St. Pete Pride, one of the country's largest LGBT celebrations, is back with another round of revelry this weekend. Here is everything you need to know to take part in the rainbow of events.
St. Pete Pride Festival
The daytime festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday expands another block covering Central Avenue from 22nd Street to 28th Street with more than 350 vendors, multiple stages, a wellness pavilion, art and food. Free. Grand Central District, 2429 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. (727) 342-0084. stpetepride.com.
St. Pete Pride Block Party and Night Parade
St. Pete Pride's popular parade hits the streets of Grand Central after sunset lead by Grand Marshalls Miguel Fuller (host of the Miguel Show on Hot 101.5), Kathy Castor (U.S. Representative for Florida's 14th congressional district), Annie Hiotis (Carlton Fields), Lucas Wehle (transgender activist) and the Tampa Bay International Film and Arts Festival. The block party, on Central between 22nd and 27th streets, brings DJs, food and drinks starting at 5 p.m. Saturday. The parade steps off at sunset, about 8:30 p.m. Free, but for $40-$1,500 you can buy exclusive "glamstand" seats. St. Pete Pride Promenade Route, Central Avenue and 28th Street S, St. Petersburg. (727) 342-0084.
MORE: St. Pete Pride Parade road closures
Other events
Blake Lewis and Elliott Yamin
The American Idol singers will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Flamingo Resort, 4601 34th St. S, St. Petersburg. $15 and up. (727) 321-5000. flamingofla.com.
Big Pride Brunch: Before heading out to the St. Pete Pride vendors festival, indulge in an a la carte brunch menu including banana maple pancakes with fruit and vanilla creme, cinnamon rolls, mimosas, bellinis and Bloody Marias. Regular menu also available. Menu prices vary. Cider Press Cafe, 601 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. (727) 914-7222. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.
Friends of Dorothy: Music From the Land of Oz: This LGBTQ Pride Month event features singer-actors Sara DelBeato and Michael Raabe presenting musical selections from The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, Wicked and other Oz-related music. Benefits the LGBTQ Resource Center. $15. Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Ave. S, Gulfport. (727) 893-1074. 7 p.m. Tuesday.
LGBTQ Pride Lunch and Learn: Gulfport author Susan Gore discusses "Religious Freedom Restoration Act Madness and the Law of Unintended Consequences." Free. Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S, Gulfport. (727) 893-1074. Noon today.
Pre-Pride SP2 Concert: DJ L-Mo, Karmic Tatoo and Jennifer Real warm up the crowd before Deborah Cox takes the stage for the St. Pete Pride premiere concert. Purchase a pit pass for a guaranteed spot right in front of the stage. Free, $20 pit pass. St. Pete Pride Promenade Route, Central Avenue and 28th Street S, St. Petersburg. (727) 342-0084. 7-11 p.m. Friday.
Pride Shabbat: In conjunction with St. Pete Pride, Congregation B'nai Isreal holds a Shabbat service celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning Jews, friends and family. Kevin Lane, co-founder of Freefall Theatre, serves as guest speaker and cantor Jonathan Schultz leads singing. Everyone receives custom designed Pride skullcaps and a cocktail oneg reception follows the service. Free. Congregation B'nai Israel, 300 58th St. N, St. Petersburg. (239) 826-0954. 6:30 p.m. Friday.
Pride With No Labels: Mayven Missbehavin hosts the 21 and older only red carpet St. Pete Pride event with performances by Aaron Bonk, Vita DeVoid, Gemma Lux and Anita Waistline; go-go dancers; music by DJ L-Mo; and a celebrity appearance by Zuly Ramos of The Bad Girls Club. Includes one free shot and valet parking. $10. Hofbrauhaus St. Petersburg, 123 Fourth St. S, St. Petersburg. (813) 438-3537. 10 p.m. Friday.
St. Pete Pride Kick-Off Rooftop Party: Kick off Pride at this party with a view of the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway, live entertainment and Cabana Boy cocktails. No cover. Castile Restaurant and 360 Rooftop Bar at Hotel Zamora, 3701 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. (727) 342-0084. 8-10 p.m. today.
St. Pete Pride Run: The 5K run through Gulfport includes a finish line party with beer, live entertainment and DJ dancing in the streets. $25. Gulfport Casino, 5500 Shore Blvd. S, Gulfport. (727) 342-0084. 7:30-11 a.m. Saturday.
Thinking About Pride: A series of LGBT and St. Pete Pride related short films followed by a feature length film. Free. University of South Florida Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, 780 Third St. S, St. Petersburg. (727) 873-4407. Noon-3 p.m. Friday.
Drag Queen Bingo: Drag queens call the numbers for 10 games of flamboyant bingo. Benefits the Healing Heroes Network. $10. Hamburger Mary's Bar & Grille, 28910 U.S. 19 N, Clearwater. (727) 400-6996. 7:30 p.m. Monday.
Gay Girls in Damascus: In this Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival showing, the kidnapping of a Syrian blogger turns out to be a hoax. Freefall Theatre, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. (813) 879-4220. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
SEE ALSO: Pride Flag flies at St. Pete City Hall
