Florida AIDS Walk & Music Festival
📍 Fort Lauderdale Beach Park · 📅 Saturday, March 21, 2026 · 🔗 floridaaidswalk.org
Florida's largest annual HIV/AIDS fundraising event — now in its 21st year. Produced by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), it combines a 5K community walk along the Fort Lauderdale beachfront with a full-day music festival.[1] The 2026 walk drew thousands to Fort Lauderdale Beach Park and raised nearly $3 million for local HIV/AIDS service organizations.[2]
Queen Latifah headlined the 2026 festival, performing alongside rising artist Rinasere.[3] The concert is free for registered walkers; general admission tickets are available for a $25 donation. The day includes food trucks, drag shows, DJs, a selfie spot, and a Memory Wall honoring those lost to HIV/AIDS.
2026 Schedule
- 8:00 AM Site opens
- 9:45 AM Opening ceremony
- 10:00 AM 5K walk begins
- 11:00 AM Music festival begins
- 11:30 AM Rinasere performs
- 12:30 PM Queen Latifah takes the stage
What to bring: Sunblock, sunglasses, ID, comfortable shoes, charged phone, cash for food and drinks. Not allowed: Strollers, wagons, pets, coolers, beach umbrellas, outside alcohol, weapons, glass, or drones.
How to Participate
Register at floridaaidswalk.org — individually, as a team, or by donating to a walker. No cash or checks on-site. AHF matches donations to beneficiary teams postmarked by March 31, 2026. Want to walk for a specific nonprofit? Visit the Beneficiary Page — 100% of what you raise goes to that organization, plus a dollar-for-dollar AHF match.
Volunteer: HandsOn South Florida coordinates volunteer shifts — setup, registration, water stations, route support, and cleanup. Sign up directly through the Florida AIDS Walk volunteer page.
2026 Beneficiaries
Afro Pride Florida · Aqua Foundation for Women · Broward House · Equality Florida · The McKenzie Project · Positive People Network · The Pride Center at Equality Park · PRISM · Pridelines · Safe Schools South Florida · SAVE LGBTQ · SunServe · Transinclusive Group · Ujima Men's Collective
Parking: A Premier Parking Pass is required. Organizers strongly recommend carpooling, rideshare, or water taxi due to Spring Break traffic on A1A.
The Joy Ride
📍 Orlando to St. Petersburg · 📅 November 20–21, 2026 · 🔗 thejoyridefl.org · Register/Donate at Givebutter
The Joy Ride is a two-day, 165-mile charity cycling event across Florida raising funds for five nonprofit agencies providing HIV/AIDS services, housing, mental health care, and LGBTQ+ support.[4] Every dollar raised is distributed to beneficiary organizations.
The Joy Ride carries the legacy of the SMART Ride (Southern Most HIV/AIDS Ride), which raised millions of dollars for Florida HIV organizations over roughly two decades before ending in 2023.[5] The SMART Ride was one of the largest AIDS bicycle rides in the country and was known for returning 100% of every dollar raised directly to beneficiary agencies. The Joy Ride continues that 100% model.
The Legacy: SMART Ride to Joy Ride
The SMART Ride was founded in 2003 by Glen Weinzimer, who created the ride after surviving HIV when many of his friends did not. The original route ran 165 miles from Miami to Key West, with riders crossing the Seven Mile Bridge and parading down Duval Street to cheering crowds. When the SMART Ride ended, representatives from beneficiary agencies came together to launch The Joy Ride and keep the tradition of community cycling for HIV alive in Florida.
How to Participate
Cyclists must raise a minimum of $1,250. The event is fully supported — route planning, overnight lodging, meals, first aid, and logistics all handled by the organization.
Crew members (volunteers who set up, manage water stations, cheer riders, etc.) are not required to fundraise but are encouraged to. Donors can give directly to support any rider or the event.
2026 Beneficiaries
Broward House · Compass Community Center · EPIC (Empath Partners in Care) · Miracle of Love · Pridelines
Dining Out For Life — Florida
Dining Out For Life is an annual national fundraiser where participating restaurants donate a percentage of the day's sales to local HIV service organizations. Dine out, and your meal funds HIV care in your community — no ticket or registration required.
Jacksonville — April 16, 2026
21st annual Jacksonville event. Benefiting the Northeast Florida AIDS Network (NFAN) Mary H. Lewis Food Pantry, providing year-round food assistance to low-income individuals living with HIV across Northeast Florida. Features a raffle with a $1,000 Visa gift card grand prize. 🔗 diningoutforlife.com/city/dining-out-for-life-jacksonville-fl
Tampa Bay — April 23, 2026
Benefiting Empath Partners in Care (EPIC) — HIV case management, testing, prevention, housing, mental health, and substance use services across the Tampa Bay area. 🔗 diningoutforlife.com/city/tampa-bay-dine-out-for-life
CAN Community Health also participates in the Dining Out For Life network — check cancommunityhealth.org/dofl for Sarasota-area events.
Find participating restaurants in your city at diningoutforlife.com. Nationally, Dining Out For Life partners with 2,400+ restaurants and raises over $4.5 million annually.[19]
Back to topWorld AIDS Museum & Educational Center
📍 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 (inside ArtServe) · 📞 (954) 390-0550 · 🔗 worldaidsmuseum.org
A museum dedicated to preserving the history of the HIV/AIDS epidemic — located in Fort Lauderdale, at the heart of one of the highest HIV prevalence regions in the nation. The museum describes its own mission as the first of its kind in the world dedicated to HIV/AIDS history.[6]
History: The museum grew out of a Fort Lauderdale HIV support group called POZitive Attitudes. Facilitator Steve Stagon began creating historical HIV/AIDS exhibits as discussion topics — initially displayed at the Pride Center of South Florida and Blanche Ely High School. As interest grew, the World AIDS Museum was incorporated as a nonprofit on September 20, 2011, and received 501(c)(3) determination in 2013. The Museum opened its doors on May 15, 2014.[7]
What you'll find: A historical timeline of the AIDS epidemic, exhibits on HIV stigma, the traveling photography exhibit "The Face of HIV," rotating art exhibitions, and portions of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. Current featured exhibit: The Colors of HIV. Tagline: Document. Remember. Empower.
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM. Closed Sunday and Monday. Docent-guided tours available for groups of 3–10 by appointment.
Community programs: HIV education in Broward public schools and community organizations. Annual events include Rock the Ribbon on World AIDS Day at Galleria Fort Lauderdale and the Red Dress Dress Red Gala. WAM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — support them by visiting, becoming a Ribbon Society member, or volunteering.
Back to topAIDS Memorial Quilt in Florida
🔗 aidsmemorial.org/quilt · Virtual Florida Displays
The AIDS Memorial Quilt is the largest community art project in history — a 54-ton tapestry of nearly 50,000 panels dedicated to more than 110,000 individuals who died of AIDS-related illnesses.[8] Each panel measures 3 feet by 6 feet — the dimensions of a human grave. But they are not graves. They are acts of remembrance and declarations of love.
The Quilt was conceived in 1985 by San Francisco activist Cleve Jones and first displayed on the National Mall in 1987. Nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.[9] On World AIDS Day 2024, portions were displayed on the White House lawn for the first time.
Florida Display Hosts
Search all 50,000 panels at aidsmemorial.org/interactive-aids-quilt — search by name to find a friend or loved one. Make a panel or host a display in Florida: aidsmemorial.org/request-the-quilt.
Back to topAnnual Galas & Fundraisers
Florida's HIV organizations host some of the most significant fundraising events in the country. These galas, dinners, and benefit nights fund direct care, housing, food assistance, and community programs.
amfAR Palm Beach Gala
📍 Palm Beach · 📅 Saturday, March 28, 2026 · 🔗 amfar.org/events/amfar-palm-beach-2026
One of the most prestigious social events in the state and a centerpiece of Palm Beach's philanthropic season. Now in its 5th year, the gala has raised nearly $20 million for amfAR's biomedical HIV research over its five-year run. The 2026 gala at the home of Anne and Chris Flowers raised $3.4 million and honored Amy and Bret Baier with amfAR's Philanthropic Leadership Award, with performances by John Legend and Gloria Gaynor.[10] Tickets from $5,000.
CAN Community Health Red Ribbon Gala
📍 Tampa Museum of Art · 📅 Watch for 2026 date · 🔗 cancommunityhealth.org/red-ribbon-gala
CAN's signature black-tie fundraiser under the banner "Reshaping the Face of HIV." Past headliners include Billy Porter, MJ Rodriguez, Michael Kors, and Laverne Cox. Proceeds support the Patient Assistance Fund helping underserved patients with transportation, utilities, and food while staying in HIV care.
Radiance of Wellness Gala
📍 New Tampa Performing Arts Center · 📅 Saturday, June 20, 2026 · 6:00 PM
Enlightened Florida's Black and Gold Gala celebrating health, wellness, and community. Dinner, live music, recognitions, and wellness programming. Contact Chantal Butler at (813) 365-7760. Tickets on Zeffy and Eventbrite.
Other Annual Galas (Watch for 2026 Dates)
Many Florida HIV organizations host annual fundraisers — follow them on social media or sign up for email lists to stay informed: Broward House · Care Resource · Compass (Palm Beach County) · EPIC/Empath Partners in Care (Tampa Bay) · Miracle of Love (Orlando) · Pridelines (Miami) · The Pride Center at Equality Park (Fort Lauderdale)
Strike Out for AIDS — EPIC Bowling Fundraiser
📍 Tampa & Dunedin · 📅 August 2026 (dates TBA) · 🔗 myepic.org/events
Now in its 19th year. Two nights of bowling in two cities. Themed each year (2025: "Hollywood Bowl Edition"). Form a team, sponsor a lane, or bowl individually. The 2024 Dunedin night sold out. Proceeds fund HIV services across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando counties.
Key Policy & Advocacy Groups
Florida has a robust network of HIV policy and advocacy organizations — from statewide planning bodies to community-driven coalitions. These groups shape how HIV programs are designed, funded, and delivered in Florida.
The AIDS Institute (TAI)
Tampa-based national nonprofit that is the backbone of Florida HIV policy. TAI coordinates the Florida Comprehensive Planning Network (FCPN) and Florida HIV Advocacy Alliance Network (FHAAN), hosts the Florida HIV CPR Conference, operates the Center for Patient Advocacy Leaders, and manages the Florida Consortium for HIV/AIDS Research. One of the most important behind-the-scenes organizations in Florida HIV policy. 🔗 theaidsinstitute.org
Equality Florida — HIV Advocacy Project
Florida's largest LGBTQ civil rights organization leads the Florida HIV Justice Coalition to modernize Florida's outdated HIV criminalization laws. Runs a statewide public education campaign, trains community advocates, and collects stories from people living with HIV. Led by Alejandro Acosta, who brings 17 years of education experience and personal lived experience as a person living with HIV. 🔗 eqfl.org/HIV_Advocacy
Community HIV Advisory Group (CHAG)
Comprised of people living with HIV, CHAG provides direct input to the Florida Department of Health on how HIV programs and policies are designed and delivered. One of the most direct ways for community voices to reach the state health department.
Southern AIDS Coalition
Regional organization essential for Florida advocates. The Southern United States accounts for more than half of new HIV diagnoses nationally — the Coalition advances policy and funding for the South.[11] Multiple Florida organizations participate, including Positive People Network. 🔗 southernaidscoalition.org
Faith-Based HIV Ministries
For many people — especially in Black and Latino communities — the church is the first place they turn in a crisis, or the last place they'd expect to find acceptance after an HIV diagnosis. Florida has faith communities doing both: providing direct HIV services and breaking down the stigma that keeps people from seeking help.
Sunshine Cathedral — Fort Lauderdale
The world's largest progressive LGBTQ+ church and a Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) congregation. Sunshine Cathedral has been at the center of HIV ministry in South Florida for decades. The church's food ministry reaches 750+ people weekly — predominantly BIPOC, lower-income, senior, and LGBTQ. Hosts AIDS Memorial Quilt displays, World AIDS Day events, and community performances. 1480 SW 9th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315. (954) 462-2004. 🔗 sunshinecathedral.org
Joy Metropolitan Community Church — Orlando
Founded in 1978 — Central Florida's first openly LGBTQ-affirming church and one of the first places in Orlando where HIV/AIDS services began. Long history of AIDS ministry including pastoral support, counseling, and advocacy. Weekly food pantry (Thursdays 9am–1pm). 2351 S Fern Creek Ave, Orlando, FL 32806. 🔗 joymcc.com
Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) Across Florida
MCC congregations were among the first churches in the country to welcome people living with HIV.[20] Florida has MCC churches in Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Jacksonville, Key West, Daytona Beach, and other cities. Find a congregation at visitmccchurch.com.
Black Church HIV Ministry
In Florida, where Black residents account for a disproportionate share of new HIV diagnoses, faith-based HIV ministry is growing. The Gilead COMPASS Initiative® Faith Coordinating Center has funded Florida organizations including Health Awareness for Life, High Impacto, and Renacer En Vida Nueva to engage faith leaders in HIV education and stigma reduction. National Faith HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: August 25. 🔗 blackfaith.org
Churches United to Stop HIV (CUSH)
Originally launched in Broward County, CUSH mobilizes faith leaders to provide HIV education, testing events, and referrals within their congregations. Has trained hundreds of church members and facilitated thousands of HIV prevention contacts.
HIV/AIDS Awareness Days Calendar
National awareness days provide opportunities for Florida communities to organize testing events, educational panels, fundraisers, and public health campaigns. Florida county health departments often host free testing and outreach events on these dates. Full calendar: hiv.gov/events/awareness-days
LGBTQ+ Welcoming Sports & Social Clubs
Florida has one of the most active LGBTQ+ recreational sports communities in the country. These leagues welcome everyone — people living with HIV, allies, and anyone looking for community through sport.
Multi-Sport Leagues
Softball
Running & Walking
Also: Gainesville Front Runners · Jacksonville Frontrunners · JaxOutrunners · Tallahassee Front Runners · Night Runners West Palm Beach · Riot Run Club (Orlando)
Other Sports
Bowling: Pride Bowling (Dunedin, 16+ years) · Orange Blossom Bowling Association (Central FL, open since 1985)
Tennis: Orange Blossom Tennis Association (Central FL)
Swimming: Swim Out Orlando · Rugby: Orlando Otters RFC
Find More Leagues
United States Gay Sports Network (USGSN) — the only site dedicated to LGBTQ+ leagues nationwide. Florida city directories: Orlando (12 leagues) · Fort Lauderdale (19 leagues) · Miami · Tampa · Jacksonville
Queer Running Society — directory of LGBTQ+ running clubs nationwide, including 8+ in Florida.
Training Programs for Advocates & Leaders
Whether you're newly diagnosed, a long-term survivor, or a community member who wants to do more, these programs build the skills to advocate effectively — for yourself and your community.
NMAC HIV 50+ Community Education Project
Free training specifically designed for people living with HIV who are 50 and older. Covers advocacy skills, navigating the healthcare system, and community leadership. Offered both in-person and online. 🔗 nmac.org
The AIDS Institute — Center for Patient Advocacy Leaders
TAI's training arm builds capacity among people living with HIV to advocate at the state and federal levels. Covers Ryan White, ADAP, Medicaid, and HIV policy advocacy. Florida-specific focus. 🔗 theaidsinstitute.org
HealthHIV — Pozitively Aging
Resources and training for HIV-positive people over 50 on managing long-term health, accessing services, and navigating aging with HIV. Includes workshops, webinars, and community leader training. 🔗 healthhiv.org
WellFlorida High Impact Prevention (HIP) Program
Volunteers provide HIV outreach and education across 16 counties in North Central Florida through the Business Responds to AIDS program. Active volunteers commit a minimum of 10 hours per month. Note: As of July 2025, WellFlorida has paused HIP Program services. Check werhip.org for updates.
Safe Schools South Florida — Speakers Bureau
Trains volunteer speakers with personal connections to LGBTQ+ issues and HIV/AIDS to present at schools and community groups. Has trained approximately 20,000 educators across South Florida. 🔗 safeschoolssouthflorida.org/programs
Shop for a Cause: Thrift Stores That Fund HIV Care
One of the easiest ways to support HIV services in Florida is to shop secondhand. These thrift stores direct proceeds to HIV prevention, treatment, food programs, and community services.
Out of the Closet (AIDS Healthcare Foundation)
Out of the Closet is the nation's largest thrift chain dedicated to funding HIV/AIDS care — 96 cents of every dollar goes directly to HIV services.[15] Most Florida locations also offer free walk-in HIV testing and an AHF Pharmacy on-site. Named "Best Thrift Store in Broward County" 2023 and 2024.
All locations open Monday–Saturday 10 AM–7 PM, Sunday 10 AM–6 PM. Large-item pickup: 1-877-2-PICK-IT-UP.
Poverello Center Thrift Stores
Poverello Center is South Florida's oldest HIV service organization, founded in 1987 by Father Bill Collins to feed people living with AIDS when no one else would.[16] Today, Poverello thrift proceeds fund the Eat Well Center (medically tailored groceries for nearly 5,000 South Floridians with HIV, cancer, and other conditions), free HIV testing, PrEP linkage, and the Live Well Center (free gym, chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage). Achieved the highest retention-in-medical-care rates among Ryan White Part A support service providers in Broward County.
HIV News, Publications & Podcasts
Staying informed is part of staying empowered. These publications, websites, and podcasts are trusted sources of HIV news, treatment updates, and community voices.
Publications & Websites
Podcasts
Positive Living Conference
📍 The Island Resort and Hotel, Fort Walton Beach, FL · 📅 October 23–25, 2026 · 🔗 oasisflorida.org
One of the oldest and largest annual gatherings of people living with HIV in the United States — held right here in Florida. Founded by longtime HIV advocate Butch McKay through OASIS Florida, the conference brings together hundreds of people each year for three days of workshops, plenary sessions, the Memorial Heart Circle honoring those lost to AIDS, and an open mic where every attendee is encouraged to share and be heard.[17] The vast majority of attendees and presenters are people living with HIV, making Positive Living one of the few national conferences designed by and for the community it serves.
The conference is not just educational — it is, as many describe it, a family reunion. For an entire generation, Positive Living has trained emerging advocates and connected people who might never have found community elsewhere. The 2026 conference will include a celebration of life for Butch McKay, open to the public.
References & Sources
- Florida AIDS Walk & Music Festival, produced by AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Official site. floridaaidswalk.org. See also WSVN News, which reports the 2026 event as “the 21st annual event held in Fort Lauderdale”: wsvn.com. ↩
- Local 10 News. “Thousands gather for Florida AIDS Walk & Music Festival in Fort Lauderdale,” March 21, 2026. local10.com. ↩
- WSVN 7 News Miami. “Music star Queen Latifah takes the stage at Florida AIDS Walk and Music Festival in Fort Lauderdale.” wsvn.com. ↩
- Broward House. “The Joy Ride,” confirming the 165-mile two-day route (Orlando to St. Petersburg, November 20–21, 2026) and that 100% of funds raised are given to the five benefiting organizations. browardhouse.org/the-joy-ride. ↩
- OutSFL. “SMART Ride to Ride Again.” outsfl.com. ↩
- World AIDS Museum & Educational Center. “About,” confirming the museum grew out of the POZitive Attitudes support group facilitated by Steve Stagon, was incorporated in 2011, and opened its doors on May 15, 2014. worldaidsmuseum.org/about. ↩
- World AIDS Museum and Educational Center, “About” — documents the museum's origin in the Fort Lauderdale POZitive Attitudes support group, facilitator Steve Stagon's creation of historical HIV/AIDS exhibits (first displayed at the Pride Center of South Florida and Blanche Ely High School), the September 20, 2011 nonprofit incorporation, 2013 501(c)(3) determination, and May 15, 2014 opening. worldaidsmuseum.org — About ↩
- National AIDS Memorial. “The AIDS Memorial Quilt.” aidsmemorial.org/quilt. ↩
- National AIDS Memorial. “Quilt History.” aidsmemorial.org/quilt-history. For the World AIDS Day 2024 White House South Lawn display, see HIV.gov: hiv.gov. ↩
- amfAR. “amfAR Raises $3.4M at Fifth Annual Gala in Palm Beach,” press release, March 2026. amfar.org. ↩
- AIDSVu. “A Deeper Look: HIV in the South.” aidsvu.org/hiv-south. ↩
- HRSA. “Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program — Part A.” ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/part-a. ↩
- CDC. “HIV Diagnoses, Deaths, and Prevalence in the United States.” cdc.gov/hiv-data. ↩
- HRSA. “Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program — Part A: Planning Council composition.” ryanwhite.hrsa.gov/part-a. ↩
- Out of the Closet. “About Us.” outofthecloset.org/about. ↩
- Poverello Center. “History.” poverello.org/history. ↩
- OASIS Florida. “Annual Events — Positive Living Conference,” confirming October 23–25, 2026 dates. oasisflorida.org/annual-events. Historical background on the conference and its founding by Butch McKay is drawn from OutSFL’s coverage of McKay’s work at OASIS Florida: outsfl.com/in-memoriam. ↩
- OutSFL. “Butch McKay Remembered As Tireless Advocate In Fight Against HIV/AIDS,” obituary, February 2, 2026, confirming McKay “died peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 30 at his home in Panama City Beach, Florida” at age 77 and that he grew up in Fairfield, Alabama and graduated from Auburn University in 1971. outsfl.com/in-memoriam. ↩
- Dining Out For Life International. “About Dining Out For Life.” “More than 50 local HIV service organizations partner with 2,400+ participating restaurants, 4,100+ volunteers, and 300,000+ diners to raise over $4.5 million for people living with HIV/AIDS.” diningoutforlife.com/about. ↩
- Metropolitan Community Churches. “How MCC helped to mobilize the fight against HIV/AIDS.” “MCC was at the forefront of mobilizing the fight against HIV/AIDS from the very beginning of the AIDS crisis, when pastors and lay leaders were called on to minister to people living and dying with HIV/AIDS.” visitmccchurch.com. ↩
About this guide: The events, organizations, and resources listed here are independently curated by RiseUpToHIV as a community service. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement. RiseUpToHIV is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or responsible for any organization or event listed. Services, hours, and contact information change frequently — always verify directly with organizations. This is not medical, legal, or financial advice. To suggest an addition or report an error, email [email protected].
Social Groups & Peer Support
Living with HIV can be isolating — but it doesn't have to be. Florida has peer support groups, social clubs, and community organizations specifically for people living with HIV and their allies.
Positive People Network
Florida-based peer support and advocacy organization specifically for and by people living with HIV. Active in community organizing, Ryan White advocacy, and peer connection statewide. 🔗 positivepeoplenetworkinc.org
OASIS Florida — ManREACH & WomanREACH
In addition to the Positive Living Conference, OASIS runs ManREACH and WomanREACH — annual retreats specifically for queer men and women living with HIV in North Florida and rural areas. These gatherings provide connection, support, and community for people who may be geographically isolated from larger HIV communities. 🔗 oasisflorida.org
Ryan White Planning Councils
Florida's regional Ryan White Planning Councils decide how millions of federal dollars are spent on HIV services — dental care, housing, transportation, mental health, food, and more. Federal law requires at least 33% of members be people living with HIV receiving Ryan White services.[14] Most meetings are open to the public. You don't need a degree — you need lived experience and the willingness to show up. Contact your regional HIV planning body or The AIDS Institute to find your local council.
CAN Community Health Speakers Bureau
CAN trains people living with HIV to share their personal stories with schools, colleges, treatment centers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations — putting a human face on the epidemic. If you're living with HIV and want to become a speaker, or want to schedule a presentation, contact Debbie Sergi-Laws at (941) 366-0461 ext. 11207. 🔗 cancommunityhealth.org/can-services-education