Miami Beach Pride Parade
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Nothing symbolizes the unbridled joy and endless energy of Miami Beach Pride like the annual Pride Parade. The procession of thumping music and outrageous floats returns to Ocean Drive on April 14, 2024, kicking off at noon and running right into the Pride Festival in Lummus Park. The Pride Parade is a symbol of all that’s great about Greater Miami & Miami Beach’s LGBTQ+ community, showcasing the art, talent and enduring spirit of its members. This year’s theme is Pride, Progress, Perseverance.
When and Where is the Miami Beach Pride Parade?
The Miami Beach Pride Parade is the capstone of Miami Beach Pride, which runs from April 4-14, 2024.
The parade begins at noon on Sunday, April 14 at 5th Street and Ocean Drive, then runs north. It has no official end time, but it will ultimately end at the Pride Festival inside Lummus Park, where live music, dancing, DJs, and drink specials will consume the rest of the afternoon and evening.
This year’s Celebrity Grand Marshall is Ru Paul’s Drag Race Season 15 winner Sasha Colby, who in addition to headlining the parade will have a live musical performance at the Pride Festival immediately afterwards.
How to Get to the Miami Beach Pride Parade
If you’re planning to attend the parade, consider public transportation. The Poseidon Ferry begins service across Biscayne Bay from Downtown Miami to Miami Beach beginning on March 1. It leaves from the Venetian Marina at 1635 N. Bayshore Drive in Downtown Miami and arrives at Maurice Gibb Memorial Park in Miami Beach. From there, you can take the Miami Beach Trolley or a rideshare to the parade route.
For those coming from Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach or Orlando, Brightline offers regular, high-speed train service to Downtown Miami. From the station, a rideshare or taxi takes about 20-30 minutes to get to Miami Beach.
If you decide to drive, public parking garages are available on 7th Street between Washington and Collins Avenue, on 13th Street and Collins Avenue, and on 12th Street between Washington and Pennsylvania avenues, near the Miami Beach Police Department. You can also park at the public garage at the 5th and Alton shopping center, which is about a 15-minute walk to the parade.
Another option, of course, is to stay at a hotel that’s close to the parade route and Lummus Park.
Where to Watch the Miami Beach Pride Parade
The parade route runs from 5th to 15th streets along Ocean Drive, so the best place for up-close action will be right on the sidewalk. As with any parade, be sure to get there early for a prime vantage point. Lummus Park provides a slightly elevated place to watch from, as do many of the sidewalk restaurants and bars along Ocean Drive.
The Pride Festival also offers VIP tickets with access to the exclusive Delta Lounge, which includes a special viewing area, an open bar, light bites and air-conditioned restrooms.
What to Wear to the Miami Beach Pride Parade
If you’ve been to the Pride Parade before, you know that almost anything goes as far as attire, so don’t be afraid to be daring. That said, do remember that afternoon temperatures can get into the upper 80s and with thousands of people around, you’ll want to wear something comfortable. Sunscreen and water are always important, especially if you’re planning to enjoy boozy beverages during the parade.
What’s Happening After the Pride Parade?
The parade itself is reason enough to spend a day in Miami Beach, but if you’re looking for something to do after the parade, hit the Pride Festival in Lummus Park, which kicks off at noon and continues after the parade is finished. Sunday’s lineup will include DJ/producer Guy Scheiman at the new Healthymd Dance Stage as well as Celebrity Grand Marshall Sasha Colby. The afternoon will also include jugglers, drag queens and other top-notch entertainment.
By: Matthew Meltzer | March 5, 2024