Have you heard the sounds of munching, laughing, barking and celebrating the discovery of the best deal? Something new is happening in the gayborhood — after dark.
On the third Thursday of each month, The Pride Center at Equality Park now transforms its lush, tropical courtyard into an entertaining evening market, Equality Park After Dark. This fun, immersive market features food trucks, artisan creations, vintage finds, crafts, art, music and more.
“The food is delicious. The vendors bring some incredibly unique wares. It’s pet friendly. It’s kid friendly. I normally hate outdoor events in the heat and humidity, but this has been so much fun,” laughed Robert Boo, CEO of The Pride Center.
“I love offering interactive opportunities for our community to come together in a beautiful safe space,” Boo continued. “Providing that safe space for connection is especially important in a time when our community feels under attack.”
Launched in May, the new market has welcomed a particularly diverse crowd of visitors, many bringing dogs, partners, family and friends. People tend to stick around for a while, meeting new people, feasting on dinner, joking, shopping, and enjoying the opportunity to relax among the gardens.
"I love the vibe of this new market,” said community member Michelle V. “My girlfriend and I got to taste the most amazing food here, including a spicy bowl from a Black-owned vendor.”
Samantha McCoy, customer service manager at the center, coordinates the market. She has targeted BIPOC- and women-owned businesses and vendors as part of The Pride Center’s affirmative action policies and diversity, equity, inclusion and justice work. She strongly encourages minority businesses to showcase their services at the Equality Park After Dark market, offering discounts to eligible first-time vendors.
"We are happy to work with BIPOC and women-owned businesses,” McCoy said. “So many of these vendors open our community to experiences and to businesses that we may not have had the opportunity to experience."
This month’s market is Thursday, July 20, from 5 to 9 p.m. The Pride Center at Equality Park is located at 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors.
This year, The Pride Center also celebrates 30 years of service as your local LGBTQ+ community center. Its mission states: “We provide a welcoming, safe space—an inclusive home—that celebrates, nurtures, and empowers the LGBTQ+ community, and our friends and neighbors in South Florida.”
Businesses interested in becoming a vendor at the Equality Park After Dark market should contact Samantha McCoy at The Pride Center at 954-463-9005, ext. 101 or
