The American/Caribbean Flamingo, or Phoenicopterus ruber, as it's commonly known in zoology circles, is a South Florida icon. A group of them is called a flamboyance, and that is certainly appropriate as we head towards the largest LGBTQ summer beach party in South Florida.
FlockFest returns to Fort Lauderdale Beach Park July 6 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. A sea of flamingo floaties will oscillate with the waves as the sun beats down, and DJ Deanne drops beats. The party is a fixture on the LGBTQ summer schedule, and both the event and organization have grown in recent years.
The beach party will have inflatable bars serving up cold drinks, a VIP tent will offer a little extra comfort and shorter lines for drinks, and cabanas will be decorated and judged accordingly. Cabana kings and queens are asked to pick a theme and decorate using eco-friendly materials.
While the beach party may be the crowning jewel of the weekend, it is flanked by fun events. Festivities kickoff July 5 from 6-10 p.m. with Flock the Block at LIT bar on Wilton Drive.
Sunday is FlockFest SPLASH Flamingo Edition at The Easton at Courtyard Downtown from noon-5 p.m. Event info and tickets are available at FlockFestEvents.org.
The legendary DJ Deanne is headlining Saturday’s beach party. She talks with OutSFL about how keeping the energy up at a beach party is very different than at a club and being a FlockFest first timer. Below are excerpts from the interview.
You can watch her full interview on YouTube at OutSFL Live.
I’ve barely exhaled from Pride, and we’re already looking at another big event. You’ll keep us movin’, groovin’, and going with the motion of the ocean.
Yes, FlockFest is right around the corner, and it’s a first time for me. It’s gonna be a new experience, and I’m very excited.
Have you been to FlockFest before, or is it just all new top to bottom?
All new top to bottom. I’m familiar with what happens. Thousands of flamingo floats and lots of people beachside dancing.
What do you play for beach parties? How do beach parties differ from an average night at Eagle or The Manor?
They’re drastically different. My philosophy has always been that the music should match the vibe, the setting, the aesthetic. In my mind, there is definitely a sound that should accompany a beach party, and that is happy feel good vibes. You’ll get some very vocally-driven music.
