Las Vegas is set to shine even brighter this June as the city celebrates Pride Month with vibrant events, parties and live shows that only Vegas can deliver. Temptation Sundaysis celebrating its 15-year anniversary as Las Vegas’ ultimate LGBTQ+ pool party at Luxor Hotel and Casino with special Pride activations throughout the month. Las Vegas PRIDEwill host a community mixer at The Portal at AREA15from 5-9 p.m.on Wednesday, June 4. Celebrate the start of Pride Month with a “Big Night Out” at Easy’s Cocktail Lounge,the sultry speakeasy hidden inside Proper Eats Food Hall at ARIA Resort & Casino. On Tuesday, June 3, guests are invited to escape into a world of unforgettable performances, headlined by the dazzling Estevan Velasco. Celebrate Pride at Fashion Show Las Vegaswith a special Summer Vibes event on Saturday, June 7 from noon to 2 p.m. The iconic Gipsy Nightclubhosts Ultra Brunch every Saturday, featuring show-stopping performances, male backup dancers, and special guest queens from RuPaul’sDragRace. The International Gay Bowling Organization’s Annual Las Vegas Invitational Bowling Tournament reflects the ideals of unity, fellowship and communication. This year’s tournament will be held from Thursday, June 19 through Sunday, June 22 at the Gold Coast Casino Bowling Center. Hamburger Mary’s Las Vegas will host drag entertainment every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout June. Now in its 10th year, Drag Brunch atHard Rock Cafe Las Vegas Strip will host 12 shows throughout Pride Month on each Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The event invites guests to channel their inner diva with jaw-dropping performances by the stars of RuPaul’sDragRace and Las Vegas’s top-tier female impersonators. TheHigh Roller Observation Wheeland the Eiffel Towerat Paris Las Vegas will be lit in rainbow colors on Sunday, June 1 and Saturday, June 28. Queen Las Vegas, a premier LGBTQ+ bar located on the Strip, hosts Drag Party Brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Alexandria Pool atSAHARA Las Vegaswill host ELEVATE Pool Parties hosted by Las Vegas PRIDE, an inclusive, off-the-rails soirée that will have even the most seasoned partiers feeling the energy Saturdays throughout Pride Month. Debuting on Sunday, June 15 at 10 a.m., guests can enjoy a Pride-themed edition of Puppy Yoga atThe Spa at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, complete with a variety of colorful decorations, accessories and pride outfits for each puppy. Kicking off Pride month, Virgin Hotels Las Vegaswill host a special house party atKassi Beach House on Wednesday, June 11 in partnership with Piranha and Gipsy nightclubs. On Sunday, June 15, Piranha and Gipsy nightclubs will take over Kassi Beach Clubagain, presenting PRIZM. Las Vegas PRIDE will host summer spirits at Voodoo Brewery from 8 p.m. to midnight on Friday, June 13. In honor of Pride Month, ¡VIVA! at Resorts World Las Vegas will host Drag Brunch: A Pride Month Fiesta with performances from local drag queens and cast members from RuPaul’s Drag Race, along with a family-style brunch and bottomless margaritas or Bloody Marias. RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!insideFlamingo Las Vegaswill celebrate Pride throughout the month, with 22 show dates in June, Thursdays through Mondays. On Saturday, June 14, drag superstar and queen of RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars, Alyssa Edwards,will take over 24 Oxford at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas with her newest show, Crowned. The following day, Sunday, June 15, Frank Marino will delight guests with a special performance of his renowned drag show, Divas, Drag and Drinks.
The family of Frida Kahlo (Mara Romeo Kahlo, Mara De Anda Romeo, and Frida Hentschel) announced the forthcoming opening of Museo Casa Kahlo, a major new museum dedicated to the life, legacy, and personal family treasures of Frida Kahlo, set to open to the general public Saturday, September 27th, on the family’s historic property in Coyoacán, Mexico City. The museum will be located within Casa Roja, a previously private residence acquired by Frida’s parents and gifted by Mara Romeo. Casa Roja is adjacent to another family home, the famed Casa Azul, and will mark the most significant expansion of the Kahlo family’s cultural footprint in decades. Museo Casa Kahlo will offer a deeply personal and richly contextual experience—inviting visitors to trace Frida’s formative years and artistic awakening, and the side of her shared only with her family. Casa Roja explores the intimate relationships that supported her journey to becoming one of the most recognizable and revered cultural figures of the 20th century and an eternally relevant role model. In addition to its core exhibitions, the museum will featurerotating shows of contemporary work, with a focus on Mexican, Latin American, and women+ artists, amplifying voices that reflect and expand on Kahlo’s own fearless vision. More details about the museum’s inaugural programming and the Foundation’s initiatives will be announced in the coming months. http://www.kahlofoundation.org
The Play That Goes Wrong announced its first ever American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted performance on Wednesday February 26 at 2 PM at New World Stages in New York City. ASL interpreters were present for the performance to offer audiences a new way to experience the hit show. Co-written by Mischief company members Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, The Play That Goes Wrong is a riotous comedy about the theatre. The play introduces the ‘Cornley University Drama Society’ who are attempting to put on a 1920s’ murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong…does, as the accident-prone thespians battle on against all odds to get to their final curtain call. For more information, visit www.mischiefcomedy.com.
The Mob Museum, the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, announces its roster of March public programs for Women’s History Month. Museum visitors can look forward to compelling events, including “The Queen of Thieves: The Jewish Mother Who Built America’s First Criminal Empire” and “Trailblazing Women: Shaping Las Vegas’s Next Chapter” with Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, Las Vegas Raiders President Sandra Douglass Morgan and 1950s pop sensation and Las Vegas entertainer Sue Kim of the Kim Sisters. For more information, call (702) 229-2734, visit themobmuseum.org, or download the Museum’s free mobile app.
Multicultural Travel News February is Black History Month
News Briefs: AmaWaterways Offers Four Soulful Experience Sailings in 2025: Egypt, France, Portugal and Colombia Black History Month in the Richmond Region Explore Centuries of Black History on Florida’s Historic Coast
AmaWaterways Offers Four Soulful Experience Sailings in 2025: Egypt, France, Portugal and Colombia Now entering its third year of Soulful Experience offerings, AmaWaterways announced four different itineraries in as many countries for 2025, including its newest destination, Colombia. These curated experiences celebrate the heritage, traditions and cultures of the Black community in international destinations rich with African history. Every Soulful Experience sailing presents genuine experiences and excursions that honor Black history and heritage. Secrets of Egypt & The Nile The 11-night immersive sailing, departing from Cairo on May 14, 2025, offers guests an exceptional journey of discovery and is aptly named Secrets of Egypt & The Nile. The program begins with three nights in the vibrant city of Cairo, where guests will tour the Egyptian Museum (featuring King Tut’s treasures), the Alabaster Mosque, and the ancient pyramids of Memphis. The exploration continues to Luxor for a seven-night Nile cruise aboard the luxurious 72-passenger AmaDahlia. Stops in Edfu, Aswan, Esna, Kom Ombo and Qena allow for exclusive access to the tomb of Queen Nefertari on a private tour, a private lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace, and a visit to a Nubian village where the people who live there carry on the traditions of their ancient African roots, considered one of the earliest cradles of civilization. Daily tours and onboard experiences illuminate the rich African history of the region and its culinary delights. Colors of Provence France has a rich history of Black culture, art, and history, and AmaWaterways’ 10-night Colors of Provence opens the doors to much of it. The cruise on the award-winning AmaKristina departs August 21, 2025, sailing from Arles to Lyon before spending three nights in Paris, a city steeped in the history of famous Black artists, writers and entertainers. In Avignon, guests visit the Blachère Foundation, which promotes the contemporary creation of artists from Africa and its diaspora; a truffle farm in Viviers; and Roman ruins in Vienne. They also partake in an evening wine and chocolate experience, jazz performance, steam train ride and a tasting tour at Lyon’s Les Halles Market. Highlights in Paris include the Arc de Triomphe, the Monument to the Abolition of Slavery, and insights into the Code Noir (the decree that defined the conditions of slavery conduct until 1789). Guests explore Montmartre’s jazz roots, visit Little Africa in La Goutte d’or, and end with the Latin Quarter and Pantheon Square’s tribute to Josephine Baker from 2021. Enticing Douro Lisbon has a rich history of African and Black presence. The city was home to a significant population of free Africans, played a key role in the transatlantic slave trade, and was the site of Europe’s first African neighborhood. AmaWaterways’ 10-night Enticing Douro (departing November 14, 2025) includes three nights in Lisbon followed by a seven-night sailing along Portugal’s Douro River on board the 102-passenger AmaSintra. In Lisbon, guests tour “City of Seven Hills”; and the Royal Sintra – Portugal’s best-preserved medieval royal residence. Along the journey, guests are treated to exclusive Brazilian and African food tastings and authentic Portuguese cuisine and port wines during two shoreside dinners at local wine estates, known as quintas. Magic of Colombia Black history in Colombia is rich and complex, defined by the interplay of slavery, resistance, and cultural preservation. Cartagena, the heart of this history, is the last port of call of AmaWaterways’ seven-night Magic of Colombia sailing on the Magdalena River. Both Colombia and the 60-guest AmaMagdalena are new for AmaWaterways in 2025, so guests on this October 18, 2025 sailing will be among the first to take in the rich history and culture of this often-overlooked part of the world. Every day is an education of Latin American musical styles including cumbia and vallenato, and exciting performances at a colorful Carnaval in Barranquilla (AmaWaterways exclusive). Stops in Nueva Venecia, Santa Barbara de Ponto, Mompox, El Banco and Calamar offer tours of stilt houses, jazz street performances, exploration of Cienága Pijiño (known for its diverse bird life), and a tour of Getsemaní – a colorful neighborhood in Cartagena, known for its street art, bars, restaurants, and cafes. For more information, visit AmaWaterways.com.
Black History Month in the Richmond Region For travelers seeking a place with profound historical significance in African American heritage, the Richmond Region (RVA) stands out as a must-visit destination. Here, visitors can experience Black history and culture firsthand, from walking tours to museums and monuments honoring the contributions of Black Virginians. The Richmond Region is home to national landmark sites like the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia—one of the first sites added to UNESCO’s Network of Places of History and Memory—and the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, once known as the “Harlem of the South.” There’s also the Trail of Enslaved Africans, the Emancipation and Freedom Monument, and the Slavery Reconciliation Statue, all of which provide a sobering yet essential look at the region’s involvement in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Thanks to community programs like BLK RVA, which celebrated its fifth anniversary in August 2024, the Richmond Region is more dedicated than ever to showcasing the people, places and spaces that highlight the Black experience in the Richmond Region. BLK RVA’s success is a testament to the authenticity and growth of the region’s Black culture. For more information on attractions and events in the Richmond Region this February, head to VisitBLKRVA.com or VisitRichmondVA.com.
Explore Centuries of Black History on Florida’s Historic Coast From founding settlers to America’s first community of freed slaves to the Civil Rights Movement, African Americans have played a significant part in the multi-cultural heritage of Florida’s Historic Coast. The ACCORD Civil Rights Museum and the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center tell the history of African Americans in St. Augustine. Walk the Freedom Trail to see significant sites related to the struggle for Civil Rights, or use the Black History App to create an immersive experience. A must-see stop is the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center, housed in the historic Excelsior School Building, which served as the county’s first public Black high school. The museum maps out the long and storied past of African Americans in St. Augustine. Take a powerful journey into the past with the “I Lived Here, As Well: Going Home” Tour at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. This tour reveals the untold stories of a male and a female enslaved person, offering a first-person perspective of the harsh conditions of slavery and life after freedom. Tours are offered February 6-March 1. “Where We Stand” is an exhibit by photographic artist Lenny Foster. It is inspired by his move to St. Augustine and the historic neighborhood of Lincolnville. The series explores the history of African Americans, drawing upon the history and culture he discovered in the historically Black neighborhood. The evocative show is presented at the First Coast Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach from February 6-March 27. The 4th Annual Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series which honors and celebrates the history and cultural significance of Fort Mose took place February 6- 8 and 14-16 at Fort Mose Historic State Park. Featured performers included Snarky Puppy, Kem, Tower of Power, Dinner Party, Macy Gray, and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band with Sierra Green and The Giants. At Fort Mose Historic State Park, travel back in time to 1738 to a dangerous world where men, women, and children flee enslavement on a British plantation toward the free Black settlement Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose on St. Augustine’s northernmost border. Flight to Freedom took place February 20-22 and tells the brave story of those who risked it all in search of freedom, laying the groundwork for the original Underground Railroad that ran south to Spanish Florida. “Fort Mose 1738” Fashion Pop Up, a display of bold, contemporary textiles and clothing created by artisans in Accra, Ghana connects individuals to their heritage by highlighting African prints and a kaleidoscope of colors. The exhibit will be on display at the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery through March 7. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum presented History in the Shadow of the Tower: Discovery of Fort Mose on February 20. It featured Dr. Lori Lee, Flagler College, and Chuck Meide, Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program (LAMP), who discussed key archaeological findings from Fort Mose that highlight the site’s cultural and historical significance. For more information, visit www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com.
About This Newsletter Multicultural Travel News newsletter (MTN) covers travel news of interest to ethnic and niche travelers and those who market to them. We write about destinations that interest multicultural travelers or have outreach campaigns to travelers of Hispanic, African American, Asian American and other cultural backgrounds; women; LGBT travelers and people with disabilities. Multicultural Travel News is also written for leisure and business travelers looking for what to see and do and for marketing executives interested in ideas, best practices and the business case for targeting so-called “minority” travelers. We cover cities and countries, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, convention and visitor bureaus, tour operators and other travel marketers with a multicultural angle. Multicultural Travel News is written and edited by Lisa Skriloff. Multicultural Travel News is published by Multicultural Marketing Resources, Inc. (MMR). To view past editions click here. For a free subscription to Multicultural Travel News and its sister publication, Multicultural Marketing News, sign up here.
For travelers seeking a place with profound historical significance in African American heritage, the Richmond Region (RVA) stands out as a must-visit destination. Here, visitors can experience Black history and culture firsthand, from walking tours to museums and monuments honoring the contributions of Black Virginians. The Richmond Region is home to national landmark sites like the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia—one of the first sites added to UNESCO’s Network of Places of History and Memory—and the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, once known as the “Harlem of the South.” There’s also the Trail of Enslaved Africans, the Emancipation and Freedom Monument, and the Slavery Reconciliation Statue, all of which provide a sobering yet essential look at the region’s involvement in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Thanks to community programs like BLK RVA, which celebrated its fifth anniversary in August 2024, the Richmond Region is more dedicated than ever to showcasing the people, places and spaces that highlight the Black experience in the Richmond Region. BLK RVA’s success is a testament to the authenticity and growth of the region’s Black culture. For more information on attractions and events in the Richmond Region this February, head to VisitBLKRVA.com or VisitRichmondVA.com.
From founding settlers to America’s first community of freed slaves to the Civil Rights Movement, African Americans have played a significant part in the multi-cultural heritage of Florida’s Historic Coast. The ACCORD Civil Rights Museum and the Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center tell the history of African Americans in St. Augustine. Walk the Freedom Trail to see significant sites related to the struggle for Civil Rights, or use the Black History App to create an immersive experience. A must-see stop is the Lincolnville Museum & Cultural Center, housed in the historic Excelsior School Building, which served as the county’s first public Black high school. The museum maps out the long and storied past of African Americans in St. Augustine. Take a powerful journey into the past with the “I Lived Here, As Well: Going Home” Tour at Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. This tour reveals the untold stories of a male and a female enslaved person, offering a first-person perspective of the harsh conditions of slavery and life after freedom. Tours are offered February 6-March 1. “Where We Stand” is an exhibit by photographic artist Lenny Foster. It is inspired by his move to St. Augustine and the historic neighborhood of Lincolnville. The series explores the history of African Americans, drawing upon the history and culture he discovered in the historically Black neighborhood. The evocative show is presented at the First Coast Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach from February 6-March 27. The 4th Annual Fort Mose Jazz and Blues Series which honors and celebrates the history and cultural significance of Fort Mose will take place February 6- 8 and 14-16 at Fort Mose Historic State Park. Featured performers include Snarky Puppy, Kem, Tower of Power, Dinner Party, Macy Gray, and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band with Sierra Green and The Giants. At Fort Mose Historic State Park, travel back in time to 1738 to a dangerous world where men, women, and children flee enslavement on a British plantation toward the free Black settlement Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose on St. Augustine’s northernmost border. Flight to Freedom takes place February 20-22 and tells the brave story of those who risked it all in search of freedom, laying the groundwork for the original Underground Railroad that ran south to Spanish Florida. “Fort Mose 1738” Fashion Pop Up, a display of bold, contemporary textiles and clothing created by artisans in Accra, Ghana connects individuals to their heritage by highlighting African prints and a kaleidoscope of colors. The exhibit will be on display at the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery through March 7. The St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum presents History in the Shadow of the Tower: Discovery of Fort Mose on February 20. It features Dr. Lori Lee, Flagler College, and Chuck Meide, Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program (LAMP), who will discuss key archaeological findings from Fort Mose that highlight the site’s cultural and historical significance. Experience the Castillo de San Marco National Monument after dark during the Castillo by Candlelight: The Mose Story event on February 22. Visitors will interact with volunteers who will reenact the stories of Fort Mose, hearing from the Freedom Seekers, those they encounter along the way, and Royal Governor of La Floride, Manuel Joaquín de Montiano. For more information, visit www.FloridasHistoricCoast.com.
On January 30th, 2025, the historic Ah Louis Store, in partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo and the Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market, will revive the beloved Lunar New Year festivities during a Palm Street Block Party from 6 – 8:30 PM. This free, family-friendly event celebrates the rich cultural history of SLO’s Chinatown District with performances, food vendors, and cultural exhibits. Ribbon-Cutting & Historic Sign Unveiling: The fun begins at 5:30 PM with the unveiling of the restored neon sign from Chong’s Homemade Candy. This iconic sign once graced the heart of Chinatown and is making a comeback! Guests can marvel at the sign’s return and explore an exhibit of historic photos and cultural artifacts under the glow of its vibrant lights. Cultural Booths & Educational Experiences: Starting at 6:00 PM, Palm Street will be buzzing with booths featuring local artists, mouth-watering foods, and educational exhibits. From traditional snacks at Mee Heng Low Noodle House to discovering local tea at Inari Tea Lounge, there’s something for every taste bud and curious mind. Immerse yourself in SLO’s rich Chinatown history and feel the community spirit come alive. Live Performances & Cultural Celebrations: At 6:00 PM, Central Coast Chinese Association will kick things off with a spectacular mix of Chinese dance, martial arts, and live music. Get ready to be blown away by the high-energy Lion Dance from the Cal Poly Lion Dance Team at 6:30 PM. Then, Inari Tea Lounge will close out the night with a serene traditional tea ceremony at 7:30 PM, offering the perfect wind-down after an exciting evening. Palm Theatre Screening: For film lovers, The Palm Theatre is celebrating all month with special programming, and on January 30th, they’ll screen the fascinating documentary “The Search for General Tso” at 7:00 PM. Before the film, why not indulge in a three-course prix fixe dinner at Ox + Anchoras a part of their “Indies + Eats” program? It’s the perfect evening combo! https://visitslo.com/
What’s multicultural about Coastal Mississippi, an area encompassing 62 miles of shoreline along three coastal counties? Multicultural Travel News visited recently to find out. Our visit, from Bay St. Louis to Ocean Springs, turned up woman owned and run establishments as well as businesses owned by and museums honoring the many ethnic communities that have made this area home for generations. Here’s a snapshot of what my partner John and I explored.
Join us in Cayuga County this September and beyond to honor Underground Railroad Month and explore the rich history of Harriet Tubman, who chose Auburn, NY, as her home after her courageous work on the Underground Railroad. Experience guided tours of significant sites, including Tubman’s residence, and the Harriet Tubman Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, a National Park Service Historic Site. Where she fought for justice and equality. Engage with local historians and participate in special events that celebrate her enduring legacy and the community’s commitment to freedom. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the powerful story of resilience and hope that defines our region. For more information visit https://www.tourcayuga.com/harriet-tubman/.
Multicultural Travel News 