Wilton Manors Stonewall Parade and Pride Festival will rock the Island City for their 20th anniversary on Saturday, June 15, as tens of thousands arrive to get our rainbow on. It all kicks off at 3pm when the Marketplace opens with many booths spread along the length of Wilton Drive.
Meanwhile, parade contingents will have been queuing up just south of the river (and the Dairy Queen!) at Fort Lauderdale High School, preparing to step off at 4pm. The parade lasts about 90 minutes, and afterwards is when the real party begins.
For all the events happening over Friday and Saturday, look below:
The festivity starts on Friday, June 14 at 7pm at The Venue Fort Lauderdale (2345 Wilton Dr.) in the Crystal Ballroom as “Our Night Out” presents headliner Todrick Hall at Stonewall Pride’s most artistic and entertaining LGBT+ celebration! Join them for the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and the 20th Anniversary of Stonewall Pride Wilton Manors for a spectacular evening of over the top entertainment, artistic expression, and surprises you won’t want to miss. Todrick Hall performs tracks from his new album, Haus Party! Doors open at 7pm, with performances starting at 8pm and the after party at 10pm.
General admission includes: event admission, free drink for first 100 attendees who take Impulse survey, admission to Manor nightclub Pride Party after the event.
VIP Admission includes: event admission, exclusive access to VIP balcony for reception and performance viewing, premium open bar & passed hors d’oeuvres from 7 to 10pm, admission to Manor Nightclub Pride Party after the event.
“Our Night Out” is collaboration of and benefits four of South Florida’s premier LGBT+ arts organizations: The Stonewall National Museum & Archives, The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, Island City Stage and Arts United.
“Our Night Out” consists of live performances by top music talent, aerialists, artistic experiences, fashion and interactive performances that celebrate the vast array of art, culture and creative expression in the LGBT+ community.
“Our Night Out” is proudly sponsored by The Community Foundation of Broward, Impulse Group South Florida, Aids Healthcare Foundation, Education Rocks, MSR 500, PNC Bank, Souz Collection, Hotspots Media Group, The Grand Resort & Spa, The Manor, Lightship Studios, The Muse and the City of Wilton Manors.
Saturday, June 15, is the big day and it goes from 3pm to 11pm up and down Wilton Drive, with the Parade kicking off at 4pm. There is a $5 Admission, payable at the entry gate or pre-pay online. This admission helps to cover the cost of security for the event. A pre-pay entrance bracelet includes a free frozen drink (must be 21 or over for an Absolut frozen drink). This year’s Pride Festival will have seven stages providing entertainment as well as the entertainment provided by the more than 16 bars and restaurants on the Drive. In addition to pre-paid Admission, you can also purchase reserved parking, a commemorative mug, and VIP tickets.
The 7 stages are:
- iHeart Radio Center Stage will feature Company B, Anna Rexia, Scandals Line Dancers, Champagne Bordeaux, Scandal’s Broadway Drag Series & DJ Alex Ferbeyre, and will be hosted by: Shawn Palacious & Poizon Ivy.
- Manor Stage – will feature Power 96 DJ JPS, Dancers, Shows & Novelty Acts. At 11pm the party moves inside the Manors with DJ Kidd Madonny (room opens at 10pm)!
- Latin Stage – is brought to you by the Manor and Noche Latina Saturdays and will feature the the Jose Fajardo Jr and Sus Estrellas band, along with DJ Larry Larr spinning and Latin Divas performing. At 11pm the party moves inside the Empire Room (1 night only in this extravagant room in honor of pride) with DJ Duniel Juan, Omar on Bongos and hot Latin Divas and Go-Go Papi’s for your visual pleasure (room opens at 10pm)!
- Hunters Stage – opens at 7pm, and feature live performances by Nicole Halliwell, Ultra Nate & CeCe Penniston!
- Black Excellence Stage will be located on 21st court right in front of JC Park and feature music by DJ Tpromix & DJ Terry as well as live vocal performances by lgbt recording artists Tae Henry & Brent Love.
6 & 7) The Rumors and Alibi stages details awere not available at press time, but I am sure they will be fabulous!
HISTORY OF STONEWALL – The Stonewall Riots were a series of spontaneous, often times violent, demonstrations by members of the gay community against a police raid that took place in early morning hours of June 28, 1969, at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. They are widely considered to constitute the single most important event leading to the gay liberation movement and the modern fight for LGBTQ rights in the United States.
For more information, or to purchase your tickets, go to: wiltonmanorsstonewall.com.
