A Local Influencer Recommends Top LGBTQ+ Events in St. Pete
Celebrate Pride in St. Pete, Florida, by attending one of its many LGBTQ+ events!
It's rainbows as far as the eye can see during St Pete Pride, the largest Pride celebration in Florida.
Rachel Covello, of OutCoast.com, is an LGBTQ+ advocate, travel blogger and writer. She's happy to call St. Pete, Florida, home. Not just because it's close to America’s most stunning turquoise water and white-sand beaches – but because it's also one of the most gay-friendly places in the nation. Each year, thousands of visitors to the “Burg” celebrate all orientations and identities at a slew of Pride-focused events.
Whether you’re a single person looking to mingle, in a committed LGBTQ+ relationship, or simply want to gather with St. Pete’s thriving rainbow community, you have to include these events recommended by Rachel in your itinerary. If you're interested in participating in one of these events as an official Visit St. Pete/Clearwater brand ambassador, we're happy to have you help out!
Important note: Check back soon for Pride 2025 updates! The information below is for 2024.
St Pete Pride Festival: May 26 - June 28, 2024
St. Pete Pride is the biggest Pride celebration in Florida.
There is no bigger Florida-based Pride parade than St Pete Pride, which draws in over 100,000 attendees every year. Since it first began in 2003, St Pete Pride has expanded this once-simple parade into a lineup of exciting events for all communities.
Some popular St. Pete Pride events you might enjoy in June 2024 are:
- Kick-Off Party (June 1): Enjoy renowned queer DJs and performances by some of Florida’s most famous queens. You can also shop at a wide variety of LGBTQ-owned businesses in kiosks offering anything from jewelry to artwork, pottery, vintage clothing and delicious food in your goody bag! The party will be held on the 2300 and 2400 blocks of Central Ave.
- Stonewall Reception (June 6): The evening at The James Museum takes a look back at the 1969 Stonewall Inn raid, a pivotal event that launched the Gay Rights Movement. The Stonewall Reception presents an elegant fashion show, open bar, delicious food and a diverse blend of art.
- LGBTQ+ Youth & Family Day (June 8): Family-focused activities, vendors and performances at North Straub Park.
- Shades of Pride Festival: A Juneteenth Pride Celebration (June 14-15): At The Factory
- St Pete Pride Parade, TransMarch and Day Festival (June 22): Tens of thousands of people will flock to St. Pete to watch one of the largest Pride parades in the country, as well as to enjoy the main stage lineup and a daytime festival.
- Get Nude: Nothing But Your Flag (June 22): The best after-party after the parade at NOVA 535.
- St. Pete Pride Grand Central Street Fair (June 23): Thousands of people, many blocks of entertainment, vendors and food. This free event runs noon to 5 p.m.
- Transtastic (June 28): At the Museum of Fine Arts
See a complete list of LGBTQ+ events during Pride Month!
Additional Pride Events Throughout the Year
Gulfport Pride: June 1, 2024
Gulfport Pride in tiny, charming gay-friendly Gulfport will shut down Beach Boulevard S. for a free, day-long party that showcases local LGBTQ+ people, along with artisans and local businesses. Allies who want to know more about how to support the community can gather information at one of the festival’s many resource booths. Festival-goers can also purchase locally-made Pride gear and shops can participate in a business storefront decorating contest.
Entertainment begins at 10 a.m.! Don’t miss the line-up for the parade featuring two main stages and of course, the colorful Gulfport marching band.
Gulfport Pride benefits the LGBTQ "Out Arts & Culture" Resource Center of the Gulfport Public Library.
Pride Bar Crawl: June 22, 2024
The Pride Bar Crawl is an event cocktail lovers shouldn’t miss. Enjoy drink specials, free cover to a drag show, a party cup, waived cover at venues, an after-party and more. Plus, a portion of the bar crawl’s boozy proceeds benefits the Trevor Project, the world’s largest LGBTQ-run crisis intervention center.
Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival: 2025 Details TBA
Founded in 1990, TIGLFF raises funds and awareness for local non-profit groups while supporting the Tampa Bay arts community. Now in collaboration with the Tampa Bay Business Guild (TBBG), Bay Area Human Rights Coalition, and Tampa Bay Gay Men’s Chorus, TIGLFF has provided LGBTQ+ filmmakers and artists with an impressive platform.
Cinemaphiles can enjoy the main event, along with supporting events like the Tampa Bay Transgender Film Festival and the Queer in Color BIPOC Festival. Events take place in both Tampa and St. Pete. The most recent festival was in St. Pete in January 2024, and 2025 dates are TBA.
Gulfport Peace, Love & Pride Festival: March 2025 details TBA
The Gulfport Peace, Love & Pride Festival was held on March 10, 2024, at the historic waterfront Gulfport Casino Ballroom and beach, featuring lots of local vendors and nine local bands. Plans for the 2025 event are yet to be announced.
Plan Your Trip
Check out everything about LGBTQ+ travel in St. Pete/Clearwater, including hotels, dining, activities and more.
Content by Rachel Covello. Covello is the CEO and Publisher of OutCoast.com, an LGBTQ-focused digital magazine and travel blog highlighting inclusive destinations in Florida. Explore LGBTQ Florida on OutCoast.com to find the best rainbows in the Sunshine State.
