News Summary
St. Petersburg, Florida, hosted its 23rd annual Pride Festival, drawing over 350,000 attendees for a vibrant celebration. The event featured a street fair, performances, and a sense of community spirit as participants embraced the theme “Rooted In.” The festival not only promoted inclusivity but also contributed significantly to the local economy, generating nearly $63 million. With a range of activities and booths representing LGBTQ-owned businesses, this year’s event highlighted love and acceptance within the community.
St. Petersburg, Florida celebrated its 23rd annual Pride Festival, marking the largest Pride celebration in the state, with more than 350,000 attendees participating in this year’s vibrant event. The festivities culminated in the annual Pride Street Fair held in the Grand Central District on June 29, 2025, which served as the grand finale to a month-long series of celebrations.
St. Pete Pride, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community through cultural events, education, and advocacy, is recognized as one of the top 40 largest Pride celebrations in the world. The event featured hundreds of rainbow-decorated booths lining Central Avenue, many representing LGBTQ-owned businesses and supportive organizations. Among these was Metro Inclusive Health, which provided vital physical and mental health resources for attendees.
The atmosphere during the street fair was vibrant, as attendees enjoyed a variety of activities, including food trucks, live entertainment featuring drag performers and multiple DJs, as well as a cycling class from Central Cycling. Additionally, makeup artists and stylists from Salon Centric were on hand to offer free skin and hair care products, while Kona Ice provided complimentary snow cones and hair braiding services enhanced the festive spirit.
Despite some rain, the mood remained upbeat as festival-goers embraced the theme of this year’s Pride Festival, “Rooted In,” celebrating the deep connection that the organization has cultivated with the community. The event showcased various significant components, including a Trans March and a parade featuring an array of floats and performers, further emphasizing the spirit of love, acceptance, and pride that resonates throughout the gathering.
Attendees expressed their feelings of inclusivity and community spirit, sharing personal stories and the importance of visibility within the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s festival not only provided a platform for celebration but also made a considerable economic impact, generating nearly $63 million through direct and indirect spending, showcasing the event’s significance to the local economy.
The festival attracted a diverse crowd, ranging from newcomers to long-time attendees, which reflects a rich tradition of celebration and engagement within the community. For safety, the St. Pete Police collaborated with federal partners to implement security measures, ensuring a secure environment for all participants.
As St. Pete Pride continues to grow, the organization remains committed to fostering a sense of belonging and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community, leveraging such annual festivities to celebrate love and acceptance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
St. Petersburg Hosts Largest Pride Festival in Florida
St. Petersburg Hosts Record-Breaking St. Pete Pride Festival
St. Petersburg Hosts Record-Breaking Pride Celebration
St. Pete Pride Parade Celebrates 23 Years of Pride
St. Petersburg Pride Festival Breaks Attendance Records
St. Pete Pride Weekend Celebrates Community and Diversity
St. Petersburg Hosts the 2025 St. Pete Pride Parade
St. Petersburg Prepares for Massive Pride Celebration
St. Pete Pride Parade and Festival Set to Attract Thousands
St. Pete Pride Parade Set to Attract Record Attendance
Additional Resources
- ABC Action News: St. Pete Pride Festival Draws Over 350K People
- Wikipedia: LGBT Pride
- Fox 13 News: St. Pete Pride Celebrates 23 Years
- Google Search: St Pete Pride
- WFLA: St. Pete Pride Parade Draws Thousands
- Google Scholar: St Pete Pride
- The Gabber: St. Pete Pride’s Street Fair 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: St Pete Pride
- Fox 13 News: St. Pete Pride Weekend Guide
- Google News: St Pete Pride
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
