November is Transgender Awareness Month, a time to celebrate, honor, and stand up for our community and our transgender, non-binary, and/or gender-diverse (TGD) friends, family, and neighbors as we work to raise awareness, foster understanding, and celebrate the TGD community’s rich tapestry of experiences. Each year during Transgender Awareness Month we mark the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) on November 20. On and around this day, people everywhere pause to remember and mourn the lives lost to hate and transphobic violence, with the days preceding it (November 13 – 19) being commemorated by many as Transgender Awareness Week.
Friday, November 8
Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour,” produced by Live Nation, will be here in south Florida tonight at The Hardrock Hollywood at 8pm. Check out the Hotspots exclusive interview with Cyndi Lauper online at Hotspotsmagazine.com. To purchase tickets, go to: Ticketmaster.com.
From today through November 18th is the 39th annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. They will feature a diverse selection of 100 films representing 35 countries. For more information or to purchase tickets go to FLIFF.com (you can also see the feature in this mag).
The Ninth Annual Friday Night Sound Waves continues at The LOOP with “Backstage Pass” Tribute Act Series, which is a Free Outdoor Concert Series in Fort Lauderdale Beach, Presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Beach Business Improvement District. Attendees are invited to come early to enjoy various pre-concert games on the main lawn starting at 5pm, along with local artisan vendors and a rotation of food and drink vendors to sip, sup and shop before, during and after the show. The free concert series will take place every Friday, Nov. 1 through Dec. 13, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Optional VIP experiences are available for purchase on select dates. Tonight is Sir Jac as Prince and on Nov 15 its Barry Britton as Rod Stewart.
Saturday, November 9
J Cohens Day Spa invites the entire community to join them today from 1-5pm for the thrilling launch of J Cohen’s Signature Skincare Collection! Explore top-tier products crafted with clean, vegan, and organic ingredients. Stop by to try them out and enjoy complimentary light bites, a live DJ, and a full bar, all sponsored by Kelly’s Pub!
Equality Florida presents their annual Broward Gala at the Westin Resort Convention Center from 6-9pm (exclusive VIP Sponsors Reception at 5:30pm). Purchase tickets at eqfl.org./browardgala.
The Boys of Chokoloskee present Gays in the Glades Drag Brunch #Freedomreigns edition at Havanna Café (195 Smallwood Drive, Chokoloskee, Fl 34138). The event is hosted by Alandra Matthews and Mya Valentine Lords and stars Erika Norell, Nikki Adams, Daisy Deadpetals and TP Lords. There will also be Tea Dance sets by DJ Pako. To make a reservation call 239-695-2214.
Riverwalk’s 4-legged residents will be pulling their leashes to Esplanade Park for the 18th Annual Riverwalk Mutts & Martinis. A celebration of Riverwalk’s furry friends and their two-legged companions, this free, public event features a doggie fashion show, peanut butter eating contest, a variety of pet-focused vendors, food trucks and great entertainment. A VIP Tasting Experience presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka – Vodka for Dog People, will be available for Dog Lovers 21 and over. From 12 pm to 4 pm participants will enjoy specialty cocktails by Tito’s. VIP Admission is $30 in advance or $35 at the event. Attendees must check in at the VIP Tasting Experience prior to the final admission time of 3:15 pm. VIP tickets and additional information is available at GoRiverwalk.com/mutts.
Sunday, November 10
Storks welcomes this month’s Artist, Ken Harrison Photography, which will be on display and for sale from today until December 8th. Join Ken for a meet & greet on Wednesday November 20th from 6:30 –9:30pm.
Monday, November 11
The 19th annual Taste of the Island takes place today at Richardson Historic Park from 6 to 9pm (5:30pm for VIP ticket holders). There are over 40 vendor booths to get food or spirits at, and don’t forget to get your passport stamped as there are valuable prizes to win! For more information or to purchase tickets, go to Tasteoftheisland.org.
The 47th annual Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theater & Arts Honors, will be held today starting at 7:30pm at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center at 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, FL 33311. Tickets are only $40 each (including facility fee) and are available for purchase online at https://www.showpass.com/47th-annual-carbonell-awards/.
Tuesday, November 12
The Parker Playhouse presents Sophie Ellis-Bextor at 7:30pm with special guest Hunters DJ Richie Rich. British Pop diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor soared to the top of the UK charts with her glossy, disco and 80’s Synth-pop influenced dance sound and her chart-topping anthem “Murder on the Dancefloor.” For more info or to purchase tickets, go to Parkerplayhouse.com.
Wednesday, November 13
Twist presents their annual Turnabout: A Night of exquisite shows by the Twist staff with showtime at 11pm. The night will also star TP Lords, Josefina La Globos and DJ Aulden Brown.
The West End Lounge presents Marieann Meringolo, an acclaimed American vocalist, who is known for her distinctive blend of Broadway, cabaret, and contemporary music. With a career spanning several decades, she has become a celebrated figure in the New York City music scene and beyond, earning a reputation for her soulful interpretations of both classic and modern songs. Her shows are often praised for their heartfelt storytelling, as she blends musicality with personal narratives, creating intimate experiences for her audiences. She has performed at top venues, across the United States and internationally including Feinstein’s/54 Below, Birdland, The Iridium and The Pheasantry, UK to name a few. Tickets to the 7pm show sold out, so they added a second show at 9pm. Tickets are $25 at Thewestendloungewm.com.
Thursday, November 14
Drag superstars and dazzling divas will light up the stage during the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood’s “The Art of Drag” fundraiser, returning for another glamorous year at Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale (1421 Oakland Park Blvd), at 7pm. This one-of-a-kind event will feature exclusive performances by local business and community leaders, the talented Aquanettes and a special guest appearance by Michael Dean as Cher in support of the Center’s mission to inspire and elevate the arts in South Florida. Tickets are limited, with general admission priced at $100, which includes an entrée, dessert, and a complimentary beverage. VIP Booths are available for $1,000 or VIP Tables for $1,500. To purchase tickets or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit artandculturecenter.org/events.
Michael Rapaport, the acclaimed actor and comedian known for his unique voice and candid style, is set to appear at the Mandel Jewish Community Center in Palm Beach Gardens with An Evening with Michael Rapaport. This event, moderated by Pam Comiter, will be an engaging night of comedy and connection. Rapaport will share his personal experiences both on and off the set and have the audience laughing all night. An Evening with Michael Rapaport starts at 7pm, with General Admission Tickets and VIP Tickets (Meet & Greet and Pre-Event Reception at 6pm) available at: JCConline.com/Rapaport.
Jungle Island, in collaboration with LEKTRIK Art, is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved Luminosa festival, now entering its third year. Guests will step through a grand archway into the magical world of Luminosa, where this year’s fairytale-inspired festival features enchanting installations. One of the highlights is the spectacular book walkway, a portal that transports guests into a storybook journey. The passage is lined with giant, animated books that appear to open and close, while butterflies gently flap their wings, creating a whimsical start to the adventure. This is truly a must-visit experience in Miami!” Adult tickets for Luminosa range from $30.78 on weekdays. Discounts are offered for seniors, students, and military personnel. Plan your visit to Jungle Island, located at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail. Tickets are available now at Jungleisland.com.
The world-renowned World Polo League, Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach is back, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more glamorous than ever. From today, through Sunday November 17, South Beach will transform into the epicenter of high-stakes competition and unparalleled luxury, where international polo stars, celebrities, and society’s elite gather for an unforgettable weekend. For tickets and additional information, visit https://www.miamipolocup.com.
Care Resource will be celebrating the life of Michael Todd Smith with a special memorial service at the midtown Miami locations (3510 Biscayne Blvd) and their Oakland Park location (3160 Powerline Road) from 6 to 8pm. Refreshments will be served following the service. RSVP with location and number of attendees to Marketing@careresource.org.
Saturday November 16
The Broward Center and Art Prevails Project present The Happening – A Theatrical Mixtape, Volume VI: Power to the People from today through Saturday, November 23 with six performances in the Abdo New River Room. The series is part of Broward Center’s Arts for Action: Black Voices, which features a variety of multi-disciplinary discussions, performances and art-making events designed to use the arts as a catalyst to heighten awareness, deepen knowledge and mobilize action on social justice issues. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at BrowardCenter.org.
Art Walk Wilton Manors returns tonight (3rd Sat of every month from Oct-May) from 6-9pm. Artists will be in front of 6 locations: Island City Smoke Shop, Shoppes of Wilton Manors, Castelli Real Estate, 6th Ave Park, The Well/Indelible Art + Tattoo, and Dixie Village (2435 N Dixie Highway). For more information, go to AWWM.org.
Sunday, November 17
The Kimpton Shorebreak presents “Escape” powered by Rramon Mia, A Sunset T-Dance on the Rooftop from 5-9pm. This week the t-dance features no cover, discounted parking, DJ AJ Reddy, drag performances by TP Lords and dancing until dark with Fort Lauderdale’s best views. For more information go to Theescaperooftopbar.com or call 954-908-7301.
Coral Springs Center for the Arts present “A Magical Cirque Christmas.” The ultimate holiday extravaganza will mesmerize, twist, flip, and jingle all the way for one very special performance, at 7 pm. The show’s world-acclaimed entertainers take audiences on a winter wonderland journey, immersing them in the spirit of the season and dazzling guests with their incredible talents. Tickets start at $54.73 and can be purchased online at TheCenterCS.com. For more information, visit MagicalCirqueChristmas.com.
Tuesday, November 19
The Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce presents their November Mixer at Rosie’s from 5:30 to 7pm. The event will feature a complimentary premium well welcome drink, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, complimentary valet and a great networking opportunity. Tickets are complimentary for members with early registration or $5 within 24 hours of event and $10 for future members with early registration and $15 within 24 hours of event. For more info, go to GGLGLCC.org.
Hot Stuff
Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige, a celebrated drag performer and one of the contestants on the 16th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, has been added to the cast of Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale (formerly Lips). The public is invited to see her perform during Saturday brunch shows and future Latin-inspired theme night on Tuesdays. “We are thrilled to add Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige to the Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale family which includes an elite cast of entertainers,” said Michael and John Barrett, owners of Aquaplex Key West and Fort Lauderdale. “As part of our significant investment to transform the venue and dining experience, we are also creating new shows that will excite loyal Lips fans and attract new audiences who love and appreciate the art of drag.” Stay tuned for updates on the grand opening and upcoming events at www.lipsfla.com.
The Silverhawks, a Ft. Lauderdale-based softball team, bested 24 other teams to take the Championship in the Legends “D” Division at the Gay Softball World Series (GSWS) in Las Vegas, October 15-19. More than 5,000 ball players jammed the four sport parks outside the Strip to play in 7 different softball divisions.
UltaMed in Oakland Park has year-end specials: 50 units of Botox for only $250; and/or buy 2 Bellafill syringes, get 1 free. Call Laurea at UltaMed today at 954-488-2625 for confidential consultation. Prebuy avail now for Jan 2025!
