Event Dates
From: Awaiting dates
To: Awaiting dates
Gay8 Festival
Miami Street Festival 2026
Gay8 (“Gay Ocho”) is a Hispanic/Latino LGBTQ art, music, dance, food and cultural street festival in Miami
Gay8 Festival – Miami Street Festival 2026
Miami’s famed Little Havana neighbourhood hosts a LGBT Latino block party, Gay8 (pronounced GayOcho!) each year in mid February. This one day street festival showcases Latino LGBT art, music and food.
- Little Havana has some quirky apartments and rentals on offer, perfect for a complete escape from the Miami scene. Alternatively stay in South Beach and take the 15-minute ride share to the event.
The Event
- Next Edition: Awaiting dates – Typically Sunday in mid February.
- Gay8 (“Ocho”) Festival is a platform, an opportunity to connect with parts of South Florida you never knew were there …. an amazing sticky mess of fun, diversity, history, culture, passion and South Florida realness meant to engage the community in ways no one knew were possible.
Where is the Miami Gay8 Festival taking place?
- The festival will stretch for three fun-packed, activity-filled blocks from SW14th to SW17th Avenues. The famed “Calle Ocho” becomes a pedestrian walkway so all can peruse the day long offerings.
- The party gets going at 11 a.m, as Calle Ocho — Eighth Street for the uninitiated — is closed to traffic for three blocks between 14th and 17th Avenues.
Miami Gay8 Events
- Gay8 features free movies at the Tower, a Doggie Village with a dog obstacle course, dance parties, the Best Miami Sandwich Competition, fashion shows, and many other acts and talent on 4 different stages.
- Other events around the festival will include a cigar lounge, historic walking tours, a mini-film festival, dance parties and more.
- Art will also be aplenty at Gay8 as some of South Florida’s best painters and sculptors will punctuate the festival with booths displaying distinguished, authentic Miami works of art. Walk over to Sala Furniture and have owner Roberto Ramos give you one of his docent like tours of Cuban art.
- Miami Dade College’s Tower Theater, a renovated jewel on Calle Ocho and 15th Avenue will showcase LGBTQ themed films -check out the schedule- all day long.
- Other highlights include the Macho Dance Party, with men from all over the world on Gay8 Festival’s MACHO stage beginning at 2pm to 8pm at Domino Park!
Little Havana and Gay Miami
- Little Havana is a 15 minute drive from South Beach, home to Miami’s gay nightlife and beaches.
- If you want to stay close to the event in Little Havana, the area is home to some superb apartments and alternative accommodation options. Check out the following places to stay close by
- Make sure you check out Azucar Night Club while you are in Little Havana, an authentic Latin drag club with great dancing and cabaret nights.
Recommended hotels in South Beach
If you want to stay close to South Beach, the following hotels are popular with our readers, are close to all the major attractions and gay beaches and have a high rating:
The Setai, The Marlin Hotel, Waldorf Towers, President Hotel
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Book your hotel in South Beach!
Where we stay!
The Kimpton Vero Beach, is our editors
choice with great pool & beach views.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Gay8 Festival visit, Instagram
Gay Map of Miami
The gay scene in Miami is centred around South Beach. The gay beach is located at 12th Street and Ocean Drive. It is not too difficult to find, with the rainbow flags marking the territory between two chair rental spots.
2001 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Located directly on the beach in Miami’s famous Art Deco district, this resort offers yoga and tai-chi classes. Suites are furnished in Asian-style décor.
Free WiFi and an iPod docking station are provided in every spacious suite at The Setai, Miami Beach. Rooms are equipped with espresso and coffee facilities along with a minibar.
The Balfour Hotel Miami Beach, 350, Ocean Drive, South Beach, Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida, 33139
The Balfour Hotel is located on Ocean Drive, home to many shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Guests will find concierge services and valet parking in this design hotel a stocked mini-bar in each of their modern rooms. A 40-inch flat-screen TV and free WiFi are also included.
1200 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
The white sands of are steps away from this boutique hotel. Features include free high speed WiFi, with a 55-inch TV, and a fully-stocked minibar.
Remote-controlled blackout drapes, a spacious closet, and Kashwere blankets come standard at The Marlin Hotel. Private bathrooms house Mistral Verbena scent bath products and spacious showers with pebble flooring and a rainfall showerhead.
860 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Designed in 1937, this restored hotel is located on famed , directly across from the and 14 minutes' walk from the shops, nightlife, and restaurants of Espanola Way.
, a flat-screen TV, and minibar come standard in every Room Mate guestroom. Extras include a private bathroom, which includes a full-length mirror and rain shower.
1150 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
The apartment has 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, &nd 2 bathrooms with a shower. air conditioning, a patio, & sea views.
Miami Beach, FL
The apartment features 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a bath or shower. complimentary WiFi
101 20th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
There is a dining area and a kitchen complete with a dishwasher, an oven and microwave. A flat-screen TV is provided. Other facilities include a hot tub, fitness centre, a balcony and an outdoor pool.
2201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
This air-conditioned apartment comes with 1 bedroom, a satellite flat-screen TV, and a kitchenette. Private parking is available at the apartment. an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and free WiFi.
222 14th Street, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Laid-back ambiance, rustic decor, pool table & jukebox make this SoBe institution a local hangout
217 71st Street, Miami Beach, Florida 33141
Neighborhood Gay sports bar open every day until 5AM with a great selection of beer and liquor at favorable prices. We have multiple TVs, karaoke, and bar games.
1216 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Nathan's gay Bar is a unique experience you won't find anywhere else in South Florida. Get your nostalgia on in this populare bar
1057 Washington AveMiami Beach, FL 33139
TWIST is the infamous South Beach gay club, known throughout the world for its great music, friendly staff, and always being packed with hot tourists and locals alike. TWIST is actually seven bars in one with each bar having its own unique atmosphere and décor. You can literally "bar hop" without ever leaving this two story club.. Its reputation as a "must do" when in Miami is well deserved
1409 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Gay bar GAYTHERING Our drink menu is fresh and curated, simple and to the point. Craft cocktails and beers at prices you would expect from a neighborhood bar. If beer is your thing, our bar bar in Miami offers a mix of local craft beer to stimulate your palate, served in a can or in a bottle. For those of you that don't get crafty, we also have classic American beers. Attention to detail is what our bartenders are most proud of. Each cocktail is meticulously crafted to ensure the utmost in flavor profile and aroma. Fresh ingredients are at the epicenter of our drinks, each a solid representation of vintage recipes with a vigorous shake of sweet local flavor. It’s all part of the experience!
727 Lincoln Rd,Miami Beach, FL 33139
Score is located on Washington Avenue in South Beach. Score offers full bar service, a dance floor and a lounge area on the second floor. With the latest sound and lighting system, DJs from all around the world have played at this hot spot.
1052 Ocean Dr Miami Beach, FL 33139
Palace is the first and only LGBT bar and restaurant on world famous Ocean Drive, in the heart of South Beach's historic Art Deco district. Palace is located directly across from "the gay beach" (12th Street Beach), which means the party always moves from the sand to the Palace. Our queens make sure to keep the party going with over the top drag shows 7 days a week!
1060, Ocean Drive, South Beach, Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida, 33139
New Gay Club on South Beach with DJs, sexy dancers, live shows, drag acts and a sexy Miami Vibe. Open Fridays and Saturdays. No Cover
1670 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
BuffBoyzz Miami The hottest Miami Male strip club and Miami Male Strippers there are! Fabulous Male Strip show!
Recommended Hotels in Miami Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Miami that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
The Setai, Miami Beach
5 Star Chic & Stylish
- 5 Star – On Beach, Yoga and Tai-Chi
- Close to the gay district
- Asian-style décor, espresso facilities
- Beachfront resort in Art Deco district, offers yoga, tai-chi, Asian-style suites, and modern amenities.
The Betsy Hotel
South Beach, 5 Star
- 5 Star – Direct Beach Access
- Close to the gay district
- Hardwood floors
- Amidst Ocean Drive’s offerings, direct beach access, courtyard, rooftop pool, and luxurious rooms.
The Marlin Hotel, 4 Star
Perfect Location & Views
- 4 Star – Steps from South Beach
- Close to the gay district
- 55-inch TV, fully-stocked minibar
- Boutique hotel near South Beach, features high speed WiFi, large TVs, and well-stocked minibars.
The Balfour Hotel
Relaxed 4 Star Hotel
- Relaxed 4 Star – On Ocean Drive
- Close to the gay district
- Modern rooms, 40-inch TV
- Located on Ocean Drive, offers concierge services, valet parking, rooms with, minibar & free WiFi.
Video Of Gay8 Festival – Miami Street Festival
Gay8 Festival Higlights
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Miami
Boasting a glittering tapestry of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant neighbourhoods, and non-stop nightlife, Miami has long been a radiant beacon for the LGBTQ+ community. The iconic gay-friendly South Beach, known for its lively LGBTQ+ scene and colourful Art Deco architecture, truly shines as a premier destination for gay travellers. The following neighbourhoods offer something for all visitors.
South Beach | Ocean Drive
Photo: South Beach is home to world famous drag bars & clubs including Palace Bar
- South Beach is one of the biggest gay hotspots in Miami. Famous for its glittering nightlife and beautiful beaches, it is the heart of Miami’s gay scene.
- A visit to South Beach is not complete without a stroll down Ocean Drive, home to the iconic Art Deco Historic District with its beautifully restored 1930s architecture.
- The neighbourhood plays host to several gay events, including Miami Beach Pride, Thanksgiving and Winter Parties.
- Discover the best things to see and do in Miami.
Wynwood
20 mins from South Beach. Dynamic, creative trendy district with outdoor street murals & art scene.
Fort Lauderdale
35 mins from South Beach, home to spectacular gay beaches & charming gay hotels. A more relaxed vibe.
Little Havana
15 mins from South Beach, offering a slice of Cuba’s vibrant culture and host of the Gay 8 festival.
Wilton Manors
40 mins from South Beach, the gayest neighbourhood in the USA, with bustling gay bars, restaurants & clubs.
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