Best LGBTQ Entertainment in Southwest Florida

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Southwest Florida is one of the up and coming growing scenes for those wanting a more laid back, intimate LGBTQ+ experience. The nightlife is casual, classy, and full of life. From stunning outdoor venues to sweeping dance floors to small lounges, this area is beginning to prove it is more than just a place to retire. It’s a haven for those wishing to enjoy entertainment from a smaller scale as opposed to the larger scenes of the Miami, Tampa, or Orlando areas.

Singer/Songwriters/Bands

From the piano to the guitar and back to the mic, the versatility of S.W. Florida musicians is incredible. Live piano is the creme de la creme for some, while others enjoy rock and alternative beats. You can have it all as you partake of this area’s culture. Dig in and explore the beauty of this area.

Gypsy Songbird Nicole D’Andrea brings a soothing rich set to her performances. Nicole’s smooth pop and guitar blend combined with her range will grab your attention. Don’t miss one of per many performances at Shae’s in Naples and Bonita Springs. She also frequents Landsdowne St. Pub in Bonita Springs.

The Robert Williamson Band (@robertwilliamsonband) is an eclectic mix of rock and modern hits to anchor the stage weekly in Naples’ Cavo Lounge. Vocals and solid band sounds come together to make an unforgettable experience. The top 40 hits are not just cookie cutter style for them. Their transitions are flawless.

The heavenly singer/songwriter Sheena Brook (@sheenabrook) will transport you to paradise with her original tunes. When she’s not hosting the annual Sound of Summer concert at Sydney & Byrne Davis in Fort Myers, you can find her at unique venues across Southwest Florida like Bone Hook Brewing in Naples and Cold Water Oyster Market in Fort Myers.

Drag

Divas in this region are given the power to be creative. They are welcomed with open arms to numerous venues of all kinds. The art is respected and appreciated within this lovely community. Queens perform for both the traditional LGBTQ establishments as well as for ladies nights and other events held from weekly to quarterly.

Trixie Towers takes the stage at Cavo Lounge in Naples. Dazzling the floor with her antics, Trixie sweeps through the room with her amazing costumes and makeup. She always has a class of sass unmatched in this region. Another local queen, Mya Valentine Lords (@bemyavalentine) revels in neon color, stunning makeup, and illustrious body paint. The divas in The Rainbow Room at Nauti Parrot in South Fort Myers will delight you with a three-course meal and a drag show during their monthly Dinner is a Drag nights. This lively event is hosted by the effervescent Alexia Chicconi and Alyssa Lamay (@missalyssalamay).

Alyssa joins Queen Lisa Renee to bring the diva heat and beat to bingo nights at Bambusa Bar & Grill. Miss Alyssa, known for her larger-than-life Cher impressions, also hosts bingo and karaoke brunches at The Standard in Fort Myers. Bearded Queen Tara Newhole, of RuPaul’s Drag Race fame, brings down the house at popular local bar Rascals in Fort Myers. These divas shake it and throw down an epic night every time. Don’t miss the show!

DJs

DJ’s in Southwest Florida know how to rock the beats. There are college nights, fundraisers for local charities, and even a latex fetish community event in Fort Myers. You will be thrilled and surprised by the diversity here. Come in for the beautiful beaches but stay out for the amazing DJ’s.

The Rainbow Room at Nauti Parrot transforms regularly into an all-out dance party. And the happening Mango Rita’s Rhythm House frequently brings in a crowd for their motown, blues, and R&B nights. Your load will be lightened as you enjoy the heart of soul in the heat of the night.

Next, hop on over to the trendy Nooshi Lounge where DJ Rony J. Martinez (@djronyofficial) will spin you right into dance floor bliss. Find him on La Noche Latin Fridays and many other special events throughout the year.

DJ Marja Michaelson bringer her magical beats to karaoke nights at Buddha Live in Fort Myers. If you’re looking for a laidback party, follow Marja to The Lighthouse Island Resort Tiki Bar and dance the night away next to the pool.

Comedy

If a good laugh is or a ranting joker is your jive, be sure not to miss out on the local comedy scene. Behind the spotlight is a group of local comedians that stand together while also kidding around about each other. Take a seat both during the weeknights and on weekends. Be ready to laugh senselessly as the punchlines pop.

Larry Venturino (@larryventurino) takes the stage with guest performers at Laugh In Comedy Cafe in Fort Myers. Amateur comedians also fill the stage for the open mic night. The hilarious Nadeem Awad (@awadofcomedy) can be found delighting audiences all over Southwest Florida. Be sure to check his social media for his packed touring schedule. Mike Marino (@mikemarinolive) is another local favorite known to produce knee-slapping effects. Find him at Visani Comedy Theater in Port Charlotte where his Bronx-style humor will leave you gasping for air.

Local comedian and fisherman Brien Spina (@captbrien) owns Off the Hook Comedy Club and Restaurant in Naples where he can be seen frequenting the limelight. Offering delicious food and a comfortable atmosphere, Brien has managed to create a comedy haven for Naples locals to enjoy nationally famous comedians as well as up-and-coming regional amateurs. Don’t miss a night seeing these spectacular people.

Cabaret/Burlesque/Dance

Southwest Florida surprises and delights all the way. Cabaret and burlesque are the masterpiece of small venues and lounges from North Port to North Naples, bringing a dash of seduction and glamour to the region’s entertainment scene. With its unique blend of sensuality and performance, be sure not to miss a single moment of Southwest Florida’s burlesque scene.

Giana Montoya (@shivalatina) has a unique niche for holiday burlesque and cabaret. Her philosophy of a jolly Santa comes from her knowing that he can spot a bad girl from a mile away. Her performances and classes can be picked up at Rumba Dance Company in Fort Myers. If you’re further south in Naples, the vixen Bella Blue Eyes (@bellas_got_the_blues) also teaches burlesque classes at The Studio Naples.

Freckles Galore (@frecklesgalore_) is a Puerto Rican angel who brings tropical realness to the burlesque stage. Her smile, outfits, props and performances are second to none. Not only that, but she is also co-producer of the historically scintillating show Carosel of Burlesque, which made its premier at the Fringe Fort Myers theater festival.

The Lala’s Burlesque Show housed in the Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee bills itself as a “hilarious and sexy classic rock themed show”. Each and every show is unique so make sure to stop in often! The Fort Myers based Rosie Luxure (@rosieluxure) blends a multitude of dance styles in her captivating performances. She is co-producer of the local burlesque troupe, Glam! Bam! Burlesque.

LGBT Entertainment in Southwest Florida is Paradise

Building rapport through a stellar repertoire. You will find so much for entertainment in the Paradise Coastal region that you will continue coming back again and again. Southwest Florida delights again and again in varieties of settings. The fun never stops and the fabulousness flares on night to night and weekend to weekend.

For more exciting attractions in Southwest Florida, click here.

**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful).

Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.