The Ybor City Historic District hosts two Pride of Tampa events (Carole Devillers)
When Tampa Pride announced a one-year hiatus from all activities, including the annual Tampa Pride Festival and Diversity Parade, because of the current political climate, it sent a shockwave through the LGBTQ+ community. For many, Pride is more than a parade. It brings visibility, joy, and belonging and serves as a family reunion and a declaration of resilience. For PFLAG Riverview board member Peggy Farrell, a year without a celebration was never an option. Farrell and other members of the PFLAG Riverview chapter quickly formed a new grassroots group, Pride of Tampa, and began planning a new season of events.
“Pride never takes a hiatus, and especially in this atmosphere, it’s more important than ever,” Farrell says.
The group immediately began reaching out to other community organizations to see what could realistically be put together in a few months. The annual parade was the result of years of growth, planning, and significant financial backing. Pride of Tampa had six months and an all-volunteer board, but a lot of determination.
Rather than attempting to recreate the parade on an impossible timeline, Pride of Tampa reimagined Pride as a season that amplifies diverse community voices and showcases local venues. The lineup feels intimate, intentional, and unmistakably Tampa.
The first major event is an18+ Drag Bingo Night at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 19 at The Regent in Riverview. Tickets are $25. Hosted by PFLAG Riverview and the incomparable Brianna Summers, the evening promises bold looks, cheeky humor, and the kind of contagious energy only drag performers can deliver.
Pride of Tampa quickly organized a 2026 Pride Festival. (Pride of Tampa)
“It’s straight up fun,” Farrell says. “We did this last year…We had a ball and thought, well, let’s do that again, looked at our plans, dusted them off, and said, wash, rinse, repeat.”
The Regent has been PFLAG Riverview’s home since its earliest days. Farrell says the familiarity makes it a natural fit.
“It’s kind of like a home away from home,” she says. “It’s a very trusted, familiar space, people are used to going there, and it’s just beautiful.”
Taste of Pride, a brand-new culinary event, is on March 7 at 6 p.m. at 1920 Ybor. Guests will sample dishes from local restaurants, meet the chefs behind the flavors, and vote for Pride of Tampa’s top restaurant. For Farrell, the event had instant appeal.
“Who doesn’t like to eat?” she says. “There are so many good restaurants down in Ybor, and it’s just an opportunity for them to strut their stuff a little bit.”
The venue choice was just as intentional.
“1920 is a beautiful venue,” Farrell says. “It’s full of community art…The community’s creativity and artistic talent are literally hanging on every wall. And the management of 1920 makes everyone welcome. It felt like a natural choice to hold it there.”
Tickets for Taste of Pride are $50, with a VIP option available
The main event, the Tampa Pride Festival, is 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, at the Cuban Club in Ybor City. Vendors, nonprofits, and artisans will join community members, families, allies, and visitors for a family-friendly day of celebration, visibility, and unity.
Farrell emphasized that community participation will make the difference.
“It’s really going to be an all-hands-on-deck kind of event,” she says.
Pride of Tampa is asking business owners to support the organization by getting a booth at the event. The organization is also seeking in-kind donations and co-sponsorships.
Pride of Tampa is building something new, shaped by volunteers, strengthened by partnerships, and fueled by the belief that Pride doesn’t disappear just because circumstances change. The format may look different, but the intent is clear.
“We are starting from ground zero,” Farrell says. “But we want to make sure that people know loud and clear that we are here. We are still here. We will always be here.”
For more information, go to Pride of Tampa