When it comes to summer destinations, Greater Miami and the Beaches needs to be at the top of your list.
If you are waiting for the snow to fall in the north before you look to jetting south for fun in the sun, you’ll be missing out on what summer and early fall in Miami have to offer.
Here are just a few of the exciting things happening this August, September, and October in Greater Miami and the Beaches that will tantalize your body, nourish your taste buds, educate you about LGBTQ+ history, and have you celebrating life with old and new friends.
Queer Miami Exhibition at HistoryMiami – March 16th to September 1st
Experience Miami’s Queer history through the eyes, ears and lives of the communities who wrote it with this exhibition curated by Miami-raised Julio Capó Jr, associate professor of history at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Queer Miami: A History of LGBTQ Communities chronicle of Miami’s queer past explores dozens of different media to expose the queer community’s struggle and perseverance in the face of discrimination, isolation, and violence. Connect with personal accounts of defiance and triumph that helped shape the community’s identity around civil rights and the freedom of expression.
Location: HistoryMiami, 101 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
Miami Spa Months – July 1st to August 31st
For a world-class, heavily-discounted, self-pampering experience that’s second to none, look no further than Miami Spa Months, the spa connoisseur’s go-to for luxury spa deals. Relax, rejuvenate, then maybe, repeat at some of world’s top luxury spas at a fraction of the cost.
Miami Spice – August 1st to September 30th
The only thing better than enjoying Miami’s world-class food scene is doing it at a discount. Treat your taste buds to the best of Miami’s food scene during Miami Spice, the city’s two-month long celebration of diverse cuisine and fine dining. With over 100 participating restaurants in this festival of dynamic food, guests will enjoy top cuisine from top-rated chefs at reasonable rates.
AQUA GIRL – October 3rd to 6th
Come celebrate the largest gay women’s charity event in the country at Aqua Girl, an iconic 5-day extravaganza in its 20th year. During this event-filled weekend, women from every corner of the globe come to South Beach to enjoy sunshine, friendship, entertainment – a real celebration of life.
Proceeds from the event go toward supporting the Aqua Foundation for Women, which funds LGBTQ support programs and aims to empower and transform the lives of the south Florida LGBTQ community.
Looking to know more about dates and events? Not only does Aquagirl.org have specific instructions on how to sign up and to reserve space at the host hotel, Marseilles Hotel, the website also has all the colorful details about the “What’s Your Sign” party, the deep info on the multiple pool parties, and the dance floor deets about Dulce, Girltopia, and Recovery. Here’s a quick taste of what’s going on at Aquagirl.
WHAT’S YOUR SIGN – Thursday, October 3rd
The power of the zodiac may help you break the ice with THE one as Aqua Girl kicks off the weekend by embracing that historic pick-up line, “What’s Your Sign?” Are you a fire, earth, water, or air? And who will you mesh with the best? Will you go with the safe zodiac match or will you rock the boat of astrology and make an uncommon connection. When in Miami …
PLAY BY THE POOL – Friday, October 4th
Enjoy an afternoon of fun and sun poolside at the National Hotel. DJ’s Toni K and D’Lux will be providing the beats, while party-goers enjoy water volleyball and other interactive games. The party starts at 11am and is free° All you need to do is RSVP.
DULCE DANCE PARTY – Friday, October 4th
Come enjoy a night of Latin, Caribbean and dance music at this sexy party hosted at the Pearl Lounge. The DJ’s Citizen Jane and Zehno will be spinning from 10 – 4am with a special performance from Leslie Cartaya. 1 Ocean Dr. Miami Beach, FL 33139 for VIP Tables contact or text 305-975-6933
AQUALICIOUS POOL PARTY – Saturday, October 5th
It wouldn’t be Miami without multiple pool parties, this being the iconic one. So come play in the sun and enjoy DJ’s Whitney Day Zehno and Miss M at the National Hotel and keep the party going from 11-5am.
GIRLTOPIA – Saturday, October 5th
The future is female at Treehouse’s signature dance event. On September 29 starting at 10pm, come rule the dancefloor for this unforgettable, female utopian experience of sights and sounds featuring DJ’s Miss M and D’Lux.
SUNDAY POOL – Sunday, October 6th
It’s not the end of the festivities so keep the fun going with Sunday in the pool with old friends and new. Splash around or just watch it all progress into the early evening. It’s still the weekend so treat yourself like it is.
RECOVERY – Sunday, October 6th
All good things come to an end, even this year’s Aqua Girl. Check in to Recovery – the official Aqua Girl wrap party. Sign your heart out with Karaoke then hit the dance floor for once last twirl. Never say goodbye when in Miami for the fun you found here will remain to be enjoyed during your next visit.
Summers in Greater Miami and the Beaches are overflowing with relaxation, exploration, and opportunities to indulge. For the LGBTQ stay-cationer or traveler, the chances to enjoy the spas, cuisine, art, gatherings and ease of feeling a part of the local community of Southern Florida can be found through the months of August, September, October, and beyond. To stay on top of all the events mentioned above and more, watch for information and updates on https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/ .
Queer Miami Photo: Gay Rights Parade, June 25, 1978. Tim Chapman Collection, HistoryMiami Museum
Miami Spa Months and Miami Spice photos from www.miamiandbeaches.com
Aquagirl photo from Aquagirl.com