Winter Party Festival: Miami Hosts the Hottest Winter in the World

Since 1994 the Winter Party Festival has kept South Beach a hot, happening place for Florida residents and snowbirds alike. This year more than 10,000 revelers are expected to attend the events, which are planned by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. You can also feel good about ticket purchases, as two-thirds of revenue supports local organizations, through grants administered by the Miami Foundation. The remaining third sponsors the task force nationally.

"Miami Beach is, arguably, the world's favorite playground," said Chad Richter, Festival Chairman of the Winter Party. "Our centerpiece event is the Winter Party Beach Party because heading to the beach is the main reason people come to Miami from all over the world during the winter."

The famous beach party will take place Sunday, March 6, from noon until 6 p.m. at Lummus Park and 12th Street, one of the most famous gay beaches in the world. Each year the Winter Party Festival partners with different vendors, venues, and performers so that the party can grow each year.

"One event is called Winter Party Matinee, that takes place the night before the beach party at the Paris Theatre," said Richter of the exciting partnership. "Matinee produces Circuit which takes place in Barcelona."

Other events include a welcome reception, Wednesday evening at the LGBT Visitor Center on Washington Avenue, a Women's Art Exhibit and Cocktail Reception on Thursday, an appearance by Wanda Sykes, and even a shopping trip on Lincoln Road, where Winter Party ticket holders will surely find great deals to take back home with them.

Of course what would a major gay event on South Beach be without dance parties? After Spark at Bar 721 is the first dance party kickoff on Wednesday night. Ignite at Score is the Thursday night dancing destination, with DJ Stephan Grondin of Quebec who will share the evening's beats with DJ Drew Tribe, a Score regular. Mercury Rising will take place at Dolce on Friday night, while Pa'ella, the official woman's Latin dance event of the Winter Party Festival will be hosted at Nowhere Lounge. DJ Citizen Jane is the headlining performer, named the hottest female DJ in Miami by Logo TV's Bump Gay Travel.

Of course all good things must come to an end! Boiling Point, with a Carnival them, will take place at Cameo on Washington Avenue, on Sunday night, March 8. DJ Hector Fonseca, named Best International DJ/Producer of 2009 by Edge.com, has topped Billboard charts with official remixes for Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Beyonce.

Of course...if you can't stop the music, or don't want the music to stop, you can head to After Glow on Monday, and the closing event Simmer Down which follows.

Please visit WinterParty.com to buy tickets and for more information.