Gay Days Weekend is here again, and with it comes a plethora of events, parties and special appearances. We’ve scoured the Web, contacted the promoters, called the clubs, and assembled the most up-to-date all-encompassing listings anywhere—at least those available at press time.
The major event planners have host hotels with on-site ticket and information booths (see above right). To determine which event planner is hosting an event, note the hotel and visit the Web address indicated for more information. (If you’re staying in that hotel, there’s no charge for the pool parties and other selected events.)
Ticket prices listed are for those purchased at-the-door and are subject to change. VIP tickets generally include preferred seating and often come with free food and/or drinks as well. In many cases, advance-purchase discounts are available, as well as multi-event package discounts.
TUESDAY, JUNE 2
Gay Days Kickoff Party
5:30 pm-9 pm
Saks Fifth Avenue, Florida Mall
GayDayS.com starts the week’s festivities with this see-and-be-seen social featuring Cyon Flare, DJ MarkFrank, Jade, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Commissioner Patty Sheehan. Proceeds benefit Be Real, a community support system for LGBT youth. $30
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
Lush-A-Liscious Wine Tasting
5 pm-9 pm
International Plaza Resort & Spa
You have to be over 21 to attend this GayDayS.com event, but funds raised benefit the Orlando Youth Alliance. Hosted by Risque Sommelier. $30
Habitat for Humanity Build a House Day
8 am-2:30 pm
Downtown Orlando
No construction experience is necessary for this charitable event sponsored once again by Log Cabin Republicans/Orlando Chapter. Details at LogCabinOrlando.com.
THURSDAY, JUNE 4
Suggested Theme Park: Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Orange County Health Department
Noon-7 pm
Royal Plaza Hotel Lobby
Make it a healthy Gay Days Weekend with free HIV Rapid Testing and Hepatitis A&B vaccines.
GayDayS.com Expo
Noon-8 pm
Royal Plaza Hotel Ballrooms
Shop and sample til you drop at this free trade fair with over 100 vendors, lots of great giveaways, and continuous entertainment.
Art Exhibit
Noon-8 pm
Royal Plaza Hotel Grand Hallway
Featuring works by gay and gay-friendly artists. Free.
Girls in Wonderland Happy Hour
5 pm-7 pm
Marriott Courtyard Lounge at Marriott Village
The official welcome reception for Girls in Wonderland offers the perfect opportunity to check who out who’s checking in.
GayDayS.com Welcome Pool Party
6 pm-2 am
Royal Plaza Hotel Pool
One of the only free pool parties of the weekend, this bash features music by DJ Ricky.
Metropolitan Business Association Reception
6:30 pm-9 pm
Regal Sun Resort Restaurant
Orlando’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce holds its monthly get-together at the Girls at Gay Days hotel. Free for members, $10 non.
Girls at GayDayS Welcome Reception
7 pm-9 pm
Regal Sun Resort Pool
This free event is the first of many opportunities to catch popular women’s record spinner DJ Harmony.
Miss Gay Days Pageant
8 pm
Royal Plaza Harrington Ballroom
A Female Impersonator Pageant benefitting the GLBCC. The winner may or may not be required to wear her sash all weekend. $30; $55 VIP.
Jump Start
8 pm-2:30 am
House of Blues Downtown Disney
The One Mighty Weekend kickoff party with DJ Eddie Baez is likely to be more popular than ever, thanks to its proximity to the now-closed Pleasure Island. $50.
Jimmy James
8 pm
Revolution Nightclub
The man of many voices—and singer of the club hit “Fashionista”—performs his latest show Divas Are Forever on the Majestic Theater stage. Each ticket includes a free cocktail and entrance to the club. $15/VIP $25
Movie Under The Stars
9 pm
Regal Sun Resort Pool
Free outdoor poolside screening of a TBA movie that will appeal to the ladies.
Jungle Love
9 pm-2 am
Revolution Nightclub
Pandora Events and PhishPhest Entertainment take over the venerable Orlando nightclub for this women’s event with DJ Irene Pardo, DJ Joanie, Baby Blue and the Lesbo-A-Go-Go Dancers. $12
Gay Days Weekend Kickoff Party
9 pm-2 am
Pulse Nightclub
The club’s weekly hospitality night, hosted by Roxxxy Andrews, kicks off Gay Days Weekend with special guest Dena Cass and underwear models Cityboyz Fashion. Mundo Unico gift bags go to the first 100 guests. DJ Scott Robert spins Top 40 and R&B. $10
Kickoff Courtyard
Block Party
9 pm-2 am
Parliament House Resort
While the club’s weekly Latin night is underway inside, outside it’s a Gay Days Weekend celebration featuring DJ Brianna and popular ex-Pleasure Island/Mannequins bartender Dawn. No cover until 11 pm. $7
Thursday Night Continues
9 pm-4 am
Rix Lounge – Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
The trendy upscale lounge continues the tradition of partying on Disney property with this J Cruz Style-sponsored event. Hosted by Page King and proceeds to benefit The Center. Tickets at JCruzStyle.com. $35/VIP $75
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
Suggested Theme Park: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Orange County Health Department
10 am-7 pm
Royal Plaza Hotel Lobby
(See June 4)
GayDayS.com Expo
10 am-8 pm
Royal Plaza Hotel Ballrooms
(See June 4)
Art Exhibit
10 am-8 pm
Royal Plaza Hotel Grand Hallway
(See June 4)
Wet Pool Party
Noon-5 pm
Marriott Courtyard Pool at Marriott Village
The first of several Girls in Wonderland pool parties with DJ Meesh. $12.
Reunion Pool Party
Noon-5 pm
Buena Vista Hotel Pool
The first of several One Mighty Weekend pool parties with DJ Don Bishop. $30/$60 3-day pool pass.
Blue Pool Party
Noon-6 pm
Royal Plaza Hotel Pool
Each of the GayDayS.com daytime pool parties is themed around a suggested swimsuit color: today’s selection is blue. Music by DJ Ronny Boy. $10/$25 3-day pool pass.
Girls at GayDayS Pool Party
Noon- 6 pm
Regal Sun Resort Pool
Music by DJ Harmony. $10/$25 3-day pool pass.
NCLR Welcome Reception
5 pm-7pm
Marriott Courtyard Pool at Marriott Village
Ladies, if you haven’t felt welcomed yet, attend this free Girls in Wonderland party with live music by Melissa Crispo.
Tidal Wave
6 pm-Midnight
Wet ‘N’ Wild
This water park party for bears, cubs and more has grown each year, and this third Tidal Wave is expected to be the biggest to date. Dance music is by DJ David Biehl, DJ Danny G, and DJ Cap’n Kirk. VIP tickets, available only in advance, include draft beer, food and soft drinks. Tickets at TidalWaveParty.com. $70/$80 VIP
GayDayS Pool Bash
6 pm-2 am
Royal Plaza Hotel Pool
Music by DJ Joshua Bula and Peter “Jester” Savas. $10/$25 3-night pool pass.
Wanda Sykes
8 pm
Hard Rock Live
The new mom caused a stir at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and is likely to do the same in her first Gay Days Weekend appearance. Tickets at HardRockLive.com. $35/$50
Viva Varla!
8 pm
The Parliament House Resort Footlight Theatre
Varla Jean Merman (Girls Will Be Girls, Project Runway) stars in this one-woman singing/comedy extravaganza. Expect yodeling, ukulele playing, and a never-ending parade of fabulous frocks. $25.
Jimmy James
8 pm
Revolution Nightclub
(See June 4)
Beach Ball – Luau
8 pm-1 am
Buena Vista Resort
The popular One Mighty Weekend event moves to its massive host hotel, with lots of special effects and surprises. $95.
Let’s Go Play
8 pm-2 am
Typhoon Lagoon
New promoter, new name, same great water park party, with DJ Lydia Prim. Tickets at LetsGoPlay2009.com. $69
Gay Days Weekend Party
8 pm-2 am
The Parliament House Resort
P-House staples DJ Joanie and The Footlight Players are joined by adult film stars and a live performance by 1980’s pop princess Tiffany at 1 am…plus the ever-popular foam. $20.
Block Party
8 pm-3 am
Destiny Nightclub
The International Drive straight club goes gay with MTV’s DJ Skribble for an urban/hip hop themed night. Hosted by MOS Global Productions and Shaun and Paul Presents. Tickets at GayDayReborn.com. $TBD
Shades of Red
9 pm-2 am
Regal Sun Resort Ballroom
A Girls at Gay Days event, this party gets a jump on the traditional wearing of red. Music by DJ Grace Albion. $20.
Fuego Friday
9 pm-2 am
Revolution Nightclub
A special edition of the club’s popular Friday night offers Amanda Lepore in concert debuting her new CD Cotton Candy. DJ Joe Bermudez spins inside, DJ Lui Lui does the same outside, while Real World Brooklyn cast member J.D. and The Majestic Ladies also appear. Cover charge TBD.
Platinum Friday
9 pm-2 am
Pulse Nightclub
Roxxxy Andrews and Angelica Sanchez host a sexy strip contest featuring a $100 cash prize. Special guests include Dena Cass (“The Eighth Wonder of the World”) and Men magazine’s “Man of The Year” Reese Rideout. DJ Scott Robert spins Hip Hop and R&B. $10
Climax
9 pm-3 am
Bongo’s at Downtown Disney
This popular and always packed Girls in Wonderland event takes over Gloria Estefan’s restaurant/club and features DJ Pat Pat and DJ Meesh. $20.
GayDayS.com Welcome Party
9 pm-3 am
Royal Plaza Harrington Ballroom
A benefit for HRC, this party is hosted by Supernova Cyon Flare, and stars Jade (RuPaul’s Drag Race) and DJs MarkFrank and David Harness. $35.
Magic Journeys I
1 am-8 am
Arabian Nights
The massive dinner theater is turned into a late-night afterhours dance venue. Tonight’s DJ: David Knapp. $60
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
Suggested Theme Park: Magic Kingdom
Gay Day! – Year 19
Habitat for Humanity Build a House Day
8 am-2:30 pm
Downtown Orlando
(See June 3)
Splash Bash Pool Party
Noon-5 pm
Marriott Courtyard Pool at Marriott Village
A Girls in Wonderland pool party with DJ Irene Pardo and DJ Meesh. $12.
Girls Rock Pool Party
Noon-5 pm
Fairfield Inn Pool at Marriott Village
Another Girls in Wonderland pool party with The Melissa Crispo band and Steph Taylor. $12.
Reunion Pool Party
Noon-5 pm
Buena Vista Hotel Pool
(See June 5) DJ Wendy Hunt.
GayDayS.com Expo
Noon-6 pm
Royal Plaza Hotel Ballrooms
(See June 4)
Art Exhibit
Noon-6 pm
Royal Plaza Hotel Grand Hallway
(See June 4)
Girls at GayDayS Pool Party
Noon- 6 pm
Regal Sun Resort Pool
(See June 5)
Red Pool Party
Noon-6 pm
Royal Plaza Hotel Pool
Today’s GayDayS.com daytime pool party color theme is Gay Days red! Music by DJ Randy Bettis. $10/$25 3-day pool pass.
Gay Days Film Festival: Watercolors
1 pm
Royal Plaza Hotel Harrington Ballroom
Presented by the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (TIGLFF). $5
Gay Days Film Festival: Breakfast With Scot
3 pm
Royal Plaza Hotel Harrington Ballroom
Presented by TIGLFF. $5
GayDayS Pool Bash
6 pm-2 am
Royal Plaza Hotel
(See June 5) DJ Joe Bermudez and DJ Andy Ajar.
Bear Necessities
6:30 pm-7:30 pm
Royal Plaza Hotel Harrington Ballroom
Stand-up comic Marc Peurye entertains fellow bears in this GayDayS.com-sponsored comedy show. $20.
Kate Clinton
8 pm-9:30 pm
Regal Sun Resort Ballroom
The popular lesbian comedian brings her “Yes on K8” tour to Gay Days Weekend, sponsored by Girls at Gay DayS. $40/$60 VIP
Viva Varla!
8 pm
The Parliament House Resort Footlight Theatre
(See June 5)
Jimmy James
8 pm
Revolution Nightclub
(See June 4)
Gay Days Weekend Party
8 pm-2 am
The Parliament House Resort
DJ Briana and The Footlight Players are joined by adult film stars and a live performance by R&B/Club singer Deborah Cox at 1 am…add foam and stir. $20.
One Mighty Party: City After Dark
8 pm-2:30 am
Buena Vista Palace
The theme park party moves to an electrified cityscape with extreme stunt performers, DJ Roland Belmares and a performance by ex-Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland. $95.
Illusions in Review
8:30 pm
Hamburger Mary’s – Church Street Station
It’s the first presentation of “Leigh Shannon’s Variety Dinner Show,” a new weekly outing at the popular downtown bar and grille. Expect celebrity impersonators, starring Shannon as Bette Midler, with comedy and both live singing and lip-synching entertainment. Check out HamburgerMarys-Orlando.com for details. Free.
Women’s Luau
9 pm-12 Midnight
Marriott Courtyard at Marriott Village
The popular Girls in Wonderland Hawaiian-themed dinner buffet and party returns, offering a change of venue from their massive HOB event. $30.
Unity
9 pm-2 am
Revolution Nightclub
The popular LGBT nightclub presents a special Gay Days Weekend party with DJ Joanie inside, DJ Infinite on the patio, and a performance by Les Vixens. $TBD.
Pulsate
9 pm-2 am
Pulse Nightclub
Roxxxy Andrews and Angelica Sanchez present a $100 cash prize strip contest at the club’s weekly Saturday night event with special guest Dena Cass. DJ Scott Robert spins Dance and House. $10
DJ Manny Lehman
9 pm-3 am
Motion @ Downtown Disney
The Mouse closed down Pleasure Island, but he’s apparently renting out its clubs on occasion. Originally scheduled to perform at One Mighty Weekend, Lehman now appears in this MOS Global Productions/Shaun and Paul Presents event. Tickets at GayDayReborn.com. $TBD
Girls In Wonderland 8: Anchors Away
9 pm-3 am
House of Blues Downtown Disney
One of the biggest and wildest women’s events of the weekend goes naughty and nautical in its eighth year. Features DJ Pride, DJ Pat Pat, Diva Michelle, Baby Blue, Melissa Crispo and Steph Taylor. $31/$75 VIP
EuFURia
9 pm-3 am
Royal Plaza Harrington Ballroom
A GayDayS.com bear dance party hosted by the Bears of Central Florida with DJ Hazmat, DJ Francisco Guerra, and DJ Ronny Boy. $40.
Movie Under The Stars: In The Line of Fire
10 pm
Regal Sun Resort Pool
Outdoor screening of a women’s themed movie. Free.
Fairydust Afterhours
1 am-5 am
Marriott Courtyard Lounge at Marriott Village
A first-ever women’s afterhours party. $5.
Magic Journeys II
1 am-8 am
Arabian Nights
(See June 5) DJ Tony Moran.
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
Suggested Theme Park: EPCOT
Catholic Mass
9 am
Royal Plaza Hotel Jasmine Ballroom
Sunday services with Dignity Orlando.
Joy MCC Celebration
11 am
Royal Plaza Hotel Harrington Ballroom
Sunday services with Orlando’s MCC.
Wonderland Pool Bash
Noon-5 pm
Marriott Village
Girls in Wonderland pool party with DJ Pat Pat, DJ Pride and Diva Michelle. $12.
Reunion Pool Party
Noon-5 pm
Buena Vista Hotel Pool
(See June 5) DJ Phil B.
White Pool Party
Noon-6 pm
Royal Plaza Hotel Pool
Today’s suggested swimsuit color: white. DJ Seth Cooper. $10
Girls at GayDayS Pool Party
Noon- 6 pm
Regal Sun Resort Pool
(See June 5)
Gay Days Film Festival: Mulligans
1 pm
Royal Plaza Hotel Harrington Ballroom
Presented by TIGLFF. $5
Rehab T-Dance
2 pm-10 pm
Revolution Nightclub
Wind down your weekend at this no-cover tea dance featuring all-you-can-drink mimosa specials.
Gay Days Film Festival: Were the World Mine
3 pm
Royal Plaza Hotel Harrington Ballroom
Presented by TIGLFF. $5
Gay Days Weekend T-Dance
3 pm-2 am
The Parliament House Resort
Orlando’s most popular tea dance offers DJ Briana, Darcel Stevens and The Footlight Players joined by adult film stars and a midnight performance by original Dreamgirl Jennifer Holiday…and more foam. No cover before 8 pm. $10
Girlie Idol
6 pm-12 midnight
Kitty O’Shea’s Irish Pub
Sponsored by Girls in Wonderland, this women’s music event offers Halcyon in concert and karaoke by those brave – and intoxicated – enough to take the mic. $15
GayDayS Pool Bash
Royal Plaza Hotel
(See June 5) DJ Deanne and DJ Hazmat.
Viva Varla!
8 pm
The Parliament House Resort Footlight Theatre
(See June 5)
Deep Blue World
8 pm-2:30 am
Buena Vista Resort Empire Ballroom
The One Mighty Weekend party transforms its host hotel ballroom into an undersea experience with DJs Ralphi Rosario and Abel, aka Rosabel. $95.
Magic Journeys III
1 am-8 am
Arabian Nights
(See June 5)DJ Peter Rauhofer and DJ Offer Nissam.
It’s the reason for the season! Now 19 years strong, Gay Day at the Magic Kingdom has spawned similar outings not only at Disney’s other theme parks, but at amusement parks around the world. And nearly all of them encourage the wearing of red t-shirts!
Though there’s little “official” about this very unofficial outing—just ask Disney PR—there are some traditions that have carried on year after year:
LGBT Youth
11 a.m.
Fantasyland Entrance
behind Cinderella’s Castle
Gay and lesbian youth groups meet here to start the day in a special way.
Pre-parade
Cocktail Break
Noon
Outer Rim Lounge,
Contemporary Resort
Sometimes you need a cooling-off cocktail. Since none can be had inside the Magic Kingdom, this is the place to go.
Lesbian Express
1 p.m.
Town Square
Show up early at the Main Street Railroad station for a full round-trip view of the park.
Annual Bear Gathering
1 p.m.
Country Bear Jamboree
The ursine set traditionally meets at the Frontier Land show for fun, fur and frolic. The best part: the looks on the faces of regular park-goers
Leather Pirates of the Caribbean
1 p.m.
Pirates of the Caribbean
A group ride for leather lovers.
Character Parade
3 p.m.
Cinderella’s Castle, Magic Kingdom
It’s as close to a Pride parade as you’ll ever get in a theme park. Though the route will be lined with red shirts, the deepest concentration of GLBTs will be in front of Cinderella’s Castle and on Main Street.
One other tradition:
The park is always busy that first Saturday of June, so arrive early. $75
