People strutting down Wilton Drive in eye-catching outfits, while throwing a little shade, is an everyday occurrence.
But this Sunday, Halloween, it explodes into a spectacle that will feel like Sunday Funday on steroids. Wicked Manors is returning as South Florida’s premier Halloween Party.
This year’s theme, Turn Back Time, invokes not only Cher’s classic song, but also reminds us we’ve lost a year or more of our lives, staying socially distant from our friends and family. This event is a chance to reconnect with family and friends during an iconic event.
While last-minute logistics are still being worked out, SFGN has obtained the main plans for Wicked Manors 2021. Wilton Drive will close to motor traffic at noon and reopen at 4 a.m. The party officially starts at 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. While the street cleanup will begin at 11 p.m., some bars and restaurants may stay open.
Three stages will dominate the Drive. South Florida’s radio superstar Kimmy will emcee the main stage, located at 6th Ave. The Manor is hosting the dance stage, and the Easy 93.1 stage will be by Rosie’s Bar & Grill and Hamburger Mary’s.
The Pride Center at Equality Park throws the event, along with AHF and Hunters Nightclub. As in past years. Wilton Drive will close from around the Dairy Queen down to near Five Points. In between will be raging music, creative costumes, and enough food and drink to make you burst out of your perfectly sized costume.
After a year away due to COVID, Pride Center CEO, Robert Boo, says the buzz is louder than ever.
“We have gotten such an overwhelming response from the community to our plans for Wicked Manors, and people are more excited than ever before to safely gather with their friends at the biggest street festival on Halloween night in the Southeast! The final preparations are underway here at The Pride Center, and Roger Roa, director of development and our entire Center staff and crew of volunteers have been working tirelessly to ensure that this Wicked Manors will be the spookiest, most amazing one yet.”
There is a $5 per person cover to attend, and there will be nine entrances. Four costume contests with the Kids Costume Contest starting around 6 p.m. Kids can also come at 5 p.m. and do trick or treating.
“You’ll be able to look forward to the most creative costumes you’ve ever seen that we know have been in the works for two years,” Boo said. “World-class entertainment, and a safe environment to spend a great night with friends, both old and new.”
While Wicked Manors is the main event, there is a full Wicked Weekend of events. Friday night, Hagen Park will host a double feature. At 7 p.m. is the Bette Midler classic Hocus Pocus and at 9 p.m. is the campy classic Rocky Horror Picture Show. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket.
The next day is Saturday Splash at Tru by Hilton in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Tickets start at $35.
Boo is ready for people to come, see the costumes, reconnect with friends and just have fun.
“We are so excited to organize Wicked Manors as a fundraiser that supports the ongoing vital programs, services and community efforts of The Pride Center at Equality Park, and we look forward to a safe, festive, inclusive, memorable evening.”
For last minute updates visit WickedManor.org.
The Gazette launched a Wilton Manors focused newsletter. Sign up today! You can also visit Facebook.com/groups/WMGazette to join the Gazette’s community Facebook page.
