The first Winter Party Festival, part-sexy dance affair, part-fundraiser, was held on the sands of Miami Beach twenty years ago. Over the past two decades, it has grown into nearly a week of non-stop dances and parties, benefiting local service organizations (administered by The Miami Foundation) and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
Hotspots has the lowdown on the eleven dance parties at the Winter Party Festival, all happening in honor of great LGBT causes, so you know where to go and what to expect.
When: Thursday, March 6, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Where: Cameo (1445 Washington Avenue)
DJs Eddie Martinez (based in New York City) and Joe Gauthreaux (based in Los Angeles) will be providing the music at the first dance party of the festival, one that promises that it will set the tone of the entire week. The pulsating beats plus the mass of hot bodies will make anybody…ignite. (And they hope you do!)
When: Friday, March 7, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Clevelander South Beach (1020 Ocean Drive)
A new tradition will start this year with a fun new tea dance at this popular Ocean Drive establishment. Dress in your hottest swimsuit and be prepared to dance to the sets played by DJ Cindel (Miami) and Brett Henrichsen (New York City). Free admission! Presented by Stereo Entertainment.
When: Friday, March 7, 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Where: Space (34 NE 11th Street, Miami)
It’s rare when a venue name says it all…the temperature will be rising up into outer space. Find many sexy somebodies in the crowd, across two rooms and over 25,000 square feet of club fun. DJs Rosabel (Ralphi Rosario and Abel; Chicago and Miami) will be spinning on the terrace and Wayne G (San Diego) will be playing his sets in the basement. Watch for the special performance by Power Infiniti and Kitty Meow!
When: Saturday, March 8, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: National Hotel South Beach (1677 Collins Avenue)
Who likes a pool party? Lay out in the sun or splash about with hundreds of other men. Two new DJs will be joining the Winter Party Festival family this year. Opening will be DJ Seth Cooper (Chicago), who has won many JustCircuit Awards. Afterwards, Gustavo Scorpio (Rio de Janeiro) will energize the crowds as they enter the evening.
When: Saturday, March 8, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Where: Hunters (2234 Wilton Manors Drive, Wilton Manors)
Wear your boots and your harness, find your daddy (or your boy), and get ready for a steamy night of ecstasy for people who like it rough. The action promises to be unspeakable, unforgettable and uninhibited, definitely a leather event you won’t soon forget! DJ Ted Eiel (Chicago) will be providing the beats (and check out his body!).
When: Saturday, March 8, 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Where: Score (1437 Washington Avenue)
This will be the first Winter Party for Score in its newer, bigger location, and they can’t wait to show it off to the people coming from around the world! DJ Ivan Gomez will be coming all the way from Barcelona to inaugurate this party in its updated home. Portuguese-born producer DJ Paulo (Los Angeles) will be on hand as well to shoot this flare heavenward.
When: Sunday, March 9, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Lummus Park (12th Street and Ocean Drive)
Over six thousand people are expected to converge beachside to gyrate to some of the best beats the dance world has to offer. Two different DJs make their Winter Party debut this year: DJ Grind (San Francisco) and Danny Verde (Milan). Verde makes his American daytime party debut this year.
When: Sunday, March 9, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Palace Bar (1200 Ocean Drive)
As the beach party winds down, head on over to The Palace. As we all know, The Palace is a pretty wild place to party, and this party will be so hot, it’s spilling out of the bar and onto Ocean Drive. It’s a party so hot, it’ll give you burns. Two distinct and unique sounds can be heard at the Burn party, from DJs RaffeLo (Miami) and Twisted Dee (Orlando).
WE Party Airlines – Boiling Point
When: Sunday, March 9, 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Where: Mansion Nightclub (1235 Washington Avenue)
The official Sunday night event for Winter Party Festival is back at the Mansion this year, and they’re going the extra mile to make a Miami winter the “Hottest Winter in the World.” Get on board and take your seats as your well-trained crew will take you from 0 to 212 in mere seconds. The music of DJs Sr. Edu (Madrid) and Isaac Escalante (Mexico City) will take you to a comfortable cruising altitude.
When: Monday, March 10, 5 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where: Mekka Nightclub (950 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami)
Some people don’t want to go to bed! While Miami gears up for just another Manic Monday, you can party straight through to lunchtime. DJ Alain Jackinsky (Montreal) will be spinning for the crowds who want to see the night away and have fun with the morning sun. Presented by Winter Party Festival and Hilton Wolman Events.
When: Monday, March 10, 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Where: Kill Your Idol (222 Espanola Way)
It’s the final party of the 2014 Winter Party, and it will be a send-off that will leave you counting down the days until 2015. Special performances by Chyna Girl, Boom Boom and Amy Rivers. Andrew Christian Underwear will be having giveaways all night long. Miami Beach sizzles even on a Monday. Presented by Dustin Reffca Presents.
