Gay pride parade key west
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Expect drink specials, rooftop cabarets, and drag shows on every corner—because Key West never does Pride halfway.
This year’s theme is still to be revealed, but it will pay tribute to Key West's LGBTQ+ history while embracing the city’s “One Human Family” motto. The festivities come to a crescendo with a fabulous over-the-top Tea Dance at Truman Waterfront Park on Southard Street.
Needless to say, you better prepare yourself for a wild week of non-stop celebrating!
A long time pillar of Key West’s island community, Arnow, in partnership with the Key West Business Guild, has stewarded its success for over a decade. Organized by the Key West Business Guild, the week is full of lively events, including comedy nights, talent shows, film screenings, and a bustling street fair—all set to the laid-back beat of island life.
A Weekend of Signature Events
Festivities kick off with the official Opening Party at AquaPlex, featuring DJs, an open bar, and a community gala celebrating queer resilience and inclusion.
More events at different venues throughout the week, from mocktail mix-offs and LGBTQ+ documentary screenings to naked pool parties and sunset cruises.
Key West Pride 2026: parade, route and hotels
Key West Pride 2026 lights up the island from June 3rd to 7th with a packed week of parties, parades, and poolside celebrations. Those looking to escape crowds and get out on the water can also sign up for the Pride Brunch Sail & Swim put on earlier that day by the wonderfully staffed Argo Navis.
All of this leads to the final day on Sunday, June 29, which will begin with morning services at MMC Church, St.
Paul’s Church, and Unity of the Keys before ticket-holders to drag brunch assemble at Mangoes on Duval.
Sunday’s big sendoff will see the parade and one of the city’s most colorful processions on Duval. But don’t think that being in the lineup is restricted to locals. This “Glow Hour” sunset mixer features a bar and live DJ on June 24.
That same evening, down the street, the Tropic Cinema hosts a champagne reception and screening of “Stonewall Uprising.” The screening includes a panel discussion led by Dr.
Cori Convertito who curated the ongoing “Stonewall Uprising: The Start of a Movement” exhibit with the Key West Art & Historical Society. An exhibit that will also run through the week. Presented by the Key West Business Guild, Still Rising, pays homage to the history and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community.
Things start off with a bang on Saturday, June 21 with Key West’s renowned “Pride Follies.”
Staged at the Key West Theater (512 Eaton St), this original variety show includes an array of unforgettable comedy, singing, and dancing acts.
Expect a confetti storm and wall-to-wall celebration.
Where to stay for Key West Pride?
Key West has lodging to suit every budget and style. Many LGBTQ travelers choose classic gay-friendly hotels and guesthouses in Old Town. He is eager to connect with an audience that answers the sometimes-funny question of what it must be like to live in a place many perceive as paradise.
Earlier that day, the “Pride on the Move” trolley tour will take passengers past some of the island’s popular landmarks before arriving at La Concha hotel for a rooftop pool party.
Later in the week, on the night of June 27, is 22&Co.’s “Love Whoever the F* You Want” party in its cozy street-side bar.
If you want to be a part of the finale, nonprofits and inns invite the public and guests to join their vehicle or walking entries.
Key West Pride
June 22-29
gaykeywestfl.com/pride
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For Pride, DJ Rude Girl takes over the courtyard with a classic disco set as dancers, locals, and visitors flood the space in full rainbow splendor.Not to be missed: a special screening of the powerful documentary, “Stonewall Uprising,” at the Tropic Cinema (416 Eaton Street). The pumped-up celebration includes unlimited drinks, a big buffet, live entertainment, and dancing to great music by one of Key West’s top Deejays. Now in it’s 17th year, Pride Follies is reminiscent of Ed Sullivan’s legendary hit TV show and makes vintage vaudeville cool again.
In case you’re too young to remember, Sullivan was television’s undisputed “Kingmaker,” who helped turn the gyrating Elvis Presley into a singing sensation.
In addition to the various vendors will be live performances by musicians and artists. FYI: This show ALWAYS SELLS OUT so get your tickets early (305-985-0433; keywesttheater.com).
Starting at 5:30 pm on Sunday, June 22, you can “Rise Up and Show Your Pride” at a fun Opening Night Party. Key West’s own iconic production is the brainchild of our own Peter Arnow.
Sullivan also brought British heartthrobs like the Beatles to the US for their first live performances in front of legions of screaming teenagers. As she describes it, there are no labels and no limits.
As you head into the weekend, the first public event will be the street fair from the 700 block of Duval down to Truman Avenue. Lamar who was raised in Detroit, MI., and pursued life as a social worker in New York City will be a first-time visitor to the island.
Summer here is especially hot (in more ways than one!) and it’s when events like Key West Pride keep the tiny two-mile by four-mile island hopping.
This year’s Key West Pride 2025 takes place from Saturday, June 21 – Sunday, June 29, and will be bigger and better than ever.