The Winter Party Festival returned to Miami Beach for its 33rd anniversary this year, bringing thousands of LGBTQ+ travelers and locals together for a week of dance floors, activism and community connection.
Running Feb. 26 through March 2, the annual gathering is organized by the National LGBTQ Task Force and serves as both a celebration and a fundraiser. The multi-day event helps support advocacy, organizing and education efforts aimed at advancing equality for LGBTQ+ communities nationwide.
Presented by MISTR, the festival drew nearly 10,000 attendees from around the world and filled venues across Miami and Miami Beach with music and parties anchored by some of the global circuit scene’s most recognizable DJs.
A Stormy Start, Then a Classic South Beach Scene
One of the festival’s signature events, the Sunday Beach Party, almost didn’t look like a beach party at all.
Heavy rain and even brief hail rolled through the morning hours along South Beach, threatening to wash out the gathering. But by afternoon, the clouds moved on and the shoreline filled with dancers once again.
According to organizers, the quick turnaround captured the spirit of the weekend.
Andy Garcia, director of conferences and events for the National LGBTQ Task Force, described the moment as a reminder of the resilience that has long defined queer gatherings.
The early storm eventually gave way to clear skies, turning the beach into a sea of raised hands and sun-drenched dance circles.
Music Across the City
Winter Party’s programming stretched across 11 events hosted at nightlife venues and gathering spaces throughout the city. Each party spotlighted DJs who have become staples of LGBTQ+ dance culture.
This year’s lineup included performances from Abel (DJ), Brady Prince, GSP, Jace M, Joe Pacheco, Joey With The Mustache, Joshua Ruiz, Karsten Sollors, Morabito, Oscar Velazquez, Rick Braile, Sagi Kariv and Toy Armada.
From poolside sets to late-night dance floors, the weekend leaned into the kind of communal nightlife experience that has long been central to queer culture.
For many attendees, the draw goes beyond music. Winter Party has built a reputation as a place where celebration and advocacy intersect.
Honoring LGBTQ+ Health Advocacy
This year, organizers also highlighted the ongoing fight for equitable healthcare access.
Tristan Schukraft, founder and CEO of MISTR, received the festival’s Community Advocate Award for his work expanding access to HIV prevention and treatment services.
MISTR operates as a telemedicine platform offering free online access to PrEP, DoxyPEP, STI testing, Hepatitis C care and long-term HIV treatment across the United States, including Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The service is available regardless of whether patients have insurance.
The recognition underscored the festival’s ongoing connection to public health initiatives that have historically shaped LGBTQ+ activism.
Advocacy Takes Center Stage
While the parties attract international attention, organizers emphasized that the event’s mission remains rooted in activism.
Earlier this year, the Florida Department of Health announced proposed changes to the state’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program, known as ADAP. The changes could reduce eligibility and limit access to HIV medication for thousands of residents.
During the festival weekend, the National LGBTQ Task Force encouraged attendees, especially those living in Florida, to contact lawmakers and push back against the proposed cuts.
Organizers framed the effort as a reminder that celebrations like Winter Party can also serve as rallying points for political engagement.
A Long-Running Tradition
Since launching in 1994, Winter Party Festival has grown into one of the most recognized LGBTQ+ events in the United States.
Beyond the dance floors, the festival has also generated significant support for community organizations. Since 2005, proceeds from Winter Party and the Task Force Gala have helped reinvest more than $4 million into over 100 groups in South Florida while also supporting national equality initiatives.
The 2026 edition received backing from sponsors including Tryst Hospitality, the Miami Beach Visitor & Convention Authority, the Miami‑Dade County Tourism Development Council, JellyMed and JustForFans, among others.
For attendees, the weekend once again delivered a familiar formula: a packed dance floor, the sound of house music drifting across the shoreline and a sense of belonging that keeps the festival returning to Miami Beach year after year.
