Doing nothing for Halloween scares the Baby Bejesus out of most gays.
Luckily, we have trick-or-treat bagloads of options.
Besides our own Dallas Halloween Block Party in the gayborhood (which takes place a week before Halloween) and the VACAYA Halloween takeover we just told you about last Travel Tuesday.
Today, we present another option if you want to get out of Dallas-Fort Worth but also stay in the country.
Join 40,000 of your closest new friends from all over the world, including at least a few dozen gays dressed as Hooters waitresses (we think it’s required by law or something).
It’s Wicked Manors 2026: Masquerade of Mayhem, the biggest and grandest Halloween celebration in the southeastern United States.
The signature annual fundraiser for The Pride Center at Equality Park began in 2007 and takes place this year on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31, from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. along Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors, Florida, just north of Fort Lauderdale.
The nonprofit group partners with the City of Wilton Manors to ensure a well-organized, smoothly run event in one of the queerest cities in the nation.
Festivities are highlighted by two stages of live entertainment, a fierce costume competition, and plenty of food and beverage options along the street, which is closed to vehicular traffic.
Get earlybird pricing through October 1. Tickets start at only $15 for general admission with options to upgrade to premium admission for $39, which includes five drink tickets.
Go all out with VIP and you’ll be treated to lots of extras. Among them, an air-conditioned indoor lounge, complimentary appetizers throughout the night, a full open bar, live DJ, and we presume (and hope!) dedicated restroom facilities.
Of course, it would be a shame to go all the way to Florida’s Atlantic coast and not stay on the beach. One of our favorite spots and the last place we stayed in Fort Lauderdale is the Pelican Grand Beach Resort.
The beautifully appointed, contemporary, nautical-themed rooms start at $550 for the weekend, but the location is spectacular and you’ll want at least a full day on property to sleep late, relax in the lazy river, and enjoy some cocktails and food from the excellent Ocean2000 restaurant.
It’s going to be an incredible time and a great way to be out and proud in a state that, like Texas, needs to see us living our lives authentically.
Even if that night’s version of authentic is dressed as Dolly Parton.
Wicked Manors 2026: Masquerade of Mayhem
Saturday, October 31
5:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Tickets: From $15
Wilton Manors, Florida
wickedmanors.org
Photos courtesy of The Pride Center at Equality ParkPelican Grand Beach Resort
2000 North Ocean Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
pelicanbeach.com
Hotel photo courtesy of Pelican Grand Beach Resort
