Pride Month Events Not to Miss This June
Plan your next "gaycation" around Pride Month for some lively activism and good times. Sarasota is ready to welcome you to our little beach town that is full of PRIDE!
As Sarasota’s LGBTQ+ organizations grow and our colorful communities continue to diversify with LGBTQ travelers, couples and families, as well as their advocates and allies, more events are added with each flag-flying summer—ranging from solemn yet celebratory, to wild and carnivalesque. Make sure your June is as fun as it is fabulous!
The Grand Carnival – Diamonds Are Forever
Saturday, June 3rd, 8PM - 10PM, Circus Arts Conservatory
Hosted by Project Pride SRQ, this grand event will knock you off your feet with exciting visuals, performances and LGBTQ+ history. The Grand Carnival is the shiniest ball of them all and one not to be missed. Expect exciting visuals by Botanica Design Studio and live performances on the main stage by Ada Vox of American Idol and Queen of the Universe, and Zee Machine, nominated for Breakout Musical Artist at The Queerties Award. Enjoy open bar, light bites and a few surprises! Grab your tickets here, or join the free after-party, Diamonds After DARK, taking place at 11PM on Art Ovation Hotel's rooftop bar.
Queer PoetryMic for Pride Month
Sunday, June 4th, 2PM - 3PM, Bookstore1
The PoetryMic series, hosted by downtown Sarasota's Bookstore1, will introduce you to a varied group of talented poets that live in and around Sarasota. But you never know what other visiting, well-known poets may drop by the loft for this event! This month's special Pride Month edition features two of the local bookstore's favorite queer poets: Tyler Gillespie and Gloria Muñoz. Register at SarasotaBooks.com for free.
Drag Queen Bingo
Sundays – June 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th, 7PM - 10PM, Bahi Hut Tiki Bar
Join Drag Queen Georgia Moore for weekly bingo at the Bahi Hut, Florida’s oldest tiki bar for some royal fun and prizes. Expect hilarious banter, sassy remarks, laughter, music and of course, bingo and surprises. There is no RSVP required or admission costs, just buy a drink to play—and when at Bahi Hut, there’s no better cocktail to sip on than their famous Mai Tai or Sneaky Tiki.
Big Gay Beach Party 7
Saturday, June 10th, 11AM - 5PM, North Lido Beach
Grab your squad and your best beach outfit for the 7th annual Big Gay Beach Party, a grassroots event where Sarasota's LGBTQ+ community and allies gather together on North Lido for a day at the beach. Big Gay Beach Party in the past has attracted attendees from various parts of Florida and major cities across the US. Because there are no amenities at this section of the beach, you are encouraged to bring everything you would need for a self-contained day at the beach. This wet and wild day in the sun is a free event for all.
*Please remember to keep our beaches beautiful by cleaning up after yourself
Silver Pride
Saturday, June 10th, 12PM– 5PM, Senior Friendship Center
Project Pride SRQ presents a free inaugural event celebrating LGBTQ+ seniors aged 50 and better! Stop by the Senior Friendship Center for live music, vendors, food trucks and more from community partners.
UTC Night Market on the Green – Pride Edition
Thursday, June 15th, 5PM - 9PM, University Town Center
UTC's monthly Night Market event will be bigger and brighter than ever before for June. Grab the crew together to celebrate Pride Month with live music by Matthew Ragas and Southland Road, LGBTQ+ and local vendors, rainbow-themed sweets and treats and so much more. Community organizations will be onsite with giveaways and resources. Shop, sip and show your Pride at this free evening event in the West District at University Town Center.
Splash! Pride Rooftop Pool Party
Saturday, June 17th, 12PM– 6PM, Art Ovation Hotel
SarasotaOUT.com is bringing back its annual pool party at a new location, Perspective Rooftop Pool & Bar of Art Ovation Hotel. Dive in and dance as the community celebrated LGBTQ+ love and pride by taking a dip in the pool and sipping on equality-inspired cocktails at this poolside paradise. Enjoy pride-filled beats by DJ Johnny Blaze and the stunning views of downtown Sarasota. Stay at the host hotel for added fun and convenience! Limited tickets are available here.
Mellow Mushroom Pride Party
Thursday, June 22nd, 6PM, Mellow Mushroom Sarasota
Creatively inspired stone-baked pizzas won't be the only thing coming out of Mellow Mushroom restaurant this June. This newly added event says more info coming soon... Stay tuned!
St Pete Pride Parade x PPSRQ
Saturday, June 24th, 2PM - 10PM, St. Petersburg
Project Pride SRQ will be marching a 700-foot inclusive rainbow flag, dubbed The Grand Flag, in the St. Pete Pride parade. Help carry a 100' portion of the flag for St. Petersburg's 21st annual pride parade (and largest festival to date). This is a free event and open to the public but the organization asks that you RSVP here.