June marks the start of summer across the country and the celebration of Pride Month, highlighting the LGBTQ+ community.
Read more Orlando’s Uncle Lou to ‘self-deport’ after immigration judge orders removal
The commemoration coincides with the first Pride March in New York City in June of 1970 on the one-year anniversary of the protests against police outside Stonewall Inn, one of the city’s most popular gay bars. In June 1969, police raided the bar and roughed up patrons before herding them into police vans, causing the crowd outside to become enraged. The riots that took place over several days ultimately catalyzed the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
While Orlando’s giant “Come Out With Pride” celebration isn’t until October, many events across Central Florida celebrate LGBTQ+ culture this month. This month also represents 10 years since the Pulse nightclub tragedy.
One Magical Weekend
What is billed as one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride and music festivals in the world lands at the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista. The event features DJs, pool parties (including a giant pool party at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon), drag shows, brunch and festive celebrations June 4-8 at 12205 S. Apopka Vineland Road in Orlando. More information: omw2026.com
Bear Jamboree
The “sister” event to One Magical Weekend shares some events in common but has its own “Bearchella” pool parties, “Bearoke,” dance parties and events at the Crowne Plaza Lake Buena Vista. Events go on June 4-6 at 8686 Palm Parkway in Orlando. More information: bearjamboree.com
The Pride Cup
Presented by the KindRED Pride Foundation, this competition gathers all levels of LGBTQ athletes for soccer, volleyball, rugby, golf, pickleball, basketball, cornhole and kickball. Anybody can register for the competitive events June 5-7. More information: kindredpride.org
GayDays Orlando
Now in its 35th year, this event is celebrated at venues around Orlando’s tourism district, including the Holiday Inn & Suites Orlando SW in Celebration and the Walt Disney World parks. Visitors can also enjoy dance parties, a Mr. GayDays leather competition, drag queen Bingo, pageants and more. The celebration began in 1991 when members of the LGBTQ+ community wore red and congregated at theme parks. This year, Red Shirt Pride Day takes place on June 6, promoted by the KindRED Pride Foundation. GayDays festivities go on daily June 5-8. More information: gaydays.com
Girls in Wonderland
This female-centric event celebrates Pride Month with DJs, celebrities, comedians, live music, theme park meetups and pool parties over four days. Most events take place at the host hotel, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, while some take revelers to Cuba Libre and Mango’s Tropical Cafe. Dive in June 4-8 at 13279 Hartzog Road in Winter Garden. More information: girlsinwonderland.com
Earlybirds Club: “A Dance Party for Ladies Who Have Sh*t to Do”
This early evening inclusive dance party is geared toward women, trans and non-binary communities and comes to The Beacham. Guests can hear “wall-to-wall hits” from the ’80s, ’90s and 2000s. Tickets are $30 (before taxes and fees) for the event from 6-10 p.m. June 5 at 46 N. Orange Ave. in Orlando. More information: early-birds.club
The 10th Annual CommUNITY Rainbow Run
The annual tradition gathers Central Floridians for a 4.9K run starting at City Hall Plaza in honor of those affected by the Pulse nightclub tragedy. Registration costs $49. The run begins at 7:30 a.m. June 6 at 400 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando. More information: pulseorlando.org
Central Florida Sounds of Freedom
Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band and Guard presents “Resilience,” bringing a sense of strength, unity and perseverance through music at the Dr. Phillips Center’s Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater. Tickets cost $25 each or $35 for balcony box seating. The concert starts at 3 p.m. June 7 at 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: centralfloridasoundsoffreedom.com
Read more Resort gets official name: Universal United Kingdom
Created in Community: Portraits of Pulse
This exhibition at the City of Orlando’s Terrace Gallery features 49 portraits honoring the lives lost in the Pulse tragedy. Designed by artist Jeff Sonksen, the works were completed in a paint-by-number format by victims’ friends, families and community members. The exhibition is on display June 11-Aug. 23 at 400 South Orange Ave. in Orlando. City Hall Plaza will also host a prayer ribbons memorial exhibition June 8-14. More information: pulseorlando.org
2026 Pulse Remembrance Ceremony
Join the community at First United Methodist Church to honor the 49 lives lost on June 12, 2016. The ceremony includes musical performances from local artists, the Orlando Gay Chorus, a special presentation by Orlando Poet Laureate Camara Gaither, a candlelight ceremony and reading of the 49 names. Attend the event starting at 5:30 p.m. June 12 at 142 E. Jackson St. in Orlando. More information: pulseorlando.org
Enzian Theater’s Reel Pride
Central Florida’s independent arthouse cinema hosts a selection of “Reel Pride” films throughout June. The community can enjoy films including “New Wave (Onda Nova),” “The Celluloid Closet,” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” Derek Jarman’s “Blue,” “The Watermelon Woman,” “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” and “F—toys.” The movies take place throughout the month, starting on June 5 at 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland. More information: enzian.org
Queers for Fears: A Pride Month Horror Burlesque Show
This horror burlesque show promises “chills, thrills and bewitching performances” in a “spooky, campy and queer show” by New Wave Cabaret. Tickets cost $30.37 each for general admission. The event is from 8-10:30 p.m. June 12 at 1300 La Quinta Drive, Unit 2, in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com
The Pride and Proud Pub Crawl
The Pride & Proud heads to Thornton Park for a night of drinking and merriment at the district’s most popular bars. Tickets ($22.11) include four complimentary drinks and discounts at multiple venues, plus two drag shows. The crawl starts at 6 p.m. June 13 at 808 E. Washington St. in Orlando. More information: orlandopubcrawl.com
Love & Liberation: A Boldly Unapologetic Juneteenth Pride Celebration
Presented by Come Out With Pride Orlando, this celebration gathers the community for a free family event featuring Black and queer artists and performers, local business vendors, food, music and more at the Central Florida Fairgrounds. The event is from 2-6 p.m. June 20 at 4603 W. Colonial Drive in Orlando. More information: comeoutwithpride.org
Pride Bar Crawl
Crawl With Us brings revelers to downtown Orlando venues for a celebration with drinks, Pride swag, food specials and more. Tickets cost $25.61 online. The event is from 4-10 p.m. June 20, starting at 68 E. Pine St. in Orlando. More information: crawlwith.us
Sunset at the Zoo
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens hosts a Pride celebration featuring music, food trucks, vendors, interactive activities, keeper chats and other festivities for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Tickets for the evening event are $6 in advance or $8 on-site; a family four-pack is available for $46, including hot dogs and sodas. The celebration is 5-8 p.m. June 26 at 3755 W. Seminole Blvd. in Sanford. More information: centralfloridazoo.org
Speak With Pride
Participate in an LGBTQ+ open mic night hosted by Beacon Health, or listen to other performers speak their truth. The event also features dinner and mingling at the Citrus Club. Tickets start at $55.20 per person up to $2,000 for a presenting sponsorship. The evening gathering is 6-9 p.m. June 27 at 255 S. Orange Ave., Suite 1800, in Orlando. More information: eventbrite.com
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: [email protected]. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.
Read more Maxwell: Did you know Trump’s latest judicial nemesis is from Orlando?