Events & Community
LGBTQ+ events, festivals, drag shows, and community celebrations in Orlando.
Drag Show Etiquette and How to Tip
Mike Vacirca
Drag show etiquette made simple: how much to tip, how to hand it over, when to photograph, and why heckling lands badly. See what’s on stage this week. Read more
Disco to House: How Gay Clubs Built Dance Music
Mike Vacirca
Gay clubs dance music history runs from the Loft and Paradise Garage to every festival stage today. Read the through-line, then see what is on at Anthem. Read more
Goth Drag in Orlando: Dragged From The Grave at Anthem
Goth drag in Orlando lives at Anthem: Dragged From The Grave returns Monday, September 21 with Sad Ghouls Club. Doors 7:30 PM, show 8 PM, $13, 21+. Read more
National Coming Out Day in Orlando: However You Show Up, You’re Home
Mike Vacirca
National Coming Out Day (Oct 11) in Orlando: however you show up, you’re welcome at Anthem, downtown’s LGBTQ+ bar. No timeline, no pressure, no labels. Read more
A History of House Music: Chicago’s Real Story
Mike Vacirca
The history of house music starts with Black and queer Chicago: the Warehouse, Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy. Read the real story, then come dance it at Anthem. Read more
Orlando Soccer Nights: Bars Near Inter&Co Stadium
Orlando Pride and Orlando City play downtown at Inter&Co Stadium. Where to go before and after the match: Anthem on Orange Ave, under a mile from the gates. Read more
Christmas Eve in Downtown Orlando: Anthem’s Open Door
Looking for Christmas Eve bars in Orlando? Here’s what’s open downtown Dec 24–25, why chosen family fills the room, and what Anthem has on through New Year’s. Read more
Veterans Day in Downtown Orlando: Wednesday, Nov 11
Mike Vacirca
Veterans Day 2026 falls Wednesday, Nov 11. Where to go in downtown Orlando that night, plus a word on LGBTQ+ veterans and the welcome at Anthem on Orange Ave. Read more
Día de los Muertos in Downtown Orlando: Nov 1–2
Día de los Muertos falls Nov 1–2, 2026. Where to celebrate in downtown Orlando, plus Latin nights, altars and reggaeton at Anthem on Orange Ave. Read more
World AIDS Day in Orlando: December 1, 2026
Mike Vacirca
World AIDS Day is Tuesday, December 1, 2026. Free HIV testing in Orlando, why the day still matters, and how Anthem marks it downtown all year long. Read more
