Fort Lauderdale Pride takes place on Sunday February 11th 2018, and for the second time it will be held on Fort Lauderdale Beach, adjacent to B Ocean Hotel.

The festival includes world renowned entertainers, local & national exhibitors, food court and of course the world-class beaches of Fort Lauderdale. Additionally, 2018 will bring the most diverse and inclusive Pride ever, including a family area, sporting area, History of Pride educational area, Senior Chill Zone, Sober Zone, Trans Pride, and a new VIP area.

#PrideFortLauderdale (formerly Pride South Florida) got its start in 1977 as a protest after a public referendum championed by Anita Bryant overturned a landmark Miami-Date gay rights ordinance.

Join The Love Pride 2018, a free LGBTQ Pride festival, and dance the afternoon away to the music of top DJs on the Swiss Navy main stage, enjoy local performers on the community stage, peruse more than 100 vendor booths, sample food, and more.

Confirmed entertainment includes, #Charo! Did you know she appeared on The Love Boat more than any other guest star? She’ll be taking the stage at our Kick-Off Party on Feb. 9 and the Festival main stage on Sunday, Feb. 11, along with Grammy-winning singer and songwriter #Estelle.

Last year, confirmed headliners were sassy gal, Ericka Jayne, country boy, Ty Herndon, and American Idol, Brian Austin Crum. Each entertainer only had about 15 minutes on stage, and performed solo without a backing band, which made it seem more like karaoke than a concert. Assuming budgeting plays a big role in who the organization can attract for entertainment, and bringing in extra back musicians only adds to the cost, so it is what it is. It’s a great opportunity to get up close with these personalities though.

There will be special areas for LGBTQ seniors, families, women, people in recovery and the first South Florida Trans Pride. Trans model and singer #LaithAshley will be appearing at #PrideFortLauderdale and the first South Florida Trans Pride

Pride Fort Lauderdale Kick Off Party at B Ocean Resort

Friday February 9, 2018 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
1100 Sea Breeze Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Tickets
$50 in advance
$65 at the door (if available)

Includes complimentary drinks (alcohol & non alcohol) and local bites from area restaurants. Music by DJ Adora

Celebrity Cruises VIP Lounge at Pride Fort Lauderdale 2018

Celebrity Cruises invites you to experience the VIP treatment at Pride Fort Lauderdale this year in the newly enlarged VIP Lounge, nearly doubling the size from last year. Your ticket includes access to the covered VIP area, Special VIP viewing, complimentary drinks and VIP restrooms. Cocktails compliments of Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Tickets
$100 until February 2, 2018
$125 until February 11, 2018 (if available)

W Fort Lauderdale Living Room VIP Lounge at Pride

The style and sophistication of the W Fort Lauderdale meets Pride Fort Lauderdale in a brilliant VIP experience. Your ticket includes access to the VIP area, Special VIP viewing, complimentary drinks and VIP restrooms. Cocktails compliments of Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Water compliments of Voss

Tickets
$50 in advance
$75 at Pride (if available)

Pride Fort Lauderdale – Sunday February 11th, 12pm to 8pm 1100 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

Stay up to date on the Facebook Event Page

Book into B Ocean Resort Hotel and be right in the centre of the action. Be sure to check out the Wreck Bar burlesque show for something quite unique.

B first to experience the newly renovated B Ocean Resort in Fort Lauderdale. An exciting oceanfront hotel located directly on the pristine white sand beach, this exquisite destination offers stylish, remodeled guest rooms with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Featuring the most desirable amenities, including FreeB™ WiFi, direct private beach access, a 24-hour fitness center and delectable dining at the famed Wreck Bar and newest seafood concept, the Naked Crab. Conveniently located less than 5 miles from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades Cruise Port, the prime location makes it the premier choice among Fort Lauderdale oceanfront hotels. You will B Captivated during your stay at B Ocean Resort.

1140 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-564-1000 

www.boceanfortlauderdale.com

While in Fort Lauderdale, there’s plenty of other exciting adventures to check out. Be sure to head over to Wilton Manors, the gay hub of Lauderdale with clubs, restaurants, shopping, and more. Also, while there try your hand at kayaking with Atlantic Coast Kayak located in Richardson Park who offer Guided Eco Tours (937 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors 954-781-0073) and rentals in natural and urban settings, tidal creeks, wetlands, meandering rivers, No Wake manatee zones, and the Middle River. View historical sites, wildlife and beautiful homes. Enjoy seeing birds, animals, and aquatic creatures. No snakes or alligators! Complimentary coconuts for all paddlers.

Here’s three other fun things to do in and around the Fort Lauderdale area.

Pompano Beach Food Tours (954) 607-5638 

Walking Food Tours include the most delicious food and drinks with a seriously good time in some of South Florida’s most scenic neighborhoods. Suitable for all age groups and fitness levels, you’ll experience delectable foods from one-of-a-kind sidewalk cafes, waterfront restaurants and famous local eateries while receiving a local’s view of where to go and what to do in the neighborhood. Walk away with new culinary insight, memories to last a lifetime and most importantly, full bellies and the confidence to continue exploring new areas.

Funky Buddha Brewery –1201 NE 38 Street, Oakland Park 954-440-0046 | 

A 19,000 sq-ft production facility featuring a 30 Barrel brewhouse, supplying draft beer to spacious new Tap Room & Bar and bars and restaurants across South Florida. Tap Room is open noon to midnight, seven days a week, and showcases limited release craft beers as well as local brews from across Florida. Tours are available, Thursdays at 7pm and 8pm

The Alchemist Coffee & Slicers 2430 NE 13th Ave., Wilton Manors 954-673-4614 

Starting with carefully chosen coffee beans, using their proprietary process to release the flavor of those beans into the purest of water. Their great coffee is complimented by the unique taste of delicious, low carb, open-faced sandwiches (slicers) and a full spectrum of gluten free desserts. Excellent service, healthy food and a relaxing atmosphere has made them famous with the locals.

Be sure to check out more Greater Fort Lauderdale Visitor Centre for many more exciting activities, and help planning your travels.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.