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens is a local favorite.
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No matter the location you choose, you’ll be married in one of the world’s most magical destinations.
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Pulse Memorial
While you’re in town, you’re invited to pay your respects at the former site of the Pulse nightclub, which now serves as the Pulse Interim Memorial.
In addition to honoring the 49 lives lost on June 12, 2016, it serves as a beacon of hope for a future where humans can live in an understanding world full of unity, acceptance and love.
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The interim memorial will be replaced by a permanent structure in the coming years. It’s located in Orlando’s SoDo district, just south of downtown, and admission is complimentary.
It’s open from 7:30am to 9pm daily, with extended hours during Pulse Remembrance Week.