It started as a joke. A bunch of friends getting together at Sebastian Beach in Fort Lauderdale and floating around on a sea of flamingo inflatables. Take some selfies, maybe a few tourists will tell friends back home, and that’s that.
Now in its 10th year, FlockFest, with its iconic pink inflatables, is arguably one of the most visible LGBTQ groups in South Florida.
“When people see the flamingo, or they’re out and about, they take pictures and send it to me,” founder Steven Crawford said. “To see it go from a few floats to where it’s this giant city on the beach, to see it all happening, chokes me up every year.”
From 60 floats the first year, the party’s reputation grew quickly. By year four, Crawford knew the little joke was becoming a big deal. That’s when he decided to make the group a nonprofit. Someone took over the important minutiae and let Crawford focus on big picture ideas.
“He told me to make this as big as I can. I did that. I let my imagination run with it, and that year we had a bunch of tents and about 350-400 people. We started bringing in sponsors and that’s when I realized this is going to get really big.”
While the mid-July party is the highlight of their calendar, FlockFest is now a year-round enterprise. From pool parties to marching in Prides to hosting afterparties to a fashion show at the Seminole Hard Rock, their pink balloons and flamingos are becoming ubiquitous.
The group also uses FlockFest Events to help promote other organizations.
Music Waves & Cabanas
This year’s party features DJ Danny Verde spinning from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and will be hosted by Jonathan Casañas.
“Who was crazy enough to make me host of FlockFest?” Casañas joked.
The event comes with sun, sand, inflatables and DJ Danny, which begs the question: what’s left for a host to do?
“I’m here to bring the energy. I’m going to take it next level. That’s what I do. Maybe I take it too far! Who knows? But I’m gonna take it somewhere and that’s gonna be the exciting part.”
The cabana decorating contest will be back this year as well.
Crawford and his team start setting up at 5 a.m. after a check to make sure sea turtle nests remain undisturbed. While they will be busy inflating pink flamingos, people are allowed to bring their own floatie. FlockFesters will inflate it on site for a small donation.
Flock To the Drive
While the main event is Saturday, July 12, FlockFest is really a weeklong party.
Pub On the Drive is hosting check-in parties Tuesday and Wednesday. Early check-in moves to LIT on Thursday. All gatherings are from 6-8 p.m. and you can check-in for the Saturday’s beach party and/or Sunday’s Splash Pool Party.
On Thursday, LIT is also hosting Flamingo Bitch Bingo. It starts at 8 p.m. (once check-in wraps up) and goes until 11pm.
You can also flock over to Eagle on Thursday for the Leather & Feather party, which starts at 9 p.m. and goes until close at 2 a.m.
Hunters hosts Flamingo Friday starting at 5 p.m. Everyone is invited but this will serve as an additional chance to check-in.
The FlockFestivities wrap up Sunday with the Splash T-Dance pool party at Easton Courtyard Downtown. DJ Joe Gauthreaux will be spinning on the rooftop pool deck from noon until 5 p.m.
Important Reminders & Suggestions
Bring sunscreen
Wear a hat
Stay hydrated (Early forecasts call for Heat Index of 96F)
No pets
No weapons
FlockFest Beach Party 2024. Photo by JR Davis.
