8 Excellent Saint Pete Pride Events to Attend

It’s that time of year again: St. Pete Pride! No matter where you lie on the Kinsey Scale, or how you define (or don’t define) your sexuality or gender, St. Pete Pride is a time to celebrate togetherness and love in Tampa Bay.

The official St. Pete Pride website defines its mission: “to promote unity, visibility, self-esteem and a positive image of and among the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community of Tampa Bay and throughout the State of Florida by way of cultural and educational programs and activities.”

And it’s those very activities that we’ll be discussing today! Here are 8 Excellent Saint Pete Pride Events to Attend:

Official St. Pete Pride Events

1. Stonewall Reception

Date: Wednesday, June 24
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.
Price: ($35) – Tickets not yet available
Venue: Museum of Fine Arts
What is it: An intimate gathering of friends coming together to launch Pride Weekend. The event will feature a full open bar and light hors d’oeuvres. Cocktail attire required.

2. Pride in Fashion

Date: Thursday, June 25
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Price: Donation at the door
Venue: Macy’s Tyrone Square
What is it: E! Network personality, Ross Matthews, will discuss fame, influence and LGBT issues live. There will also be live music, refreshments and a fashion show to highlight this year’s best Pride looks. Every $10 donation made for the event will be matched by a $10 Macy’s gift card.

3. 27/82: The Concert

Date: Friday, June 26
Time: 3 p.m.
Price: $20 guaranteed admission or donation at the door
Venue: 26th & Central Ave | 2700 Central Ave | St. Petersburg, FL 33713
What is it: A fundraising concert to assist in funding various Tampa Bay community organizations. Alex Newell, who played “Wade ‘Unique’ Adams” on Glee, will headline the concert. Bud Light and Absolut Vodka beverages will be available, along with food provided by Urban Comfort.

4. Pride 5K

Date: Saturday, June 27
Time: 8 a.m.
Price: $30 ($10 discount with the code PRIDE2015)
Venue: Downtown Gulfport
What is it: A 3.1 mile run/walk/jog/dance/skip through Downtown Gulfport. Racers receive a t-shirt and a goody bag. There will also be a post-race street party with food, drinks and prizes for top finishers.

5. Pride Glamstands 2015

Date: Saturday, June 27
Time: 5 – 10 p.m.
Price: $25 or $50, depending which ticket you purchase
Venue: Bleachers located on the parade route on Central Ave.
What is it: Complete access to full bars, private restrooms and an open air environment so you can view everything in premium comfort.

6. LGBT Pride Parade

Date: Saturday, June 27
Time: 5 – 10 p.m.
Price: Free!
Venue: 22nd St. – 27th St. along Central Ave. | St. Petersburg, FL 33701
What is it: The largest LGBT Pride Parade in Florida! The event features more than 150 organizations and businesses supporting and celebrating the Tampa Bay LGBT community. The Saturday Block Party begins at 5:00 p.m., held between 22nd Street and 27th Street along Central Avenue, featuring DJs, food and beverages. The Parade will roll off at Sunset.

7. Pride Street Festival

Date: Sunday, June 28
Time: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Price: Free!
Venue: 22nd St. – 27th St. along Central Ave. | St. Petersburg, FL 33701
What is it: Over 350 exhibitors lining both sides of Central Avenue for 6 city blocks in a celebration of food and beverage vendors, live music and entertainment, artists, small businesses, corporations, professional sports teams, community outreach groups, non-profit organizations and Pride-themed merchandisers.

Unofficial St. Pete Pride Events

Saint Petersburg and the surrounding areas are known for being diverse, creative and open-minded. Whether you’re a local or an out-of-towner experiencing your first Pride Weekend, there are countless restaurants, nightlife spots and beaches that will make you feel right at home.

https://youtu.be/VDgSXfmTKQU

8. Gay and gay-friendly places to hang out

Check out these St. Pete LGBT-lovin’ haunts to get the party going before the parade or to keep the party going after.

NOVA 535 Unique Event Space has been an avid supporter of the LGBT community since its inception. NOVA has hosted several Pride events, including the Official PRIDE Weekend in 2008, featuring “Taste of Pride,” “Back to Babylon,” (sorry, no photos allowed) “Laughter in Paradise” and the final Sunday “T Party.” Performers included hilarious sweetheart comedian Christine O’Leary and funny and charming Sex in the City star Mario Cantone, Singer Nancy Rancourt plus Miss fabulous herself DJ PRIDE. What a GREAT WEEKEND that was!

NOVA 535 Unique Event Space has held many commitment ceremonies and is now the go-to event space for LEGAL gay weddings! (Woohoo!) For more information about how NOVA can help you plan and execute your next LGBT event, get started now or call/text 949.873.6682.

Happy Pride!