Supercharge Your Summer: World OutGames in Miami

Break out the designer shades and glitter sunscreen, because the World OutGames IV is flexing its muscles in Miami, Florida, for 10 days this spring: from May 26 to June 4.

Thirty sports categories from tennis to water polo to martial arts will take place all over the city, along with sports that lean to the brainier side (dominoes, poker) and fabulously flamboyant (dance sport, synchronized swimming).

The extravaganza will be a complete package for the body, mind and heart. It's the first time they're taking place in the United States, and World OutGames Miami CEO Ivan Cano believes the event will serve to showcase the city's best side.

"[The OutGames] will put Miami in the spotlight of the global LGBTQI human rights movement and bring to life 400 events across the areas of sports, culture and human rights," says Cano. "This is an amazing opportunity to showcase Miami Beach's healthy, athletic lifestyle and inclusive community. Attendees will receive a warm welcome from a community that honors, respects and supports them, and that celebrates diversity and self-expression."

The cultural components will include film and dance productions at venues around town, as well as poetry and musical performances from the Miami Gay Men's Chorus and others. Walking tours will focus on local LGBT history and iconic architecture, and "art workout" sessions will take cardio drills to the P�rez Art Museum Miami.

The World OutGames Miami Global Conference on Human Rights will take place May 26 to May 29, inviting international activists, researchers, legal scholars and others to speak about global social justice, community building and health and wellness.

Miami Beach's oceanfront Lummus Park will serve as the Festival Village, letting attendees check out local vendors and entertainment or relax in the family area, adult zone or women's space. Through a special partnership, the Copenhagen OutCity Village will showcase how the Danish capital sustains its open-mindedness and diversity that led Lonely Planet to name it the most LGBTQ-friendly travel destination in 2014.

Cano says there is plenty to explore throughout Miami beyond the OutGames. His advice for visitors is to make their first stop the Hub at the LGBT Visitor Center in Miami Beach, located in the Old City Hall building a few blocks from the beach. The Hub has travel tips and other resources for your trip, though you can also visit their website in advance to book a "Pink Flamingo"-certified inclusive hotel and mark your calendar for queer events during your stay.

Other gay-centric musts include the Palace's famous Sunday "Brunchic" drag brunch, which is a perfect reason to rally the morning after dancing the night away at longtime favorite Twist nightclub (open until 5 a.m. nightly, no cover charge).

Travelers also shouldn't miss the Wynwood Arts District, the former industrial area whose graffiti and street art eventually led to an arts enclave. It's on the mainland (across Biscayne Bay from Miami Beach) near the ritzy Miami Design District, and is a gloriously colorful neighborhood to soak up some of the city's famous arts scene, browse boutiques and people-watch from a sidewalk caf�.

Plenty of LGBT events will take place throughout the year in Miami, like AquaGirl, Sizzle Miami, Out in the Tropics and White Party Week. But the OutGames could outsparkle them all in 2017.

Cano says, "With registrants from more than 40 countries, World OutGames will be a life-changing experience that will inspire, motivate and celebrate the human spirit."

When registering online, EDGE readers can enter "EDGSPR" to save $50. For registration and other information, visit www.worldoutgames.org.

For more information about LGBT Miami, visit www.miamiandbeaches.com.