This Party Brings Fun & Rainbows to North Lido Beach in Sarasota!

​The Big Gay Beach Party, an annual celebration of pride and unity, has become a highlight of our beach communities social calendar, offering a day of fun in the sun on June 15th, 2024. SarasotaOUT.com, a champion for the local LGBTQ community, spearheads The Big Gay Beach Party, under the guidance of its founder, Joshua Beadle.
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The 2017 flyer advertising Sarasota Summer Gay Beach Party Series.

When asked about the origins of the event, Joshua shared, "The idea for the Big Gay Beach Party started about seven years ago when my friends and I decided to bring people together at Sarasota's gay beach, because a lot of people didn't realize Sarasota has a gay-friendly beach." He recalls his inspiration stemming from his early experiences at Sunset Beach - the gay beach in St. Petersburg. "When I first moved to Florida, I was living in Tampa. My friends and I would go to Sunset Beach and it was always such a blast, particularly when the hot bartenders from G Bar would bring Jell-O shots. It was so much fun, it was a great way to catch up on the gossip from the past week and we really looked forward to it!"

​Sarasota's gay beach parties started as a weekly event called "Sarasota Summer Gay Beach Party Series" in 2017. The event kicked off with around 20 people and took place every Sunday, during June, July and August. Due to the massive effort required, it has since been pared down to a singular, grand celebration during June to coincide with Pride month. "It's easily one of my favorite events," Joshua beams. The mission, he says, "is for us to celebrate our community in the most beautiful setting. Not many places can host a beach party like this, that is literally right over the bridge, minutes away!"
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A photo from one of the first Sarasota Summer Gay Beach Party Series.

The community response has been overwhelmingly positive with inclusivity being at the heart of the Big Gay Beach Party. "This event really brings people together—it brings families, straight people, and everyone in between of every body type" Joshua explained, "I've always said that this event is for everybody and every body!" Hundreds of people show up, wearing colorful outfits, sharing food and drinks, there to enjoy a day of camaraderie and fun. Joshua fondly remembers one particular year when someone brought an entire inflatable living room, complete with a disco ball. "It was really a spectacle to see," he laughs. The event has drawn people from across Florida and beyond, turning it into the perfect place to make new friends.

Despite its success, the event has faced challenges, primarily logistical. The secluded nature of North Lido Beach, while perfect for privacy and historical significance as a nudist beach (not anymore), means that everything needed for the party must be brought in by hand or beach cart. ​Attendees of the Big Gay Beach Party are expected to bring everything they would need for a self contained day at the beach. Essentials like sunscreen, shade, snacks, and water are some of the top items we recommend. Joshua is proud of the support from the city, particularly in logistics and maintaining cleanliness—an area the city and SarasotaOUT.com continuously improve upon each year.
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Photo from 2022 Big Gay Beach Party

​SarasotaOUT.com is not just the organizer but also the primary promoter and fundraiser for the event. "We fundraise to cover most of the expenses—from the permits to the DJ," Joshua explains. For those wishing to get involved, Joshua encourages reaching out. "We always need volunteers," he says, and sponsorships are crucial for scaling the event.

As for the future, Joshua dreams big. He wants to see it become a fundraising event for Sarasota's LGBTQ community and to help save North Lido beaches and wildlife. "I'd love for it to become a major event that not only celebrates but also supports our community like The Pines Party in Fire Island." 
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The Big Gay Beach Party promises to be another fantastic gathering from SarasotaOUT.com, and a testament to the strength and vibrancy of Sarasota's LGBTQ community and their allies. As Joshua puts it, "It's more than just a party; it's a statement of our presence and our pride." Join the celebration on June 15th at North Lido Beach and experience the unity and fun that only Sarasota can offer.

To inquire about sponsorships reach out to Joshua at [email protected]. To keep up to date on the event, join the Facebook event page. 
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