The Pride Fort Lauderdale festival is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a free one-day party on Fort Lauderdale beach on Sunday, Feb. 26 from noon to 8 p.m.
The celebration will include performances by 2016 "America's Got Talent" finalist Brian Justin Crum and Grammy-nominated country singer Ty Herndon, who are both openly gay, as well as DJs Wendy Hunt, A.J. Reddy and Joe Gauthraux.
An LGBTQ history exhibit presented by the Stonewall National Museum & Archives will be among the features, and more than 100 community organizations, artists, businesses and vendors will exhibit their products and services during the free event.
"We are proud to have such an inclusive Pride celebration in our destination," said Richard Gray, managing director LGBTQ market, for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. "We hope that local residents and visitors from all over will have an opportunity to experience Greater Fort Lauderdale's commitment to diversity and equality regardless of age, gender, sexual preference, religion or race."
Among the new features at Pride Fort Lauderdale this year:
• Pride Family: Through a collaboration with South Florida Family Pride, Pride Fort Lauderdale will feature an area dedicated to all families across the community that will include arts and crafts, entertainment and activities with a family friendly focus.
• Pride Seniors: Working with a local Senior LGBTQ Senior Group, the festival will include an area specifically for seniors.
•Pride Dry Area: The festival will introduce an alcohol-free area where attendees can enjoy the event with other like-minded individuals.
• Pride Sports: Representatives from a dozen local LGBTQ sports leagues, including softball, kickball, running, swimming and bowling, will be on site, signing up new members.
"Our goal is to present a world-class festival that will not only appeal to local residents but become a destination for LGBT visitors from around the world," said Pride Fort Lauderdale president Miik Martorell.
Proceeds from the festival will fund scholarships for LGBTQ youth and grants to local community organizations. For a complete schedule of Pride Fort Lauderdale events, go to PrideFortLauderdale.org.