Dear Straight People,

The party renaissance is clearly upon us. All across the globe, queer dance floors are packed to the brim.

But with so many gay parties taking place, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are worth going to. After all, attending a party doesn’t come cheap. Ticket price aside, one needs to consider flights and accommodation too.

For recommendations on the best gay parties to attend, we spoke to some top gay party organisers in different continents. These men have dedicated their lives to creating unforgettable experiences for the LGBTQ+ community. So they definitely know what they are talking about.

Top 10 Best Gay Parties

From Brussels to Bangkok, we present the top 10 gay parties recommended by experienced party organisers, listed in no particular order.

1. WHITE PARTY BANGKOK

Known for its jaw-dropping production and world-class performances, White Party Bangkok is the pride of Thailand’s vibrant party scene and has quickly grown to become Asia’s largest LGBTQ+ New Year’s celebration.

Produced by entertainment industry veterans & brothers, Blue and Bond Satittammanoon, White Party Bangkok has become a staple in Asia’s gay party scene. With over 20,000 attendees from more than 50 countries, it is also one of the biggest gatherings of our community in the world during the New Year’s weekend. Last year, all their presale festival passes sold out within 5 minutes of going on sale.

Boasting the world’s top talent with innovative, big-budget production, White Party Bangkok continues to elevate the international gay party scene and remains an unforgettable way to ring in the new year in Asia.

Next Event: 28-31 Dec 2023 

Find out more: www.whitepartybangkok.com

P.S: The White Party Bangkok team has another party under their belt; Circuit Festival Asia, a massive 3-day 4-party weekend, which they produce in collaboration with Matinée Group from Barcelona.

Launched in 2018 in Thailand’s beach city of Pattaya, Circuit Festival Asia is fast gaining a reputation as one of Asia’s most unique celebrations with their iconic beach and water park parties.

The next edition of Circuit Festival Asia will take place from 23 to 25 June 2023. Experience this festival for yourself: www.circuitfestival.net/asia

2. CIRCUIT FESTIVAL BARCELONA

Held in Barcelona, Circuit Festival Barcelona is Europe’s biggest gay dance festival produced by Matinée Group!

Taking place over 10 days, Circuit Festival Barcelona offers a solid party lineup, with a wide range of circuit events across various venues. The festival’s biggest draw is its Water Park day Party, during which the Illa Fantasia water park is transformed into a gay party paradise exclusively for festival-goers.

Next event: 5 to 13 Aug 2023

Find out more: www.circuitfestival.net

3. WE PARTY MADRID PRIDE

A titan in the gay party world, WE Party is responsible for some of the best parties around the world. But their flagship event is undoubtedly WE Party Pride.

Held during Madrid Pride, WE Party Madrid is one of the largest gay circuit events in Europe. Attracting thousands of men from across the globe, the parties here are an all-day and all-night affair that don’t rest over 5 consecutive days.

Next Event: 28 Jun to 2 Jul 2023 

Find out more: www.wepartyontour.com

4. LA DEMENCE BRUSSELS – ANNIVERSARY EVENT

One of the world’s longest running gay parties, La Demence Brussels has been throwing legendary parties for over 30 years!

A sex positive event that features a dark room that is almost as big as their dance floor, this is one party where you can truly let loose. 

Next event: 27 to 29 Oct 2023

Find out more: www.lademence.com

P.S: La Demence also hosts smaller events throughout the year. Check out their complete party calendar on their website.

5. TEL AVIV PRIDE

When it comes to reasons to attend Tel Aviv Pride, two words suffice; Offer Nissim.

Offer Nissim isn’t just renowned as the world’s #1 gay DJ. He has consistently ranked among the top DJs globally. At Tel Aviv Pride, attendees are guaranteed to experience an unforgettable set from this world-class performer.

Of course, Tel Aviv Pride has more to offer than just Offer Nissim. Expect a world-class circuit festival with some of Israel’s top talents and parties, including Forever Tel Aviv events.

Next event: 7 to 10 Jun 2023

Find out more: www.telavivpride.com/

6. WHITE PARTY PALM SPRINGS

Having been around for over three decades, White Party Palm Springs was created by the late Jeffrey Sanker, who earned the titles of “the high priest of gay parties” and “the father of the modern gay event party” by various media outlets. 

It is one of the biggest gay dance festivals in the US. Past headliners of this iconic event have included gay icons such as Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande.

Spanning across a 3-day weekend, the 33rd edition of the event will feature seven themed parties hosted across indoor and outdoor venues.

Next event: 12 to 14 May 2023

Find out more: www.whitepartyglobal.com

7. MASTERBEAT LA

Having been around for over two decades, Masterbeat’s New Years’ Eve party is a landmark event in Los Angeles founded by Brett Henrichsen, a DJ and party veteran who has been producing America’s largest LGBT+ parties since the 1990s. 

Boasting a new theme each year, last year’s ‘Carnival’ theme saw the transformation of 4 nightclubs into one massive carnival. 

Next event: End of the year

Find out more: www.masterbeat.com

P.S: Materbeat also produces a massive Labor Day party in Los Angeles and a hugely popular multi-day event in NYC during Pride. Check out more details on their website.,

8. WINTER PARTY

One of the biggest circuit parties in the East Coast, Winter Party is held in Miami every March. 

With crowds of over 10,000 people from across the globe, the highlight of this iconic event is their signature Beach Party that takes place on the shores of South Beach. 

Winter Party stands out as an exceptional event as it is not merely a fun and lively celebration. 

Produced by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, this annual, week-long celebration also raises critical funds for the LGBTQ+ movement to fight for the rights and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community in South Florida.

Next event: March 2024

Find out more: www.winterparty.com/

9. ALEGRIA NYC PRIDE

There are no lack of parties during Pride month. But few can compare to Alegria NYC Pride, produced by Ric Sena.

Widely considered to be New York City’s best gay circuit party, it takes place at the iconic Brooklyn Mirage – a breathtaking open-air sanctuary with both indoor and outdoor dance floors, complete with stunning 200-foot LED walls.

Now in its 23rd year, Alegria Pride 2023 promises to be the biggest yet with an exciting new theme: ALEGRIA in WONDERLAND. Brace yourself for a fantastical escape and immerse yourself in the wonder and magic of what looks set to be an epic pride celebration.

Next event: 25 June 2023

Find out more: www.ricsenapresents.com

P.S: Ric Sena also produces Alegria Halloween and Sunrise Memorial Day parties, both are extremely popular gay events in NYC. Check out when they are on their website. 

10. ATLANTIS CARIBBEAN CRUISE

If the Atlantis Caribbean Cruise isn’t already on your bucket list, it’s worth considering. The adventures experienced on this all-gay cruise have become the stuff of legends.

While the themed parties and private afterparties are undoubtedly the highlight of the Atlantis Caribbean Cruise, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy on board the ship as well. Look forward to shore excursions, world-class dining as well as musical and comedy shows from renowned talents 

Produced by Rich Campbell of Atlantis Events, there are 4 cruises to pick from in their 2023 calendar. 

Find out more: https://atlantisevents.com/

Guide To The Best Gay Parties In The World

If your favourite gay party didn’t make the list, please don’t throw a fit.

As valuable as these recommendations from the veteran party organisers have been, we understand that ‘best’ is incredibly subjective. This article is merely meant to be a guide, and a tribute to the remarkable work by gay event organisers in establishing safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.

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