Miami is one of the world’s great capitals for gay circuit parties, with a constant list of parties that take place throughout the year. One event that quickly gains popularity each year is Sizzle Miami, a five-day event held on Memorial Day weekend that caters to gay men of color. Sizzle Miami includes dozens of spectacular, high-energy parties – its success has prompted promoters to announce it “America’s most celebrated and anticipated black gay event.” This year’s dates are Memorial Day weekend, May 26-30, 2016.
Sizzle Miami consists of more than a dozen parties and events, with the main ones centered around downtown, though many attendees also spend time across the road in South Beach. Past gatherings included a popular gay Haulover Beach “takeover”, pool parties, a comedy show, brunch, waterskiing and other water sports, special dinners, and nightly discos at the best gay spots in the region. You can view a full calendar of events on the Sizzle Miami website, and purchase full accommodation / event and event packages, as well as Sizzle Express cards – keep in mind that prices are significantly cheaper if you buy in advance.
Sizzle’s main events include a series of big parties, the centerpiece of which is the Sizzle Live Mega Concert and Dance Party, on Saturday, May 28, with a host of famous DJs and performers. It takes place at the Ice Palace Complex from 10 pm to 6 am, and tickets are between $ 40 and $ 65. Other must-sees include the South Beach Yacht Party cruise on Friday afternoon, the Soak Him pool party. at posh Viceroy Miami on Saturday afternoon, the Beach Festival party in Virginia Key Beach Park on Sunday afternoon and early evening, and Monday’s 15th Anniversary Customer Appreciation Picnic.
Where to stay during Sizzle Miami
Sizzle Miami has arranged with several local accommodations in downtown Miami to serve as host hotels for the weekend, although none of these properties offer specific discounts, organizers suggest booking early to ensure the most favorite prices. Sizzle Miami’s four host hotels are the Hyatt Regency Miami, the Courtyard Marriott Miami Downtown, the elegant Kimpton-branded Epic Miami and the JW Marriott Marquis Miami.
Miami Gay Resources
Learn more about Miami’s dynamic gay scene at sites like SoBeGayInfo.com, Mark’s List in South Beach, and SoBeSocialClub.com, as well as visiting the Miami and South Beach Gay Nightlife Guide.
There are also two excellent tourism resources in the region: the GLBT travel site produced by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau has tons of information on the entire region, while the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce has a visitor center right on Playa Sur.
