St. Petersburg Gears Up for Annual St. Pete Pride Celebration

News Summary

St. Petersburg is preparing for its 23rd annual St. Pete Pride celebration, Florida’s largest Pride event. The festivities, which culminate in a vibrant parade, will attract over 300,000 attendees. Starting at 2 p.m. on June 28, participants can enjoy live music, local performers, and a variety of food and beverages. The day will feature a Pride Parade at 6 p.m. and a Trans March beforehand, along with ongoing celebrations including a Street Fair on June 29. The event aims to promote inclusivity and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.

St. Petersburg Prepares for 23rd Annual St. Pete Pride Celebration

St. Petersburg is gearing up for its 23rd annual St. Pete Pride celebration, the largest Pride event in Florida, culminating in a month-long series of festivities with a vibrant parade on June 28. This year’s event is expected to draw over 300,000 attendees from across the state, highlighting the city’s commitment to celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and promoting inclusivity.

Parade and Festivities on June 28

The main celebration kicks off with a plethora of activities starting at 2 p.m. on June 28 at North and South Straub Parks. Attendees can look forward to live music performances, local entertainers, and over 100 booths and vendors offering a wide variety of food and drink. The highlight of the day, the Pride Parade, is set to commence at 6 p.m., beginning at Albert Whitted Park and proceeding along Bayshore Drive to Vinoy Park.

Before the main parade, a special Trans March will take place at 5 p.m., raising visibility for transgender and non-binary individuals within the community.

Transportation and Parking

For attendees driving to the parade, free parking will be available from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at St. Petersburg High School and Tropicana Field lots 6 and 7. Free shuttle services will operate from these parking areas to the parade route. Additionally, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) will provide complimentary rides on the SunRunner, Central Avenue Trolley, and Route 9 during the St. Pete Pride events. Other paid parking options will be available at the SouthCore and Sundial parking garages.

Street Fair and Ongoing Celebrations

The celebrations do not conclude on parade day. On June 29, a Street Fair will take place in the Grand Central District from 12 to 5 p.m. This event spans 11 blocks along Central Avenue and showcases over 200 local vendors, live entertainment, and roaming performers. Notably, Central Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic to accommodate the festivities.

The Grand Central District is recognized as a vibrant LGBTQ+ neighborhood, featuring numerous queer-owned businesses and nightlife establishments. Local businesses will also partake in the celebrations, hosting their own events and performances throughout the Street Fair.

Pre-Parade Events

In the lead-up to the main events, various activities are scheduled throughout June to celebrate the community’s diversity and resilience. Highlights include:

  • June 14: The Get Nude event focusing on Black queer culture
  • June 18: A Transtastic event at The James Museum for the Trans and Non-Binary community
  • June 21: A Womyn in Comedy show featuring notable comedians
  • June 27: A Friday Night Concert at Jannus Live with Durand Bernarr

Additionally, the Youth and Family Day on June 7 at North Straub Park included fun activities and the inaugural Pet Pride Parade, emphasizing family-friendly inclusivity.

History of St. Pete Pride

St. Pete Pride originated in 2003 within the Grand Central District, starting with its first parade. Celebrating its 20th year, the event has grown significantly, marking a significant milestone for the community as they continue to advocate for equal rights and acceptance.

For more information on events and festivities, attendees are encouraged to visit St. Pete Pride’s official website and follow their social media channels.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

St. Petersburg Launches Summer Programs for Kids
St. Petersburg School Celebrates Pride with Community Events
St. Petersburg Launches Planning Initiative for District 2
Pinellas Celebrations: A Week of Cultural Events
WorldPride Parade Set to Illuminate Washington, D.C.
USFSP Students Advocate for Identity Flags Reinstatement
St. Petersburg City Council Approves $5 Million for Tropicana Field Repairs
St. Petersburg Prepares for Florida’s Largest LGBTQ+ Celebration
St. Pete Pride Announces 2025 Celebration Events
St. Petersburg Prepares for Largest LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration

Additional Resources

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