There's just something in the summer air that makes celebrating our lady 'murica feel especially right. June's around the corner, the summer heat is here to stay, and all the school kids are about to be let loose on the 'burbs. Let us welcome the season, honor and remember our fallen armed forces, and have a hell of a party in their name.
Here are our top 10 events going down this weekend in Broward and Palm Beach counties in celebration of Memorial Day 2013.
Friday
10. Fetish Factory's 18 Year Anniversary Fetish Weekend
Fetish Factory
855 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
Fetish Factory's 18 year anniversary conveniently aligns with Memorial Day Weekend this year, bringing eight crazy parties for those feeling kinky enough to give in to their freaky fantasies four days in a row. What's more patriotic than leather and whips? Maybe apple pie.
Highlights of the festivities include the best in local DJs spinning at the Fetish Factory, pool parties at the Marriott, free limo service to and from events, dancers, and performers. For the full line-up of events and ticket information through the weekend, check out the Facebook page.
See also
- Our Reporter Goes Undercover in the South Florida Fetish Scene
9. DJ Needlez Presents "Rock The Mic" Showcase
Propaganda
6 South J Street, Lake Worth
This all-white hip-hop affair takes place this Friday at Propaganda. Watch some of the areas finest emcees lay down some verses to ill beats, and don't forget to don your freshest white threads a la Kendrick Lamar's new video for "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe." Enjoy free drinks for ladies and $3 drinks for guys from 8 to 10 p.m.
Saturday
8. Roller Derby Memorial Day Weekend Blowout
Green Room
109 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale
Roll out with about 500 rough and tumble derby mamas this Saturday at the annual Women's Flat Track Derby Association Conference "Belted, Buckled & Booted" after-party, hosted by the Gold Coast Derby Girls. The event starts at 10 p.m. and admission is free all night.
See also
- Derby of the Dead at Gold Coast Roller Skating Rink
7. 4th Annual Great American Beach Party
Fort Lauderdale Beach
At A1A and Las Olas Blvd.
Get outdoors with the family this Saturday at Fort Lauderdale Beach's fourth annual Great American Beach Party at A1A and Las Olas. This free, all-day event starts at 10 a.m. and features two stages of live music; fun beach activities like bounce houses, face painting, and a waterslide; a vintage car show with over 50 hot rods and muscle cars; and a special screening of a movie presented by the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.
Classic rock n' Roll cover bands the Riverside Dixieland Jazz Band, Beatles cover act Across the Universe, and headliners Boogie Knights will provide the music throughout the day. The movie will screen at 8:30 p.m. on a larger-than-life screen set, and an art show will include displays from several Fort Lauderdale artists, even up and coming chalk artists.
6. Dirty South Speed of Life Tour
Gryphon
5707 Seminole Way, Hollywood
Grammy nominated Australian DJ and producer Dirty South will be tearing up the decks this Saturday at Gryphon at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood alongside resident DJ Edgar V. Get down and dirty VIP style at this Saturday club night.
5. The Green Light Gentleman's Bar at C&I Studios
C&I Studios
541 NW 1st Ave, Fort Lauderdale
The creative types in Fort Lauderdale's FAT Village sure do know how to put on a great themed party. This Saturday, C&I Studios will throw a debaucherous 1920's prohibition-themed party, a la the Great Gatsby. Expect flappers, gangsters, and all the dazzling decadence and risqué mystery of the roaring twenties, including live music and a full bar. The event is free and begins at 8 p.m.
See also
- 10 Shot Comparisons Between the 1974 and 2013 Gatsbys
4. Patriotic Bikini Party
America's Backyard
100 SW Third Ave., Fort Lauderdale
The name says it all. Head over from the beach to America's Backyard this Saturday in your cutest swimwear. Keep the party going and beat the heat! Plus, enter the bikini contest for a chance to win two tickets to the Watts Up Tour with Antiserum, Helicopter Showdown, and Clicks & Whistles on June 1.
3. Fuego Blanco with Latrice Royale
Manor Complex
2345 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors
Let's give con-drag-ulations to all our war heroes this Saturday at the Manor Complex. Rupaul Drag Race Star Latrice Royale will be the star of tonight's show, sashaying her beautiful self across the stage for all to take in her splendor. This no cover event is hosted by the lovely Viva Mirage, with music by DJ Larry Larr all night.
See also
- PHOTOS: The Royale Starr Court at Boom Nightclub
Sunday
2. Freedom Beach Music Festival MDW2013
Exit 66
219 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale
EDM is like a train throttling full speed ahead into the glow stick-wielding masses. We say close your eyes, and let the rumble of the bass consume you. So do the folks at WorldVision Entertainment and Freedom Events in association with Exit 66. This Sunday, they're presenting the first annual Freedom Beach DJ Festival. From 12 p.m. until 4 a.m., Exit 66 on Fort Lauderdale Beach will showcase over 35 of the best in up and coming local DJs and producers with five areas of sounds over two floors, a pool, and a VIP oceanfront balcony.
SpinnZinn, Pelvic Thrust, and Renegades of Funk are just a few of the local DJ heroes slated to play at the event, which will also features live visuals by Tbot and William XMS and live painting by Annamaria de Govia. General admission tickets are $20 and VIP tickets will run you $50. Special rates are also available for hotel accommodations at Days Inn Bahia Cabana Beach Resort through the weekend. Just be sure to give the rate code, Exit 66, when calling to make a reservation.
Monday
1. 10th Annual Palm Beach Jerk & Caribbean Culture Festival
Meyer Amphitheatre
104 Datura St., West Palm Beach
Let's just start by acknowledging that Caribbean food is some of the best food ever. And let's be honest, the music is pretty fantastic, too. This Monday, bring the whole family to Downtown West Palm Beach to celebrate Memorial Day while chowing down on jerk chicken and other delectable Caribbean cuisine and jamming out to two stages of live music featuring some of the best in reggae, soul, and jam music.
Among the performers this year are the Resolves, Frankie Paul, and Roots Shakedown. There's also plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, like water slides, bounce houses, a fashion show, and jerk chicken cook-offs. General admission tickets are $20.
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