The OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival is South Florida’s premier LGBTQ cultural arts event, originating from the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (1998) and the Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (2008).
These two iconic festivals merged under one dynamic brand, reflecting their vibrant, multicultural audience and international recognition. OUTshine celebrates LGBTQ stories through diverse films, videos, and media that explore historical and contemporary perspectives. It offers two festivals, Spring and Fall, and the Spring edition kicks off April 23 running through May 3. That is followed by OUTshine At Home, May 4-10, when you can stream films to watch on your schedule. From the opening gala screening and reception at Miami Beach Botanical Garden in partnership with Latinos Salud on April 23 to the closing night block party at Savor Cinema on May 3, there is something for everyone. Go to OutshineFilm.com for a list of films and tickets.
They’re Busy at The Kravis This Weekend
Not only do they host a booze-infused Shakespeare, but they’re also celebrating Black music heritage. Talk about cooking on all four burners (or for you native South Floridians, coils!) Sh!tfaced Shakespeare runs April 23–25. Hamlet! Shakespeare’s greatest work gets the full boozy treatment. Is it the murder of a king? A hasty incestuous marriage? A prince bent on revenge? Or maybe just a gassy Polonius full of beer! The timeless examination of the nature of humanity is performed in under two hours, so “To be or not to be” gets answered and you shan’t need a nap!
Then, April 24–25, Electric Root presents Let Love Lead, A Celebration of Black Music. It’s an immersive, emotionally rich concert that draws on the musical traditions that have shaped the cultural soundscape.
Have You Met My Friend Art?
Miami’s not the only place brimming with art. Broward County has got its own districts that are doing quite well. You can fill an entire day getting your culture on. Start the day in Pembroke Pines at the Frank Gallery, exploring The Project Room, Third Space, and a studio featuring rotating workshops and exhibitions that highlight local creativity. Then stroll through River of Grass ArtsPark, where the Pembroke Pines Theater of Performing Arts brings community-driven performances to life, and go behind the scenes at Studio 18, where local artists work on emerging projects. Lunch on Hollywood Blvd. and then check out The Center, set in the historic Kagey home, featuring timeless art by Picasso, O’Keeffe, and Hockney. After that head to Fort Lauderdale’s Thrive Arts District and discover Broward’s largest outdoor mural space, stretching across five acres in Progresso Village, visit studios, such as Glass & Pen, Pavel Ouporov Fine Art, and Jeff Gould Art, showcasing working artists. Recharge nearby for coffee at Obsidian Coffee or craft beers at Uncommon Path Brewing. Grab dinner at one of the many restaurants along Wilton Drive and then explore Wilton Manors Art District, comprised of 16 member galleries and three theaters all within walking distance.
Among the galleries to explore are AJVR-photography by Anthony JV Rufolo, Art Frenzie Galleries, Art Gallery 21, ArtsUnited Gallery, Blu Egg Interiors & Art Gallery, Claudia Castillo ART studio, Fierce Art Gallery Studio, Ingarzon Media Group, Joe Picasso’s, Rosen Fine Art, Space Untitled Art Gallery, Topp Artist, Wilton Art Works Gallery & Studios, and Yellow Pear Designs. Not part of the Art District, but always worth a visit is Over the Moon. Plan your trip for the third Saturday of the month, when all galleries stay open late and offer receptions and demonstrations.
