The 35th Anniversary of GayDays Orlando is officially back on the calendar. After a brief “pause” earlier this month due to logistical challenges, organizers announced on February 24, 2026, that the iconic LGBTQ+ event has secured a new home. The celebration will now take place from June 4–7, 2026, at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Celebration. This reversal marks a major win for the community and ensures the long-standing tradition continues in Central Florida.
A New Strategy: The Full Hotel Buyout
The move to the Holiday Inn & Suites in Celebration represents a strategic shift for the event. For the first time, GayDays has secured a full hotel buyout of the entire property. This means all 400+ rooms, the pool area, and the convention spaces will be dedicated exclusively to GayDays attendees. This “all-under-one-roof” approach aims to create a more immersive and secure environment. It also eliminates the transportation issues often associated with spreading events across multiple Orlando resorts.
Returning Traditions and Red Shirt Day
While the host hotel has changed, the most famous GayDays traditions remain intact. Organizers officially confirmed that Red Shirt Day at Walt Disney World will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026. This event brings thousands of attendees to the Magic Kingdom in red shirts as a sign of solidarity and visibility. The 2026 schedule also includes returning favorites such as the GayDays Vendor Expo, the Mr. and Miss GayDays pageants, and the popular “Puppy Mosh” event. Take a look below at the official social media announcement from the GayDays team confirming the new venue and dates:
High-Energy Entertainment and Headliners
The 2026 entertainment lineup is already taking shape with several big names confirmed. Coco Montrese, a fan favorite from RuPaul’s Drag Race, is set to headline alongside the legendary ChiChi LaRue. The event will feature a rotating roster of circuit DJs, including DJ Itty Bitty and Jake Maxwell, for the signature pool parties. These parties are scheduled to run until 2:00 AM daily, with “After Hours” events continuing for guests until 6:00 AM.
A Sustainable Future for the Celebration
Co-owners Josh Duke and Charles Cantrell noted that this “reset” was necessary to ensure the event’s long-term sustainability. By moving to a smaller, dedicated venue in Celebration, the team can focus on quality and community connection. This “reimagined” GayDays focuses on bringing everyone back together in a single, dedicated space. Booking for the new host hotel is expected to open immediately, and organizers anticipate a quick sell-out given the reduced room inventory compared to previous years.
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