Thursday, April 23
The Outshine Film Festival Spring Edition starts today and goes through May 3 (Miami today through April 30 and Fort Lauderdale April 27 through May 3). As a critically acclaimed platform, OUTshine is more than just a film festival—it’s an immersive experience designed to inspire, entertain, and educate. Their mission is to foster community and celebrate LGBTQ+ stories through diverse films, videos, and media that explore historical and contemporary perspectives. In addition, they feature the Outshine at Home edition which takes place from May 4-10. To find out more info or to purchase tickets, go to: Outshinefilm.com.
The Amerant Bank Arena presents “The Boss” Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band in their Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour tonight at 8pm. For tickets, go to amerantbankarena.com
The Gay Polo League (GPL) will honor the strength, majesty and competitive spirit of the polo ponies and the players at GPL’s International Gay Polo Tournament from today through April 25 in Wellington, Florida. Now in its 16th year in The Palm Beaches, the events attract a global cross-section of more than 1,000 attendees and 16 players from around the world. For tickets, more information, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit Gaypolo.com
Friday, April 24
The iconic Las Olas Wine and Food Festival returns for its 30th anniversary taking over four blocks of Las Olas Boulevard with more than 40 top restaurants and 200 wines and spirits. Presented by exclusive wine and spirits partner Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits with support from title sponsor, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, LALO Tequila, Jim Beam, Aperol, Espolòn Tequila, and Jameson Irish Whiskey, the event is hosted by and in support of the American Lung Association. Kicking off at 7:30 p.m. (5:30pm for VIPs), the milestone celebration transforms South Florida’s most stylish street into a high-energy culinary destination, marking three decades as one of the region’s most anticipated annual events. For more info or to purchase tickets, go to: LasOlasWFF.com
Saturday, April 25
The MDGLCC presents The Legends Award Cocktail Reception and Ceremony, which is the Chamber’s signature celebration of legacy, leadership, and community. This annual event honors five outstanding individuals who uplift Miami’s LGBTQ+ and allied community and fosters visibility, connection, and economic empowerment. The Emcee for the evening is Craig Stevens, with an opening performance by Yoli Mayor and the After Party DJ is Tracy Young. This incredible event takes place at the Hilton Miami Downtown (1601 Biscayne Blvd). Tickets are $125 for members and $150 for future members and includes an Open Bar, Food Stations, a $15 Uber credit, and each person who buys a ticket will be automatically entered into a raffle with a chance to win 50,000 American Airline miles, and a weekend at the Hilton Miami Downtown. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to Mdglcc.com.
Sunday, April 26
NYC’s Men’s Interracial Play Party invades Fort Lauderdale at 321 Slammer from 4 to 8pm. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. For more info or to purchase tickets, go to MilkchocolateNYC.com.
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale brings Rob Pruitt’s Flea Market back to Fort Lauderdale for its encore from noon to 5pm. The internationally renowned contemporary artist has been staging his nomadic flea markets around the world since 1999, in locations from New York to London’s Tate Gallery and at NSU Art Museum in 2021. Pruitt is inviting local artists to sell their art and wares during the one-day event. Taking the form of a traditional open-air bazaar, Rob Pruitt’s Flea Market is an opportunity to meet artists and take home an original artwork in a relaxed atmosphere. By highlighting bartering and haggling as both economic and performative, and featuring a diverse array of goods from artwork to housewares, Pruitt’s Flea Market blurs the line between art and commerce. This event is free and open to the public.
The Seminole Hardrock Hotel and Casino Hollywood presents Penn & Teller at Hardrock Live at 8pm. From humble beginnings 50 years ago busking on the streets of Philadelphia, to acclaimed sold–out runs on Broadway and renown as the longest-running and one of the most-beloved resident headline acts in Las Vegas history, magic’s legendary duo – Penn Jillette and Teller – continue to defy labels (and at times physics and good taste), by redefining the genre of magic and inventing their own very distinct niche in comedy. For tickets, go to Casino.hardrock.com/hollywood.
Following her recent induction into Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library’s (SNMAL) ‘Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes’ exhibit, renowned singer-songwriter Janis Ian is back at the Museum for a screening of her documentary film, ‘Janis Ian: Breaking Silence’ as well as conversation and audience Q&A at 5pm as part of Wilton Women’s Week and presented by Stonewall National Women’s Fund. For tickets go to: https://swshop.stonewall-museum.org/product/janis-ian-breaking-silence-film-musical-tribute/
Tuesday, April 28
From today through May 3rd the Kravis Center presents, based on the best-selling novel that inspired the iconic film, The Notebook, which tells the story of Allie and Noah, both from different worlds, who share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart. The Notebook is directed by Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, RENT) and Schele Williams (The Wiz, Aida), and features music and lyrics by multiplatinum singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, a book by Bekah Brunstetter (NBC’s This Is Us) and choreography by Katie Spelman. The show also plays at the Arsht Center from May 5 to 10. For tickets, go to Kravis.org or Arshtcenter.org
Miami Improv presents Miami Housewives Marysol Patton & Alexia Nepola at 8pm along with social media sensation Miguel Luciano. With their quick wit, larger-than-life stories, and signature love of “cockies,” Alexia and Marysol are bringing a night full of laughs, Miami gossip, and a live Q&A that only best friends of 20+ years can deliver. From behind-the-scenes RHOM drama to unforgettable 305 adventures, nothing is off limits. Add in Miguel’s sharp humor, and you’ve got the ultimate recipe for an evening of unfiltered stories, and nonstop laughs. For tickets, go to Miamiimprov.com
Thursday, April 30
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood and Danne Montague-King present Harvey Milk Honors: Grand Prix Edition at the Seminole Ballroom from 7 to 11pm. They invite the community to join them as they honor change makers in the spirit of Harvey Milk. The night is hosted by ABC anchor Jacey Birch and includes entertainers from R House Wynwood, and honors Lance Bass, Jessica Hawkins, Heated Rivalry Creator/director and Hotspots Happening Out’s own Fay Albernas. For more information, or to purchase tickets go to Milkfoundation.org
Friday, May 1
The Kravis Center & Palm Beach Improv presents Emmy and Sag-Nominated actor, comedian, and author Kevin Nealon tonight and tomorrow Saturday, May 2. Kevin is best known for his nine-year stint as a cast member of NBC’s Saturday Night Live and has received critical acclaim for his role in the Showtime series Weeds. To purchase tickets, go to Kravis.org.
Saturday, May 2
Arts United Gallery presents the opening reception for “Shining Through: The Courage to be Seen” from 7 to 9pm with awards at 8:30pm. This is a visual art juried exhibition in honor of mental health awareness month and runs through May 30. For more information, go to Artsunitedflorida.com.
The South Florida Pride Concert Band celebrates 40 years of music, community, and pride in a spectacular anniversary performance at the Parker at 7pm, presented by the Bears of South Florida. Joined by special guest performers, the band will take audiences on a journey through four decades of unforgettable moments from the past. Expect thrilling surprises throughout the evening, including appearances by founding band members, Matt Bischoff, Miss Bouvee, Kareema Khouri, a performance by the FLoatarama High School Soloist Competition winner, and special performances by the South Florida Pride Jazz Band and Steel Band. The night will also mark a historic milestone as Dan Bassett, the band’s Artistic Director for 20 years, ceremoniously passes the baton to incoming director, Sara Cowley. For more information, go to Southfloridapridebands.org. For Hotspots readers please use code PYB26 to receive $15 off the ticket price.
SAVE is proud to announce additional honorees for its 2026 Champions of Equality Gala, recognizing leaders whose work is shaping South Florida’s cultural, civic, and philanthropic life. This year, SAVE will honor Carol Coombes, Bilzin Sumberg, and internationally acclaimed vocalist Nicole Henry as part of the 2026 Champions of Equality season. Earlier this year, SAVE announced civic leader and philanthropist Joseph Falk as a 2026 Champion of Equality honoree. The gala takes place at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, bringing together community leaders, advocates, and supporters for one of South Florida’s most visible gatherings celebrating LGBTQ+ progress. The evening will be hosted by Emmy Award–winning journalist Louis Aguirre of WPLG Local 10 News, with special guest host Lindsey Alley. For more information or tickets, go to: Save.lgbt/champions.
Sunday, May 3
Front Runners & Walkers Fort Lauderdale proudly announces the inaugural Love Wins 5K, a vibrant community race celebrating inclusivity, fitness, and pride. The race will take place at 7:30am and will begin and end on the iconic Rainbow Bridge in Wilton Manors, taking participants on a scenic course up and down the heart of Wilton Drive. Runners and walkers of all abilities are invited to join this uplifting event that blends athletic achievement with community spirit. Prize money will be awarded to the top three finishers in the men’s, women’s, and non-binary divisions. In addition to the race itself, the Love Wins Race Festival will take place before and after the event at Richardson Historic Park. The festival will feature a live DJ, along with community partners and vendors. Race awards and prize presentations will take place at the festival following the race. Registration details and additional event information are available at Lovewins5k.com
Monday, May 4
Outsfl presents the third annual Mizz Outsfl: An Evening of Elegance, glamour, legacy and awareness presented by Grieco Ford Fort Lauderdale at United Church of Christ’s Elliot Hall (2501 NE 30th Street Fort Lauderdale) at 7pm (doors open at 6pm). The night will honor Mizz Outsfl 2025, Velvet LeNore, and feature performances by Erika Norell, Catchy Craig, Melissa St John, Miss Florida F.I. 2026 Monica Simpson, Miss Florida F.I. at Large Candi Fuentes, Mr. Florida M.E. Emeritus Jose Vega, and a host of local title holders. There is a $25 suggested donation at the door, and they will feature dinner by You & Me Catering and the bar is by La Mexicana.
Stonewall Pride Guide
The annual Pride Guide for the Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival is an amazing place for you to advertise your business or service. The magazine is distributed to over 200 locations in South Florida and will of course be available at Stonewall Pride. This is a guide that people keep all year long and many keep as a collector’s item. To find out more info or to purchase your ad email me (Scott Holland) at PM@hotspots.lgbt or call me at 754-200-1917.
