One of the world’s largest and most popular gay events is returning to Miami this Thanksgiving weekend! URGE Miami Festival will debut on American Thanksgiving weekend, with thousands of gay men from across the USA heading to the sun-drenched shores of South Beach.
Produced by Luis Morera, Billy Kemp, and Hilton Wolman, the event will be a massive three-night, four-day extravaganza featuring some of the world’s most famous circuit DJs and performers, including Isaac Escalante, Renato Cecin, Aron, Alex Lo, Joe Gauthreaux, Phil Romano, Morabito, Suri, among others to be announced later.
The show makes its long-awaited return after a COVID-induced pause last year. The producers promise nothing short of a thrilling South Beach party. “Last year’s party was canceled because of the pandemic, so we are thrilled to bring the world’s best gay Thanksgiving event back to Miami,” Wolman said in a statement.
Unfortunately, the producers will not bring back the European-based Circuit Festival Miami, usually held in South Beach on Thanksgiving weekend. This is due to COVID restrictions in Europe that are preventing some talent and guests from attending USA events. Instead, they are presenting Urge Miami Festival, with a focus on domestic travelers.
Ultimate holiday reunion
“We are billing this year’s event as the ultimate holiday reunion for the American gay party community, emphasizing strength and unity,” Wolman stated.
This year’s festival will take place east of the dunes on 12th Street. The organizers plan to adopt a wide footprint that will give plenty of space for the dancefloor. Many of the same exceptional venues will be utilized, including the signature event of the weekend — the long-established Sunday Beach Party. The show will feature a stage that rises 25 feet into the air and a raised VIP area with great views of the stage, where guests can enjoy a full open bar.
The opening night party will take place Friday at M3 Studios and will be a collaboration with Mexico’s Arena Festival and We Party. This year’s host hotel will be the Kimpton Anglers, offering specially negotiated rates starting at just $219/night available on the URGE Miami Festival website.
Besides uniting festival lovers with their favorite circuit DJs and performers, the producers also want to support the local Miami economy. They aim to drive tourists into businesses by offering discounts on all sorts of merchandise from stores, restaurants, and gyms. “It’s a beautiful exchange,” says Morera. “We want to make sure that URGE Miami Festival is contributing directly to our beautiful city and that we are leaving a good and lasting impression.”
In the same way, the organizers have planned a beach clean-up to ensure no traces are left after partying. A portion of the proceeds from the URGE Miami Festival will be channeled towards the Miami Beach pride. This not-for-profit organization works to unite members of the LGBTQ community by celebrating its people’s unique spirit and culture.
Tickets for URGE Miami Festival are available now on their website.
