Pictured: On October 19, Project Pride SRQ will present the Gulfcoast Pride Festival & Street Party.

Local LGBTQ+ advocacy nonprofit Project Pride SRQ invites the community to the vibrant Rosemary District in downtown Sarasota for the Gulfcoast Pride Festival & Street Party, which takes place on Saturday, October 19 from 3-11 p.m. The festival was formerly known as Sarasota Pride but has been rebranded as the celebration now encompasses the former Manatee Pride event as well. The event officially launches with a parade – featuring Ken Shelin, former Sarasota City Commissioner and Vice Mayor, as Grand Marshall – down Main Street at 2 p.m. The event continues in the Rosemary District, starting at 3 p.m. It will feature: a market comprising numerous local vendor booths; a drag show featuring headliner Pork Chop, from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”; a kids’ zone with age-appropriate activities; pet zone and pet pageant; an art zone; cool-down zone; special guests and performances, including Marty, the mascot from the Bradenton Marauders and a stilt walker; and much more. The market runs from 3-8 p.m.; the street party continues through 11 p.m., with a street dance presented by SRQ Beats, and musical headliner, Zee Machine. Zee Machine (aka Joe Bissell) is an LA-based pop/rock/electronic singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. After a handful of singles, he released a seven-song EP “Can I Be Honest…” in July. He has been featured in People magazine, SPIN and other prominent outlets. Project Pride SRQ is grateful to Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Presenting Sponsor for the Gulfcoast Pride Festival & Street Party this year. This family-friendly, free event is open to all; sponsorship opportunities are still available. Visit ppsrq.org for more information.

Pictured: On October 19, Project Pride SRQ will present the Gulfcoast Pride Festival & Street Party.