One of the LGBTQ+ community’s most iconic celebrations is gearing up for a major return in 2026, with a new presenting sponsor that puts sexual health front and center.
The National LGBTQ Task Force announced that MISTR, the nation’s largest telemedicine platform for HIV prevention and sexual health services, will serve as the presenting sponsor of Winter Party Festival 2026, scheduled for Feb. 26 through March 2, 2026, in Miami Beach, Florida.
Now in its 33rd year, Winter Party Festival is a weeklong series of music, dance and cultural events that attract more than 10,000 attendees from around the world. Proceeds from the festival benefit the National LGBTQ Task Force’s advocacy, organizing and education efforts, as well as local LGBTQ+ organizations in South Florida.
“Winter Party is one of the most iconic gay events in the world, bringing people together to celebrate our community,” said Tristan Schukraft, founder and CEO of MISTR. “MISTR is proud to be part of an event that proves taking care of your sexual health can live right alongside having the time of your life.”
Founded in 1994, Winter Party has long billed itself as a “party with a purpose,” combining high-energy entertainment with fundraising for LGBTQ+ causes. Since 2005, Winter Party and the Task Force Gala have reinvested more than $4 million into over 100 community organizations in South Florida, while also supporting national social justice initiatives.
The 2026 festival will once again transform Miami and Miami Beach into a hub of queer celebration, featuring more than a dozen events at world-class venues. Organizers say the upcoming edition will build on recent expansions in production scale while honoring the festival’s legacy as one of the world’s most recognizable LGBTQ+ gatherings.
“For the National LGBTQ Task Force, creating spaces for queer joy is an essential component of our work, and the Winter Party Festival is a powerful example of that,” said Andy Garcia, the Task Force’s director of conferences and events. “With the support of partners like MISTR — whose commitment to expanding access to sexual health services closely aligns with our mission — we’re able to bring our community together for a true party with a purpose.”
MISTR’s role as presenting sponsor underscores the growing intersection between LGBTQ+ nightlife, public health and community care. The platform provides free online access to PrEP, DoxyPEP, STI testing, Hepatitis C testing and treatment, and long-term HIV care across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. It is currently the only telemedicine provider offering these services at no cost to people without insurance.
The Winter Party Festival lineup for 2026 will feature an international roster of DJs, including Abel Aguilera, Brady Prince, GSP, Jace M, Joey With The Mustache, Joe Pacheco, Joshua Ruiz, Karsten Sollors, Nina Flowers, Morabito, Oscar Velazquez, Sagi Kariv and Toy Armada, with additional performers to be announced.
Several marquee events are already generating buzz. Winter Party will return its official host hotel — and its legendary Saturday Pool Party — to the National Hotel Miami Beach for the first time since 2019. Festival organizers have secured exclusive guest rates and reduced resort fees for attendees.
The festival’s signature Beach Party will once again take over the sands of Miami Beach near 10th Street, featuring expanded staging, immersive production elements and a stacked DJ lineup. In addition to large-scale dance events, the weeklong schedule will include sunset parties, wellness programming, cultural events and community gatherings designed to foster connection and restoration.
Attendees will have multiple pass options, including VIP, Festival and Weekend passes. VIP passholders will receive perks such as priority access to select events and open-bar privileges at the Beach Party.
The 2026 Winter Party Festival is supported by the Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority, the Miami-Dade County Tourism Development Council and numerous sponsors and partners. Media sponsors include Edge Media, equalpride and HOTspots Magazine.
Festival passes and individual event tickets are now available, with organizers encouraging early reservations due to high demand. Press credentials will be issued as space allows.
As Winter Party enters its next chapter, the partnership with MISTR signals a continued commitment to blending celebration with care — reminding attendees that queer joy, community health and activism can thrive side by side.
