Winter Party Festival 2015: Your Guide to the Parties and Fun Events

Everyone knows Winter Party is the place to dance and to see and be seen for six days each March. It’s been that way since 1994 when the very first festival was organized in Miami Beach, to rave reviews. Every year since the beginning, proceeds raised during Winter Party Festival have been donated to local LGBT non-profits from across the state, administered by The Miami Foundation and given to them by the National LGBTQ Task Force.

This Winter Party Week is one of the largest yet, bringing people together for mixers, dance parties, and more, all in the name of raising money to help our community. Here is a spotlight on sixteen events you must not miss.

Spark

Welcome to Winter Party! Mix and mingle with men and women from all over the world at the week’s official welcome reception and pres launch. Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served. $10 donation is suggested. (March 4, 7 p.m., The Gale South Beach, 1690 Collins Ave.)

ArtScape

Enjoy art and culture at the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens while you’re surrounded by beautiful faces and the works of the innovative South Florida art community. There will also be a silent auction where you can buy and take home some of your favorite pieces. (March 5, 7 p.m.)

Ignite

Winter Party Festival begins its much-loved dance parties with the kickoff event called Ignite. DJ Dan Slater from Australia and DJ Dani Toro from Barcelona will be here, spinning the hottest beats and warming everyone up for the exciting events to come. (March 5, 10 p.m., Cameo, 1445 Washington Ave.)

Elevate

If you’re a longtime Winter Party supporter, you’ll notice that this event is new! Join DJs Carlos Rojas and Jalil Z for “Elevate,” a rooftop party at the Hotel Victor. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Miami Beach and all the eye candy by the pool! (March 6, 2 p.m., 1144 Ocean Dr.)

VIP Cocktail Reception

Raise a glass and toast the wonderful people who make Winter Party Festival possible year after year. This intimate gathering will be hosted at the home of Tom Bercu, who has organized fantastic events from coast to coast. Open bar and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Minimum donation is $100. (March 6, 7:30 p.m., 4475 N. Meridian Ave.)

Pa’ella

This event brings together the talents of DJ Inaia, whose Latin and Afro-funk roots have earned her fame in South Florida, and Leslie Cartaya, a talented Cuban singer who has been nominated for three Latin Grammy Awards. (March 6, 9 p.m., Hush, 1661 Pennsylvania Ave.)

Pulse

Club Space, in partnership with Hilton Wolman Events, are throwing a party for the ages, featuring DJs Rosabel on the Space Terrace and DJs Nina Flowers and Power Infiniti (Flower Power) in the basement. This party features a variety of sounds everyone will love. (March 6, 10 p.m., 34 NE 11th St., Miami)

Under One Sun

This is one of the hottest pool parties you’ll go to all year! DJ Brett Henrichsen will be spinning poolside right at the host hotel, the Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach. It’s mere steps from your room to an oasis of fun and sexy men! (March 7, noon, 1801 Collins Ave.)

Sweat

This is for the men who love leather (and the men who wear it)! Take a trip to Hunters up in Fort Lauderdale for a sultry soirée with some of the hottest men South Florida has to offer. DJ John LePage will be providing the music for this night that you’ll surely remember for a long time! (March 7, 10 p.m., 2232 Wilton Dr.)

Industry

The Winter Party’s premier event for women, Industry, produced with Pandora Events, will feature dancing, lots of fun, and the music of South Florida DJ Crush. Check it out and see why this is a party people talk about year after year. (March 7, 10 p.m., Cafeina, 297 NW 23rd St., Miami)

Energy

Score is hopping most nights of the week but this night is one for the record books as they host the Energy party once more. Join thousands of hunks as they gyrate to the hot beats of DJs Alain Jackinsky, Isaac Escalante (main room) and Erez Ben Ishay (downstairs). (March 7, 10 p.m., 1437 Washington Ave.)

Brunchic

Anyone in South Florida can tell you that Palace Bar is a great place to enjoy mimosas, great food and a drag show! They will be presenting a special brunch in honor of Winter Party, featuring Palace’s cast and a few surprise guests! Get a drink and watch these queens turn it up! (March 8, 11:30 a.m., 1200 Ocean Dr.)

The Beach Party

Hands-down, this is the most anticipated event every year, and it’s easy to see when you step foot on the warm sand and see beefcake all along the horizon! Over 6,000 people are coming out to have fun and dance to the beats dropped by DJs Seth Cooper and Phil Romano. (March 8, noon, Sands of South Beach at Lummus Park, 12th St. and Ocean Ave.)

Illuminate

Don’t want to leave the Palace after that fabulous brunch? You don’t have to! DJs Josh Whitaker and Deanne start the party in the afternoon and keep it going until long after the sun has set. Enjoy a festive and fabulous block party, South Beach-style! (March 8, 4 p.m., 1200 Ocean Dr.)

WE Party: Attacks

Winter Party is coming to an end, and you haven’t lived until you’ve partied at Mansion Nightclub for the “last night” party that is the one of the hottest tickets in town. WE Party and Masterbeat join forces and present DJs Alyson Calagna and Micky Friedmann for an alluring night that proves this isn’t “goodbye,” it’s “’til next year”! (March 8, 10 p.m., 1235 Washington Ave.)

ACTION! Afterglow

One party just isn’t enough to close out a fabulous experience like Winter Party Festival! DJ Joe Gauthreaux has a set list ready to help you party all the way to lunchtime on Monday. Who cares if you lose sleep? You can sleep when you get home! (March 9, 5 a.m., Mekka Nightclub, 950 NE 2nd Ave., Miami)

Tickets are available to all of these events, per event, by visiting the Winter Party website at winterparty.com. VIP options are available for The Beach Party, Under One Sun, Pulse and WE Party: Attacks; please visit winterparty.com for more information on how to purchase those packages.