ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Florida's largest LGBT pride festival begins this weekend! Officials estimate more than 200,000 people will fill the streets of Downtown St. Pete from June 22-24.
"The purpose of St. Pete Pride is to promote unity, visibility, self-esteem and a positive image of and among the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community of Tampa Bay," the website states.
The city’s annual Pride weekend festivities begin with St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman raising a rainbow flag over city hall.
Guide to this weekend’s Pride festivities:
The SP2 Concert
- Day: Friday, June 22
- Time: 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
- Cost: FREE
- Location: North Straub Park (400 Bayshore Dr NE, St. Petersburg)
The SP2 Concert will have a mix of various bands and local singers. The concert is a fundraising event to assist in funding various Tampa Bay community organizations.
St. Pete Pride Parade & Fireworks
- Day: Saturday, June 23
- Time: 2 p.m. - 10 p.m.
- Cost: FREE
- Location: Downtown Waterfront Area
The 16th St. Pete Pride Parade promises to "continue to show the state all the beautiful colors of our diverse community, and be a fabulous opportunity for unbridled self-expression and love." Imagine 5,000 people swishing and sauntering along Downtown St. Pete's Bayshore Drive rocking their "sequence, beads, leather and feathers," with more than 200,000 people cheering them on.
For Saturday night after parties, click here.
St. Pete Pride Street Festival
- Day: Sunday, June 24
- Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Cost: FREE
- Location: Grand Central District
The St. Pete Pride Street Festival is expected to have more than 50,000 people in attendance. Festival goers can enjoy a day of live performances and entertainment, community booths, art and fantastic food in paradise.
Sunday Festival Map:
Click here for a full list of St. Pete Pride events.
-----------
