Each year, individuals from around the world gather in Miami for the White Party: one of the premier fundraisers for HIV/AIDS research. This party is also one of the signature events on South Florida’s GLBT social calendar. This year’s White Party Week runs from November 25 until November 30, 2009.
History of the White Party
The Health Crisis Network first held the White Party in 1985, making it one of the longest-running HIV/AIDS fundraisers in the world. Since then, it’s grown from a small effort that raised about $16,000 to a major source of revenue for AIDS research, bringing in millions of dollars annually. The White Party has grown from a single evening event to a week-long series of social occasions. The White Party’s name derives from the tradition that participants at all events dress entirely in white clothing.
White Party Week 2009 Events
Major events during this year’s White Party Week include:
- The White Party: The signature event occurs on Saturday, November 28th from 6:30-11:30PM at Vizcaya. The party includes open-air dancing, music by top DJs and a great selection of food. Celebrity appearances at past White Party events included Cyndi Lauper, Darren Hayes and Nicole Henry. The VIP Room features food from top Miami restaurants, including China Grill, Blue Door at Delano and Tuscan Steak
- Cirque Blanc: The Women’s White Party: A special event for women occurs on Friday from 9PM-4AM. Hosted at the Nikki Beach Club on Ocean Drive, Cirque Blanc features dancing, food and entertainment for women only.
- Heatwave Pool Party: Get warmed up for the main event at the Heatwave Pool Party on Saturday from 11AM-5PM at the National Hotel.
- Muscle Beach: This tickets-only event at the 12th Street beach begins at 1PM on Sunday and runs until 8PM. Thousands of party-goers enjoy music and dancing in the sun.
- Swan Song: If you’re still around on Monday evening, you can visit the Twist Nightclub on Washington Avenue for the “after party”. Beginning at 7PM and running until the wee hours of the morning, the Swan Song is the last event of White Party Week.
If you’re planning to attend the White Party this year, be sure to make a reservation early at one of
Miami Beach’s best hotels. You’ll also want to
purchase White Party tickets early, as they sell out quickly!
