Winter Party Festival

Our 2008 Winter Party Festival ^SM will take place February 27–March 3. Full details should be available soon!

More than 10,000 people converged on Miami for the 14th Annual Winter Party Festival from Feb. 28 through March 5. “Beyond Borders” was the theme of this year’s gathering, which featured a vibrant mix of events, including world-class dance parties with top DJs from six countries and new programming for the youth, transgender and faith communities.

“Winter Party, however, is in a class of its own. As a newcomer to the area, I am intrigued by the diversity of its events. In addition to the traditional circuit fare, Winter Party features junctures catered for women, lovers of the arts, athletes, and even youth ages 13 to 20.”

— Patrick Steven Waechter, 411 Magazine

Photo gallery

The Beach Party

A record-breaking crowd gathered for the Beach Party on the sands of South Beach. Celebrated DJs Tony Moran and Brett Henrichsen spun a magical journey as attendees danced under a giant picture of the Earth suspended over the dance floor. The site design included a new feature: an elevated area for VIPs overlooking both the dance floor and the blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Dance diva Deborah Cox, backed by a gospel choir, provided the grand finale. Photos by Brett Hufziger, bhuf.com.

Youth events

Executive committee members Nathan Doty and Brian Willoughby spearheaded One Tribe, One Vibe, the first event in the Winter Party Festival’s history designed specifically for LGBTQ youth and their straight allies. The event, underwritten in part by MTV Latin America, was held at Parrot Jungle Island, a popular Miami attraction, and included a BBQ lunch, music by DJ Angel Infiniti and a youth resource fair. Photos by Felix Becerra.

People of faith

For the first time, the Winter Party Festival line-up included faith programming. Board member David Cornell worked with local leaders to create four faith events, two of which were held at Miami’s Trinity Cathedral on March 1. LGBT spiritual pioneer the Rev. John J. McNeill presented a talk and workshop titled Seeking God’s Purpose in Our Sexual Lives. Later in the evening, several LGBT-friendly South Florida congregations and spiritual groups joined with the Task Force, Equality Florida and SAVE Dade for An Inclusive Spiritual Celebration: Let Justice Roll Down. Photos by Felix Becerra.

Family Picnic

Close to 150 LGBT parents brought their children to the 2nd Annual Winter Party Festival Family Picnic, co-hosted by South Florida Family Pride. The complimentary event was held in Hollywood’s TopeeKeegee Yugnee Park and included lunch, a rock-climbing wall, face-painting and other family activities. Photos by Brett Hufziger, bhuf.com.

Women’s events

Miami jazz favorite Maryel Epps was the centerpiece of the final women’s event of this year’s Winter Party Festival, the Women’s Jazz Brunch. More than 40 women attended the first-time event at Lincoln Road’s Van Dyke Café. Other events included a kayaking excurson, a cocktail party, and Industry, a dance party held at China Grill. Photos by Nellie Barrios.

The Pool Party

The overall theme “Beyond Borders” was incorporated into several aspects of this year’s Pool Party at the host hotel, the Doubletree Surfcomber. The party was dubbed “Under One Sun” and the bright orange and yellow décor received rave reviews from the record-breaking crowd that attended the event. Music was provided by two of the most popular DJs from the United Kingdom ever to emerge on the international scene: Wayne G and Luke Johnstone. Photos by Yuri Andrei.

Glamour Unleashed

Members and friends of the transgender community dressed to impress at Glamour Unleashed, an evening of glitz and glamour at the Winter Party Festival. The event featured a cocktail reception, a presentation by noted sexologist and author Dr. Marilyn Volker and entertainment by special guests. Pictured here are attendees Cat Turner, Lauran Thomas and Barbara Ann Coombs.