South Florida Black Pride Announces 2026 Event Lineup, Aakosha Bentley to Headline

Gayes! South Florida is about to get a different type of heat wave.

Afro Pride Federation Inc. is hosting South Florida Black Pride‘s 5th annual celebration, and we’re taking part in the weekend festivities as the exclusive media sponsor.

Under the theme “Heat Wave,” which event organizers say represents “Black Pride in Motion,” this year’s events will take place from Thursday, October 8, 2026 through Sunday, October 11, 2026.

Organized under the leadership of CEO Damon Jones, Brandon Sanders, Niki Lopez, and Parrish of PS Parties, the festival is brought to life through support from sponsors including Afro Pride Federation Inc., AHF, APU Health Navigation, and Consult RX Pharmacy, as well as partners Center for Black Equity, What’s Your Elephant, and Brandon Entertainment.

According to event organizers, this year’s theme brings the mission of South Florida Black Pride to life through education, visibility, unity, and community support.

“Heat” represents the power of being seen and heard, highlighting Black LGBTQ+ voices while also raising awareness of the community’s culture, rights, resources, and needs. “The ‘Wave” represents unity, momentum, and the energy created when organizations, individuals, and communities come together and carry that support throughout South Florida.

The “Heat Wave” will bring a bevy of events taking place across multiple locations throughout South Florida. This year’s activities combine cultural celebrations, nightlife adventures, community driven learning experiences, all dedicated to honoring Black LGBTQ+ identities.

The events are slated to kick off on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, with the Heat Wave Welcome and Kickoff Party at The Well, located at 2426 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305. Hosted by Melle, the evening will feature a special performance by Zah’nya Dupree. The celebration will run from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

On Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, from 6 PM to 10 PM, the Shades of Black Film Showcase: Film • Art • Community Conversation will unfold at the Victory Black Box Theatre at L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center, located at 1409 NW 6th Street, 3rd Floor, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311.

The event will highlight Black LGBTQ+ short films and visual art and conclude with a post-film community conversation centered on identity, storytelling, culture, and connection. The 2026 Shades of Black Film Showcase • Art • Community Conversation is produced and coordinated by Niki Lopez.

On Friday, October 9, 2026, Florida Water will take over Spice Club, located at 1934 Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood, FL, for a special night of entertainment. Ameer is tapped to host the evening, with appearances by MC Sushi and DJ AC, followed by a headlining performance from hip-hop artist and reality TV star Aakosha Bentley.

The event is set to run from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM, bringing an exciting night of music, entertainment, and Florida Water vibes to Hollywood.

On Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, Tsunami, the highly anticipated pool party, will take place at Hilton Miami Aventura, located at 2885 NE 191st Street, Aventura, FL 33180. The event will run from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with Melle Trophy, Uno, King of Hearts, , and Parrish as hosts and a special appearance by MC Sushi Blanco.

Miami’s nightlife lights up on Saturday, October 10, 2026, as Quiet on the Creek takes over CLUBBOI (38 NE 125th St, Miami, FL 33161). Running from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM, the event offers a high energy six-hour after-hours experience.

On Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, the Melanin on Fire Black Beach Celebration will take place at Haulover Beach, located at 10800 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33154. The celebration will run from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Every big weekend of course, needs an epic closing celebration, with this year’s festivities concluding at the Grand Finale Party hosted by Deviant Events. The celebration takes place overnight on Sunday, October 11, 2026, running from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM at 450 NW 71st St, Miami, FL 33150.

Early bird tickets and weekend passes can be secured now at southfloridablackpride.com, while media inquiries, interview requests, and sponsorship opportunities can be directed to events@afroprideflorida.org.

View more of South Florida Black Pride’s official event lineup flyers below: