SummerFest: Miami Beach's LGBT Summer Weekend Returns

Robert Doyle READ TIME: 5 MIN.

(Miami Beach, FLA) - From Friday, July 22, to Sunday, July 24, 2011 the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force -- producers of Miami's largest LGBT weekend event, Winter Party Festival -- and Pink Dollar Enterprises will partner to create a fantastic weekend of stiff cocktails, over-the-top entertainment, and sexy fashions during the 4th Annual SummerFest Weekend.

For decades almost every major destination city in the country has hosted some sort of gay weekend celebration during the summer --with the notable exception of Miami Beach. Luckily that all changed four years ago with the arrival of SummerFest.

Last year, over 1,000 people participated in the weekend's festivities, imbibing on complimentary cocktails, moving to the beats of international DJs, and enjoying incredible shows by world-renowned entertainers - all while supporting the largest LGBT rights organization in the country, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

The Task Force will work with some of Miami Beach's greatest venues to create the hottest event of the summer. The heart and soul of the 4th Annual SummerFest Weekend, the SummerFest Pool Party, �has kicked things up a few notches by moving� to the opulent pools of the Shore Club Hotel in South Beach. Guests �will get the chance to dance poolside to the beats of DJs Miik and Charlie Rojas, while VIP guests will enjoy exclusive access to the private pool at the� Shore Club Hotel Beach House.�

SummerFest Pool Party tickets are currently on sale: $25 in advance for general admission and $45 for VIP. Each ticket includes two free cocktails with general admission receiving two free Chambord Vodka Cocktails and VIP having the option to enjoy both Chambord Vodka and Herradura Tequila cocktails.

The Shore Club will also host a Summer Sunset, a VIP cocktail reception on Friday, July 22, in its spectacular Penthouse, where guests will enjoy an open bar and tasty appetizers while experiencing one of the most amazing views in South Beach.�

Other SummerFest events include Summer Storm, a Saturday night dance party at Score featuring Brazilian DJ Rafael Calvente; SummerFest Brunch on Sunday at the Lords South Beach; and Summer Fling Tea Dance at the Palace on Sunday afternoon.

Visit www.SummerFestmiami.com for details and to purchase tickets. Local ticket outlets include The Palace (1200 Ocean Drive), Miami Beach Gay Visitor's Center (1130 Washington Ave.), and Score Nightclub (727 Lincoln Road). �

The Shore Club offers SummerFest guests a special rate of $195 per night.� Reservations can be made by calling 1.800.606.6090 and referencing "SummerFest 2011."

SummerFest's proceeds will benefit the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. For more information, call 786.216.7513.

WEEKEND LINE-UP

  • Friday, July 22, 2011

    Summer Sunset Cocktail Reception
    Penthouse of the Shore Club Hotel
    1901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
    7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

    Experience one of the most exclusive hotel suites in South Beach, The Penthouse of the Shore Club Hotel. Royalty, celebrities, and the social elite continue to enjoy this opulent, three-story penthouse suite that features its own private pool, sun bathing deck, and an unobstructed view of the pearly sands of South Beach! Enjoy complimentary cocktails, paired with delicious hors d'oeuvres courtesy of The Shore Club Hotel.��

    Admission: $40 in advance/$50 at the door

  • Saturday, July 23, 2011

    SummerFest Pool Party
    The Shore Club Hotel
    1901 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
    1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
    DJs Charlie Rojas and Miik

    Summer heat, sizzling bodies, free cocktails, and the gorgeous pools of the Shore Club Hotel combine to create the hottest pool party of the summer!

    Hundreds of sexy partygoers will get the chance to dance poolside, as DJs Charlie Rojas and Miik work the turntables till sunset - all while enjoying two free Chambord Vodka and Herradura Tequila cocktails.

    This year, the producers of SummerFest are providing revelers with the opportunity to enjoy a total VIP package, complete with access to the private Shore Club Hotel Beach House and exclusive pool, cocktails, and the SummerFest '11 CD, compliments of DJ Charlie Rojas.

    General Admission: $25 in advance/$35 at the door
    VIP Admission: $45 in advance/$55 at the door

    Summer Storm
    Score Nightclub
    727 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
    10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
    DJ Rafael Calvente

    Summer heat, hot boys, and fabulous entertainment make SummerFest's late night dance event, Summer Storm, one of the hottest parties of the summer. The clouds will roll in with DJ Rafael Calvente pumping out some thunderous tracks. As one of the hottest DJs in Brazil, Rafael is set to spin Summer Storm revelers into whirlwind of high-energy tracks! Revelers will receive one free complimentary cocktail between 10 p.m. and midnight with the purchase of a ticket.

    Admission: $10 in advance/$15 at the door

  • Sunday, July 24, 2011

    SummerFest Brunch
    The Lords South Beach
    1100 Collins Ave., Miami Beach
    11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    After a whole weekend of non-stop partying, there's nothing better to help get you to the next event than a fabulous meal, champagne, and, of course, cocktails! This year, we will be hosting the SummerFest Brunch at the only gay hotel in Miami, The Lords South Beach. Expect delicious fare, fabulous entertainment, and great people!

    Brunch: $25 per person

    Summer Fling T-Dance and Ascension Kick-off Party
    Palace
    1200 Ocean Drive,Miami Beach
    4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
    DJ George Figares

    After a weekend of SummerFest soirees, it's time for a little Summer Time T, as Palace hosts the closing event for SummerFest '11. Indulge in some stiff cocktails, while checking out some of SoBe's sexiest beach goers as they move to the beats of DJ George Figares.

    Admission: Free


    by Robert Doyle

    Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.

  • Read These Next