With the start of a new year, we look forward to the second half of the high season and a resurgence of entertainment events and performances in the area. Here’s what we’re looking forward to as Winter melts into Spring.
THEATER
“Moulin Rouge,” March 5-13
The touring company of the jukebox musical inspired by Baz Luhrman’s film stops at The Broward Center.
“Echo,” March 23-April 6 in Miami
In its first show since the pandemic, Cirque du Soleil sets up house (well, a circus tent) in Hallandale’s Gulfstream Park. The minimalist look of its current show, “Echo,” is centered around a giant cube that opens, twists, and falls apart and is rebuilt by acrobats, singers, musicians, and dancers who also find their way inside and out of the cube.
“The Prom,” March 23-April 7
Slow Burn Theatre produces its inventive take on the very queer Broadway and cinematic hit at The Broward Center.
“Pulp,” April 11-May 5
Island City Stage stages the homage/send-up of film noir influenced by pulp novels of the ‘50s in this inventive musical by Patricia Kane, Amy Warren, and Andre Pluess.
ArtBuzz Theatrics, April 26-May 5
Fort Lauderdale’s newest LGBT-focused theater company brings William Finn’s classic, “Falsettos,” to Empire Stage.
MUSIC
Rock the Block, Feb. 17
Wilton Manors’ homegrown music fest shuts down Wilton Dr. between NE 6ᵗʰ Ave. and NE 21ˢᵗ Ct. for an unforgettable, public event! This year’s headliner is David Archuleta.
“From Hollywood to You With Love” Feb. 17
Lesbian Thespians present 75 minutes of favorite songs from Hollywood classic films. Sing-along and relive the golden age of movies at ArtServe Auditorium.
Hooray for Hollywood, March 22 & 23
The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida performs songs from magnificent moments and those magical occurrences that occur when an extraordinary talent sings the right song at the right moment and creates an ever-lasting memory. A night dedicated to 100 years of musical movie magic, from the roaring rhythms of the 1920s to the evocative epics of the 2020s, at the Parker.
Tortuga Music Festival, April 5-7
A beach weekend experience that pairs music with raising awareness for marine conservation. The three-day, multi-stage music festival is held at Fort Lauderdale Park and features the biggest names in country, rock, and roots music.
Symphony of the Americas: Broadway – The Showstoppers, April 8 & 9
The Broward Center will host Symphony of the Americas’ celebration of electrifying moments in American musical theater as it celebrates The Great White Way with hits sure to bring down the house.
FILM
“Drive-Away Dolls” February
A lesbian road trip crime caper from Fargo’s Ethan Cohen with a cast that includes Pedro Pascal, Colman Domingo, Beanie Feldstein, and Margaret Qualley. The Coen Brothers have a knack for crime comedies, so one with a queer twist should be doubly delightful.
“Femme” March
American audiences will finally get to see “Femme” this Spring. The queer thriller is set in London’s drag scene, as Jules seeks revenge on the man who attacked him at a bathhouse.
“Challengers” April
Zendaya plays a tennis prodigy turned coach, balancing relationships with her husband (a fading champion) and his former best friend, who also happens to be her ex-boyfriend.
“Back to Black” May
A biopic of pop star Amy Winehouse’s early years, as it traces her life and rise to fame leading up to the release of her studio album, “Back to Black.” Marisa Abela of HBO’s Industry portrays the troubled singer.
PARTIES & EVENTS
FlockFest Splash, Spring Edition-Feb. 18, Memorial Weekend-May 26 & 27, and Rainbow Edition-June 16
Each party will feature a T-dance on the rooftop pool of The Easton at Courtyard Downtown FTL overlooking downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Winter Party Festival, Feb. 28 – March 5, in Miami Beach
The annual, week-long celebration of music, dance, and community, produced by the National LGBTQ Task Force to raise critical funds for the LGBTQ movement, is always one of the season’s top events.
Tropical Bear Week, March 5-10
The bears migrate to South Florida for this event, which includes Bears in the Park, three pool parties, a welcome party at Pub on the Drive and Gym bar, Sunset Tea Dance, Back Alley Dance party, Bear cabaret, camo beach party, “Bare With Me” dance party and a Jungle Queen Riverboat cruise. Entertainers include Crystal Waters and Varla Jean Merman, and, of course, impressive guest DJs.
5th Annual FLoatarama, June 8-9
Basically, it’s a Pride parade with a flotilla with decorated boats ranging from 10–65 feet, hot sailor boys, and big boats along the Intracoastal as a benefit for Pride Fort Lauderdale’s programs. On Sunday, the party continues late into the evening as the celebration continues with “Sailor Tea Dance” at Sanctuary Church’s deck on the waterfront.
Stonewall Pride, June 15
The big news is a change in the times for the street festival and parade. The street festival will begin at 3 p.m. this year, and the parade will now step off at 8 p.m. after the sun has set. The floats and contingents will focus on illumination, and things will be cooler (both in temperature and awesomeness!).
FOOD FESTIVALS
Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Feb. 22-25
A star-studded, four-day destination event highlighting the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs, and culinary personalities. All net proceeds from the festival benefit the Florida International University School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.
Savor SoFlo, April 6 & 7
General admission ticket holders can enjoy the Grand Tasting Village on Hollywood Beach starting at 1 p.m., and VIP ticket holders get in an hour early. The event features tastings from food purveyors, restaurants, wine, beer, and liquor companies. It doesn’t have the star wattage of Food Network’s event, but it’s cheaper and more laid back.
28th Annual Las Olas Wine & Food Festival, April 19
Tasting Pavilions offer the best cuisines from diverse cultures. All food and drinks are included in the ticket price, and the event benefits the American Lung Organization.
Pompano Beach Seafood Festival, April 21-23
The casual, laid-back vibe brings some of the best seafood (plenty of options for carnivores, as well) and music and benefits local Pompano Beach charities.
Truman’s Tropical Fruit Festival, June 15
Taste many types of mangoes and other tropical fruits, watch cooking demos, and purchase fruit trees you can take home, from the grounds of the Harry S Truman Little White House in Key West.
