Pool party, night party, after party, repeat. Three thousand lesbians staying together in a sold-out hotel. Girls in Wonderland in Orlando just might be the ultimate rite of passage for hundreds of thousands of lesbians around the globe.
Founded more than twenty years ago, powerhouse producer Pandora Events starts each year with their GIW kicks off Gay Days® in Orlando. Proceeds from their events support a number of charities and services benefiting LGBTQ communities across the nation.
Last weekend, the epic four-day event did not disappoint. From legendary dance shows at world-class venues to twerking wet pool parties, here’s a rundown of some of the greatest highlights.
The Saturday Wet Pool Party: the perfect place to bask in the Florida sun.
Comedy, Comedy, Comedy
Taking place in the gala room of the host hotel, this year’s comedy show was sold out and packed to the brim, with ticket holders waiting out the door to get in line.
From funny observations about lesbian relationships to more poignant ideas of identity and self-love, hundreds enjoyed the comedic stylings of today’s hottest lesbian comedians.
Unforgettable Pool Parties
What’s even better than enjoying the newest hits and live dancers while sipping on drinks by the pool? GIW has a pool party each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of their weekend event, giving travelers the opportunity to catch at least one of them. And no, not even tropical Storm Alex could stop the crowd from enjoying everything this festival has to offer.
After a GIW pool party, you’ll never be the same. Some of the hottest lesbian musical acts, performers, and dancers took over the pool party stage.
Party goers enjoyed live shows including a twerking contest, plus performances from DJ DLUX, DJ TATIANA, PHEM, DJ ZEHNO, DJ Citizen Jane, and more.
Floaties galore as headliner PHEM performs live at GIW.
Two lovebirds get cozy by the poolside at GIW.
Supporting Small Business
Each year, Pandora Events support a number of nonprofits including the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the Aqua Foundation for Women, the HRC, Care Resource, NVEEE, and the National LGBTQ Task Force.
On top of that, they give local artists and small businesses the opportunity to get in front of their target market and be able to build a face-to-face rapport with their customers in a welcoming, festive environment that gives lesbian entrepreneurs a place to take root.
Legendary Night Parties: CLIMAX and the GIW Signature Event
Fridays take a sexy Latin vibe with salsa, merengue, and reggaeton beats filling the club at Cuba Libre.
DJ Tatiana and DJ Aileen Castro keep the party vibing on the main floor with top 40 hits and the latest electronic house beats at Cuba Libre.
SATURDAY: PIRATE INVASION
GIW took the party to a new venue for its signature event—Pirate Adventures—a larger-than-life performance stage (with a massive pirate ship inside!). Hundreds of ladies dressed up as saucy damsels, mermaids, or their favorite pirates, and shook their booties until 2 am.
The Next Chapter of Girls in Wonderland
If you’ve never had the opportunity to hit up Girls in Wonderland in Orlando, there will be plenty of opportunities on the horizon as Pandora Events continues to grow its presence nationwide.
In October, they’ll be piloting the GIW circuit party concept to the beaches of St. Petersburg, Florida. We hope to see you there!
Photos courtesy of Miné Salkin
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