February 19, 2023

Little Havana is the vibrant Cuban heart of Miami, with Calle Ocho serving as the hub of activity in the neighborhood. During Gay8, the entire street is closed, with exciting programming filling the blocks from Southwest 14th to 17th avenues. The organizers behind Gay8 describe the festival as “an invitation to come to Little Havana for the ‘party’ of your life.” Let’s party, Miami!

Celebrating all things Hispanic and queer, Gay8 has an action-packed day planned. Free cultural programming will include film screenings in Miami Dade College Tower Theater, salsa dance classes in
the ball chain bar and lounge, dance parties, fashion shows, special appearances, and more. In addition, the festival will host a “Best sandwich in Miami” competition with local restaurants vying for the coveted title. Painters and sculptors will display their art, and other local vendors will offer their wares along the streets.

Drag queens, DJs, and more, oh my! Gay8 will bring the best of live music to its main stage. The 2023 acting lineup is yet to be announced.

In addition to all the live performances, Gay8 will also be creating dance party zones in various areas.
LYNN Girls Central is considered one of the highlights of the festival. Created by festival founder Lynn Bove, the dance party will fuse Latin music with EDM, pop, and more for a special mix of moods and tunes from DJ Aileen Castro, DJ Zehno, and DJ Laura D. Dedicated to the women who identify as lesbian and queer, LYNN’s Girl Central also welcomes all who want to dance in a safe and welcoming space from 2-10 p.m. m.

It will also take place in the afternoon macho dance party, with tribal and House sounds from the internationally acclaimed DJ Abel.

Courtesy of Miamiandbeaches.lat