![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/thumbnail-1296.jpg\")
The Ybor City Historic District hosts two Pride of Tampa events (Carole Devillers)<\/p>\nThe Ybor City Historic District hosts two Pride of Tampa events (Carole Devillers)<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cPride never takes a hiatus, and especially in this atmosphere, it\u2019s more important than ever,\u201d Farrell says.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/prideoftampalogo.jpg\")
Pride of Tampa quickly organized a 2026 Pride Festival. (Pride of Tampa)<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s straight up fun,\u201d Farrell says. \u201cWe did this last year\u2026We had a ball and thought, well, let\u2019s do that again, looked at our plans, dusted them off, and said, wash, rinse, repeat.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Regent has been PFLAG Riverview\u2019s home since its earliest days. Farrell says the familiarity makes it a natural fit.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s kind of like a home away from home,\u201d she says. \u201cIt\u2019s a very trusted, familiar space, people are used to going there, and it\u2019s just beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s top restaurant. For Farrell, the event had instant appeal.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho doesn\u2019t like to eat?\u201d she says. \u201cThere are so many good restaurants down in Ybor, and it\u2019s just an opportunity for them to strut their stuff a little bit.\u201d<\/p>\n
The venue choice was just as intentional.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201c1920 is a beautiful venue,\u201d Farrell says. \u201cIt\u2019s full of community art\u2026The community\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tickets for Taste of Pride are $50, with a VIP option available<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Farrell emphasized that community participation will make the difference.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really going to be an all-hands-on-deck kind of event,\u201d she says.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Pride of Tampa is building something new, shaped by volunteers, strengthened by partnerships, and fueled by the belief that Pride doesn\u2019t disappear just because circumstances change. The format may look different, but the intent is clear.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are starting from ground zero,\u201d Farrell says. \u201cBut we want to make sure that people know loud and clear that we are here. We are still here. We will always be here.\u201d<\/p>\n