After briefly pressing pause on its June plans, GayDays Inc. has confirmed that its signature Orlando celebration is officially back on for 2026 – and it’s moving to a new home base.
Organizers announced that this year’s festivities will take place June 4th through 8th at the Holiday Inn & Suites Orlando SW – Celebration Area on Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway. The group has secured the entire 440-room resort, with all official parties and programming happening on property.
In a message to supporters, GayDays’ Charles Cantrell shared, “This year is about bringing the energy back together in one place.” Josh Duke added “We listened to our community and focused on creating a space that truly feels like ours.”
— Event image from GayDays.com
35 Years of GayDays
According to its official website, GayDays Orlando 2026 marks the 35th anniversary of the event, promising its “biggest and best” year yet. The full hotel takeover means attendees can move from pool parties to late-night events without ever leaving the property.
The 2026 lineup features returning staples like Drag Bingo, Porn Bingo, the Mr. GayDays Leather Competition, the Miss GayDays Pageant, and the popular Puppy Mosh. New additions this year include a Piano Bar and the comedic GAYME Show, along with a Comedy Show and Taste of GayDays. DJs will spin until 2 AM at the pools, with After Hours events running as late as 6 AM. VIP packages will offer perks such as private pool bars, early cocktail party access, meet-and-greets, and exclusive gifts.
This year’s celebration continues a tradition that began in 1991, when members of an online LGBTQ community coordinated a meet-up at Magic Kingdom. Wearing red shirts to spot one another in the crowds, the informal gathering grew into what’s now known as one of the largest LGBTQ weekends in Central Florida. Over time, multiple promoters have hosted events across theme parks, resorts, and venues along International Drive. “Gay Days” has since become a wide term for the first weekend in June, though GayDays Inc. remains one of the primary organizers.
Attendance in past years has been reported at more than 150,000 people.
Event tickets and hotel reservations for GayDays Orlando 2026 are now available at gaydays.com.
