May 25, 2014
Come Out with Pride Orlando's Pride Launch Party
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Come Out with Pride Orlando isn't until the second week in October, but the organizers are already busy putting together a launch party that will reveal this year's theme and other key details about one of Central Florida's premier entertainment events.
First, let's fill you in on what we know about Come Out with Pride Orlando as it celebrates its tenth anniversary year. We know that the Pride week will start on October 6 and run through October 12. The day of the pride parade and festival is slated to happen on October 11, and if your group or business wants to participate in the parade and as a vendor, Come Out with Pride is still accepting applications.
There are some things that remain the same. For example, Macy's is returning as presenting sponsor for the third year in a row. Also, the Doubletree by Hilton at SeaWorld will also be back as host hotel. Be sure to reserve your room well in advance, because with a popular event like Pride, they can and will sell out early!
One thing that will be different this year is that there will be a "Pride in Concert" series, which will consist of four concerts spread out throughout the week, sponsored by XL 106.7 and Parliament House. Now who will be performing at these concerts is a secret, for now. I imagine we will be in the know very soon!
Do you want to be among the first to hear the specifics about this year's Come Out with Pride Orlando celebration? Then be sure to go to their launch party. It will be held on Thursday, May 29 at The Plaza Building South Tower (189 S. Orange Avenue, Orlando). Be there at 7 p.m. and proceed to the 11th floor patio, where you will be treated to the sounds of Power Chords and DJ Scott Robert. There is no cover charge for this event.
You can also support Come Out with Pride by attending a special showing of the film Maleficent on Sunday, June 1 at 2 p.m. at Cobb Plaza Cinema Downtown (155 S. Orange Avenue). The cost is $13, and that includes admission to the film and a free drink at Sunday Surrender at Ember (42 W. Central Boulevard). All proceeds benefit Come Out with Pride. To purchase tickets, visit comeoutwithpride.com/maleficent.
"This year I really want to focus on two things," Come Out with Pride Executive Director Mikael Audebert told Hotspots in a phone interview. "First, I believe that Pride has to grow and transform with the needs of the community. As the community grows, the Pride has to grow and mature into a great celebration that meets the community's needs. Second, I want to focus on the faces that make Pride, from the volunteers to the entertainers to the organizers to the attendees, both single people and families."
To read more about Come Out with Pride Orlando and the newest developments regarding October's celebrations, visit comeoutwithpride.com
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
