Top Bars In South Florida To Celebrate Pride Month

South Florida has always been known as a gay-friendly destination but surprisingly it does not have a massive parade during LGBT pride month celebration. That is because in April, Miami has its annual Gay Pride Festival and in October, Celebrate Orugullo takes over Miami with a one-day, Hispanic LGBT pride celebration. Not to worry because Wilton Manors, a mini hub of gay culture, hosts the Stonewall Street Festival and Pride Parade June 22 through June 23rd in commemoration of the Stonewall Riots in 1969. Key West hosts Key West Pride June 10 through June 14, a four-day event that includes a parade, contest and performances by LGBT notaries, like Dame Edna. There are plenty of things to do during these two festivals and plenty of bars to visit along the way. So view the list below and find the best watering hole to celebrate during these two festivals.

The Manor Complex
2345 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
(954) 626-0082
www.themanorcomplex.com

The Manor Complex is more nightclub than bar. If you've ever been to Mansion Nightclub in Miami, it's very similar except this club caters to the gay and lesbian community. Any night of the week you can find extravagant shows and glitter abounding in this two-story complex. During the Stonewall Street Festival, it works in conjunction with the mile long gay strip of bars and nightclubs as part of the entertainment. If you're looking for a place to have your personal after party, this is the place to go.

Sidelines Gay And Lesbian Sports And Video Bar
2031 Wilton Drive
Manors, FL 33305
(954) 563-8001
www.sidelinessports.com

Sidelines Gay and Lesbian Sports and Video Bar is for all the sports buffs out there. It's a great place to get a drink and catch a game on one of its 24 flatscreens or you can play a game of pool or just relax on the patio. It's located on Wilton Drive, which is the perfect location since the Stonewall Street Festival is located between 5 Points and N.E. 20th St., along the Wilton Manors gay strip. With everything so close, you might not even need your car.

Infinity Lounge
2184 Wilton Dr.
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
(754) 223-3619
www.infinityloungefl.com

Infinity Lounge is the final bar featured on the Wilton Manors strip. It's vibe is cool and sophisticated, so it's a great place for professionals to mingle. The bar is the centerpiece of the establishment and caters to cocktails. The rest is decorated in different hues of blue and finished with chandeliers. The crowd is more mature with most people aged 30 and up, so this is the place to go when you just want to relax with like-minded and like-aged people.

Related: Top Sports Bars In South Florida

801 Bourbon Bar
801 Duval St.
Key West, FL 33040
(305) 297-4737
www.801bourbon.com

Aqua Nightclub and Bar is another late night hot spot. Like 801 Bourbon Bar, it has a drag show with their own performers called The Aquanettes who perform nightly. The interior is a calming cool blue and reminds you of a night under the waves, which makes this an interesting choice for the ruckus Stoli Key West Challenge Run Off. Still, guests will enjoy a comfortable interior and tunes from the DJ. There really isn't more that you can ask for.

Related: Top Nightlife Spots For The Under 21 Crowd

Niema Hulin was born in Newark, NJ but raised in Lexington, South Carolina for the bulk of her formative years. In 2002, she moved to Miami after graduating from the University of Florida. Since then, Niema has worked in film, television and commercials as a Production Assistant and Production Coordinator. Some of her films have included Bad Boys II and I Am Number IV. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.