One Magical Weekend Announces Major Changes for 2027: Riptide Moves to Aquatica, Bear Jamboree Gets New Home

Orlando’s iconic LGBTQ+ Pride weekend is getting a new look in 2027, with its signature Riptide waterpark party moving to Sunday night at Aquatica Orlando and Bear Jamboree relocating to a new hotel as it celebrates its fifth anniversary.

Hear our exclusive interview right from the source. Ethan Suarez, CEO of Pineapple Healthcare joined us Tuesday afternooon on-air to talk about all the exciting news around One Magical Weekend and Bear Jamboree in 2027:

One of Orlando’s biggest LGBTQ+ party weekends is making some major moves for 2027. One Magical Weekend has announced a revamped event lineup that includes a new home and night for its signature Riptide waterpark party, along with a hotel relocation for its sister event, Bear Jamboree.

The changes will bring a new chapter to two established events on Orlando’s LGBTQ+ entertainment calendar, while keeping many of the traditions that have helped make the annual celebration a destination for visitors from around the world.

The biggest announcement is the relocation of Riptide from Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon to Aquatica Orlando. The popular waterpark party, traditionally held Friday night, will move to Sunday night, becoming the grand finale of One Magical Weekend’s June 3–7, 2027 celebration.

But Riptide isn’t the only event getting a change of scenery. Bear Jamboree, which takes place alongside One Magical Weekend and will celebrate its fifth anniversary in 2027, is also moving its host hotel.

Riptide Moves to Aquatica Orlando for a Sunday Night Grand Finale

For longtime One Magical Weekend attendees, Riptide has become one of the defining experiences of the annual celebration. The massive waterpark takeover has traditionally brought together international DJs, elaborate production, thousands of partygoers, and an unforgettable night of music and dancing surrounded by waterpark attractions.

In 2027, that experience will have a new setting.

Riptide is moving to Aquatica Orlando, located next to SeaWorld Orlando, with organizers promising an even bigger and more immersive waterpark experience.

According to One Magical Weekend owner and producer Ethan Suarez, the change is part of a broader effort to improve the guest experience while preserving the community atmosphere that has defined the event.

The move to Sunday night is also intentional. Rather than beginning the weekend with its signature waterpark party, organizers want to build excitement throughout the weekend and send attendees home Monday with memories of a high-energy closing celebration.

Suarez said the production team is already working with Aquatica to maximize the park’s space for music, lighting, and overall event theming, adding that the venue’s team is equally excited about developing the relationship in the years ahead.

Friday Night Isn’t Going Away

While Riptide is leaving its traditional Friday-night slot, One Magical Weekend isn’t eliminating Friday’s festivities.

Instead, Friday night will feature an extended pool party at the host hotel, along with a new entertainment element that organizers say will be announced at a later date.

The rest of the signature weekend schedule will remain familiar to returning guests:

• Friday: An extended pool party with an additional entertainment experience to be announced.
• Saturday: The RED Party returns to House of Blues at Disney Springs.
• Sunday: Riptide takes over Aquatica Orlando for the weekend’s grand finale.
• Friday through Sunday: CADABRA continues as the late-night after-party in the host hotel ballroom.
• Throughout the weekend: One Magical Weekend’s signature Therapy Pool Parties continue.

Organizers say the changes are designed to create a more cohesive weekend experience without losing the parties, music, and community connections that have made One Magical Weekend a longtime favorite.

Bear Jamboree Moves to a New Hotel for Its Fifth Anniversary

There’s another important development for Orlando’s LGBTQ+ bear community.

Bear Jamboree, One Magical Weekend’s sister event, will relocate its host hotel for 2027. After previously being based across the street from the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista, Bear Jamboree will move to the Courtyard Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista at Vista Centre, located immediately next to the Sheraton.

The move brings the two event communities even closer together geographically while maintaining Bear Jamboree’s own identity and programming.

Bear Jamboree will celebrate its fifth anniversary in 2027, marking five years of bringing together bears, admirers, and friends for a weekend of pool parties, social gatherings, entertainment, and community.

Although the event has its own host hotel and dedicated programming, Bear Jamboree attendees are also invited to participate in One Magical Weekend events, giving guests opportunities to experience both celebrations.

The hotel announcement comes as the Sheraton Lake Buena Vista, One Magical Weekend’s host property, is already approximately 80 percent booked, according to organizers.

For attendees planning to make the trip in June, securing accommodations early will be especially important.

Pride 365 Radio is once again proud to be a media sponsor for Bear Jamboree in 2027 and stay tuned for a chance to a trip to the event! Details on that are coming soon.

A New Chapter Under Pineapple Healthcare

The 2027 announcement also comes as One Magical Weekend and Bear Jamboree continue to evolve under their new ownership.

Both events are owned and produced by Pineapple Healthcare, Inc., a Central Florida nonprofit healthcare organization. The 2026 celebration marked the first fully produced One Magical Weekend under the organization’s new ownership, although many of the producers and planners who helped build the events over the years continue to collaborate on their production.

The partnership also gives the events a purpose beyond entertainment.

Revenue generated by One Magical Weekend and Bear Jamboree helps support Pineapple Healthcare’s mission to expand access to healthcare in the communities it serves.

Pineapple Healthcare operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit primary care organization with multiple locations throughout Central Florida. Its services include primary care, HIV and STI testing and treatment, PrEP and other sexual health services, and mental health services.

The organization also supports community groups, events, and initiatives focused on connection, wellness, and belonging.

For LGBTQ+ attendees, the connection between a major Pride destination event and an organization providing accessible healthcare adds another dimension to the weekend’s community impact.

Looking Ahead to 2027

One Magical Weekend is approaching its 20th year, and the 2027 celebration appears to be an important step in shaping what the event looks like moving forward.

With Riptide moving to Aquatica, a reimagined Friday-night experience, the return of RED Party and CADABRA, and Bear Jamboree celebrating five years at a new hotel, there’s plenty for returning guests and first-time visitors to look forward to.

One thing organizers are emphasizing is that the changes aren’t about abandoning what made these events successful in the first place.

As Suarez explained, One Magical Weekend has always been about more than a single party or venue. It’s about the people, the music, the energy, and the feeling of being together with a community.

Additional entertainment announcements, DJ lineups, ticketing information, and event details will be released in the coming months.

One Magical Weekend 2027 runs June 3–7 in Orlando. Tickets go on sale Thursday, November 19.

For event information, accommodations, and tickets, visit OneMagicalWeekend.com and BearJamboree.com.

Two events, a new Riptide destination, and five years of Bear Jamboree. Orlando’s LGBTQ+ summer celebration is getting ready to make some serious waves in 2027.