GIW Beach 2022. (Photo courtesy Pandora Events)
ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. | Pandora Events will present the second annual Girls in Wonderland Beach at Post Card Inn on the Beach Oct. 5-9, the lesbian event production company’s signature St. Petersburg outing.
The organization has produced LGBTQ+ events for more than 23 years, including Girls in Wonderland in Orlando. With events spanning four days, there are options to purchase daily or weekend passes to enjoy as much of the event as possible.
While events hosted and organized by Pandora Events started as a way for lesbian and bisexual women to gather and party, the event is open to all. It is described as “a big queer party for everyone who wants to attend.”
“Think of GIW Beach as a home away from home,” says Yesenia “Yesi” Leon, co-founder of Pandora Events. “It’s a place where you can be yourself and hopefully find your tribe.”
Each day is filled with events that cater to varying interests. GIW Beach will open with a welcome happy hour and live DJ performances. After this, attendees have options to enjoy daily pool parties, a lively comedy show, a competitive volleyball tournament, a delicious brunch and a celebratory closing beach party.
Attendees will hear music from DJ Zehno, DJ Aileen Castro, DJ DLUX from Girl the Party in Orlando and local Tampa Bay DJ Ace Vedo. The comedy show features Ali Kolbert, Lee Choen and Karen Brown.
There will also be a second annual Wonderland Beach Volleyball tournament, hosted by SheLife Events, which requires an additional sign-up for all team members through the GIW Beach website. Winning team members will receive prizes like medals and event swag.
All events will be held at host hostel Postcard Inn apart from the Oct. 7 Wonderlust Queer Dance Party. It will take place in downtown St. Petersburg.
Pandora Events advises it will draw on its experience hosting LGBTQ+ events in Orlando, Las Vegas, Miami Beach, Atlanta and Charlotte. All events provide a fun, protected and safe space for all who attend while bringing “thousands of LGBTQ patrons together at the hippest venues and resorts” to celebrate and embrace everyone in an inclusive setting.
“No matter what event you attend, the energy is always ‘come as you are.’ Feel free and proud,” Leon says.
GIW Beach is supported by many community sponsors like St Pete Pride, Project No Labels, The Lady’s Room and Come OUT St. Pete. Tickets are now on sale.
Most GIW Beach events will be held Oct. 5-8 at Postcard Inn on the Beach, located at 6300 Gulf Blvd. on St. Pete Beach. Event entry is 21+ and prices vary. For more information, to purchase tickets or to reserve a room at the host hotel, visit GIWBeach.com.
