(Graphic courtesy St Pete Pride)<\/p>\n
ST. PETERSBURG | St Pete Pride<\/a> announced key details about this year\u2019s 24th annual celebration Jan. 14, including its 2026 theme \u201cHere Comes the Sun.\u201d<\/p>\n Florida\u2019s largest Pride welcomed over 400,000 people to St. Petersburg last June, Executive Director Bior Guigni<\/a> says. The nonprofit hopes to exceed that with this year\u2019s festivities.<\/p>\n \u201cRooted in St. Petersburg\u2019s identity as the\u00a0Sunshine City, this theme celebrates renewal, visibility and the strength found in the community,\u201d Guigni explains. \u201cAfter a challenging year for many,\u00a0\u2018Here Comes the Sun\u2019 reflects a shared moment of emergence \u2014 where LGBTQIA+ people, allies and partners come together to illuminate Pride in every color.<\/p>\n \u201cThe sun symbolizes hope, warmth and the power of being seen,\u201d she continues. \u201cJust as a rainbow cannot exist without light, Pride is made possible through collective support, advocacy and allyship.\u201d<\/p>\n In addition to its year-round programming, which includes a networking partnership with the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber<\/a>, 2026 events will begin April 25. That\u2019s when the Mx St Pete Pride<\/a> pageant will return to crown its next set of representatives.<\/p>\n A full Pride Kickoff weekend will follow May 29-31. Expanded festivities will span St. Peterburg.<\/p>\n St Pete Pride announced the weekend will begin with a Friday Night Kickoff in the Grand Central District, \u201cwhere our roots run deep,\u201d before two events on Saturday: a pickleball tournament and sunset beach party. A Sunday drag brunch will follow.<\/p>\n Family Day will return June 7, moving to the St. Pete Pier. The youth-focused celebration will include St Pete Pride\u2019s second annual pet parade.<\/p>\n This year\u2019s Stonewall Reception will be held June 13 before the debut of the sapphic-focused Lipstick Masquerade June 13. To center Black LGBTQ+ voices, Shades of Pride<\/a> 2026 moves to Juneteenth<\/a>.<\/p>\n Pride\u2019s signature weekend will follow, festivities that will be preceded by the transgender-focused Transtastic <\/a>June 25. The Friday Night Concert will be held June 26, now paired with a Market on the Waterfront, and the Pride Festival, TransMarch and Parade will return June 27.<\/p>\n St Pete Pride 2026 will close June 28 in the Grand Central District for this year\u2019s street fair. Unless noted, specific locations will be announced in the coming months.<\/p>\n Leading up to June, St Pete Pride is also seeking additional board members. The body currently consists of President Byron Green-Calisch<\/a>, recently appointed Vice President Trent Brock<\/a>, Executive Treasurer Alex Green<\/a> and Secretary Darius Lightsey<\/a> with board members Susan DiDino<\/a>, Travis Geerdes<\/a>, DeMario Jives<\/a>, Chris Trevena<\/a> and Molly Robison<\/a>.<\/p>\n Board applications and additional opportunities to support St Pete Pride\u2019s efforts launch Jan. 20. The entire community is invited to \u201cstand with us in celebration and purpose,\u201d the organization notes.<\/p>\n For more information about St Pete Pride 2026, visit StPetePride.com<\/a> and read more soon from Watermark Out News.<\/p>\n Sign up for the Watermark Out News eNewsletter<\/a> and follow us for more: \t
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