In the face of the ever-changing and challenging political climate, St. Petersburg will continue embracing its diverse LGBTQ+ community with the first-ever Winter Pride celebration.

Winter Pride, a week-long festival organized by a team of local LGBTQ+ leaders in collaboration with the Grand Central District, will run from February 16th to February 23rd.

“Now more than ever, events like Winter Pride are critical to remind everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community that they are valued, supported, and celebrated,” Grand Central Executive Director Chris Arnold said in an announcement.

“We are excited for another opportunity to celebrate our wonderful city and bring an entire week of amazing Pride events to the Grand Central District.”

Over the years, the Grand Central District has become a notable “gayborhood” with a large selection of LGBT-owned businesses and gay-friendly nightlife. The district is also the birthplace of the hugely popular St. Pete Pride, the largest pride celebration in the southeastern United States with over 300,000 in attendance annually.

The Winter Pride festival will not replace the iconic St. Pete Pride, which takes place every June, but rather add another opportunity to shine a light on the local LGBTQ+ population and allies.

Winter Pride will kick off with a street party on Central Avenue between 23rd Street and 24th Street and a tea dance at The Wet Spot at 2355 Central Avenue on Sunday, February 16th from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

There will be around 15 events throughout the week, including:

• The Pelican Ball on Friday, February 21st from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

• Drag Race on Saturday, February 22nd from 11 a.m to 5 p.m.

• Concert and street festival on Sunday, February 23rd from 12 p.m to 5 p.m.

The full list of events can be found here.

“We’re proud to bring Winter Pride to life alongside the Grand Central District and business leaders,” said David Fischer, owner of a string of LGBTQ+ destinations in the Grand Central District.

“This event is about more than celebration - it’s about connection, support, and showing the world that Saint Petersburg is a place where everyone can feel safe and included.”

One of the main events, the Winter Pride Drag Race, will be hosted at FloridaRAMA (formerly Fairgrounds St. Pete) in the Warehouse Arts District. A team of drag stars will bring their makeshift vehicles/rides to race throughout the FloridaRAMA grounds.

The Dog Bar is also hosting Winter Pride events throughout the entire week.

Rob Hall, Executive Director of Winter Pride, added, “This is a time for us to come together, not just to celebrate but to create a space where people feel safe, supported, and empowered. Winter Pride is about love, resilience, and inclusion, and we invite everyone to join us. Whether you sponsor, volunteer, or simply attend, your presence will make a difference.”

Be sure to visit the Winter Pride website for event info and follow along on Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest updates.