St. Pete’s annual pride parade, the largest in the state, happens on Saturday, june 28th | city of st. petersburg

St. Pete Pride returns later this month with several weeks of events leading up to its signature parade and festival during the final weekend of June.

The annual celebration is expected to draw more than 300,000 attendees to downtown St. Petersburg for a weekend of entertainment, community events, and one of the largest Pride parades in the Southeast.

This year’s theme is “Here Comes the Sun,” which was selected by organizers to celebrate visibility, community, and LGBTQ+ culture.

Parade day festivities begin Saturday, June 27th at 2 p.m. at North and South Straub parks and will feature live music, local entertainers and artists, more than 100 vendors and exhibitors, and a variety of food and drink options.

The Trans March begins at 5 p.m., followed by the main parade at 6 p.m.

The parade route starts at Albert Whitted Park (near Al Lang Stadium) and travels along Bayshore Drive to Vinoy Park.

On parade day, free parking will be available from 11 a.m. to midnight at St. Petersburg High School, located at 2501 5th Avenue North. Additional parking will be available at Tropicana Field Lots 6 and 7. Free shuttle service will operate from those locations to areas near the parade route.

Festivities continue on Sunday, June 28th, with the St. Pete Pride Street Fair in the Grand Central District from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The event will feature local vendors, live entertainment, food, and community organizations.

the city of st. petersburg raised a pride flag at city hall to kick off pride month | St. pete pride

Beyond the parade and street fair, St. Pete Pride hosts a variety of events throughout June.

Thursday, June 18 – Surreal Summer Nights at The Dali

In collaboration with St. Pete Pride, The Dali Museum will host an evening featuring music from DJ Darlux from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 20 – Tampa Bay Rays Pride Game

The Rays will host a Pride-themed event as they take on the Washington Nationals. Fans can purchase a Pride ticket package that includes a game ticket and a Pride-themed snapback. First pitch is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Sunday, June 21 – Pride Pool Party

Casa del Merman Clothing Optional Resort will host a Pride Pool Party from noon to 4 p.m. Music will be provided by DJ Bill Kody. Food and drinks are included with the suggested $20 donation.

Thursday, June 25 – Transtastic

Hosted at The James Museum, Transtastic celebrates the local transgender and non-binary community with live performances, entertainment, community programming, and a cash bar. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday, June 26 – Slay the Bay

Slay the Bay will bring a concert and night market to Al Lang Stadium beginning at 7:30 p.m. Performers include Chinchilla, Flyana Boss, and Cain Culto.

St. Pete pride will host parties, drag shows, fundraisers, and other events throughout the month of june | city of st. petersburg

St. Pete Pride 2026 comes as local governments across Florida prepare for the implementation of Senate Bill 1134, which takes effect January 1st, 2027. The legislation prohibits cities and counties from operating or funding diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.

St. Pete Pride itself is not prohibited by the legislation. However, questions remain about whether the law could affect how local governments participate in or support Pride-related events in the future.

Last year, a rainbow crosswalk at 25th Street and Central Avenue was removed following the state’s ban on non-standard street markings. In response, the City of St. Petersburg painted nearby bike racks in the colors of the Pride flag and transgender flag.

St. Pete Pride also takes place at a time when some Pride celebrations elsewhere in Florida have faced challenges. Earlier this year, Tampa Pride organizers announced they would not hold a 2026 event, citing the current political and economic climate.

For the latest updates and announcements, visit St. Pete Pride’s website and follow along on Instagram and Facebook.