Photo by Bekah Horsley Photo.

Get ready to Carry Pride Forward at Sarasota’s 2026 Gulfcoast Pride Festival and Street Party,–a free, all-ages celebration taking over the Rosemary District on October 24.

This year’s event brings Pride Plaza and Overton Square to life with a new Community Stage near the vendor marketplace. From 4–8pm, enjoy local vendors, resources, food, live entertainment and a Pup Pride Pit Stop. Big Waters Land Trust will present “Rooted in Pride,” celebrating joy, courage, belonging and resilience through native plants, while FAB Arts brings its 0–99 exhibit to the festivities. A dedicated Family Zone, led by the Sarasota City YMCA and ALSO Youth, will offer family-focused activities.

“At the Sarasota City YMCA, we believe every family deserves a place where they feel welcomed, valued and connected," says Paul Raker, senior vice president of operations at the YMCA of Southwest Florida. "Through the Family Zone at Gulfcoast Pride, we’re excited to create a joyful, family-centered space where children and caregivers can have fun, build relationships and experience the sense of belonging that is at the heart of the Y.”

There will be no shortage of entertainment, with performances by Azara Ballet, The Sarasota Players, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe and local drag queens. Adriana Sparkle will host the afternoon festivities and introduce featured talent. Project Pride SRQ will also announce its inaugural Gulfcoast Pride Honoree and bring back last year’s interactive Pride Arch Installation. From 8–11pm, SRQ Beats will produce the DJ-led Pride Street Party in Pride Plaza, the parking area at Project Pride SRQ headquarters on Central Avenue.

Project Pride SRQ Executive Director Justyn Hunter-Ceruti explains that although June is better known for being Pride Month, October is LGBT History Month and, on October 11, we recognize National Coming Out Day, making this the perfect time to celebrate. “Our goal is not simply to produce one successful day. Gulfcoast Pride should create relationships and momentum that continue after the music ends—in our workplaces, schools, neighborhoods and everyday civic life,” he says. "That is how a celebration becomes lasting community progress.”

Gulfcoast Pride is presented by Project Pride SRQ, with Gulf Coast Community Foundation serving as Lead Community Partner.

“Gulfcoast Pride reflects the kind of community we’re working to build: one where belonging isn’t something you have to earn, where people can show up fully as themselves, and where our differences make us stronger,” said Gulf Coast Community Foundation's Vice President, Community Leadership, Erin Minor. “We’re proud to stand alongside Project Pride SRQ because strong communities are built when all people feel valued and know they have a place here.”

Photo by Bekah Horsley Photo.

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