PHOTO VIA COME OUT WITH PRIDE
Come Out With Pride Orlando (Website), one of the Southeast’s largest and longest-running LGBTQIA+ celebrations, will return for its 21st year on Saturday, October 18, at Lake Eola Park – hoping to build on the momentum of last year’s record-breaking event, which drew more than 250,000 attendees to downtown Orlando.
In a time when Pride events across the country are facing cancellations, budget shortfalls, and political pressure, Come Out With Pride’s Executive Director Tatiana Quiroga said the organization’s strength comes from its community roots and commitment to inclusion.
“We will not be erased. Pride in Orlando represents our shared strength, our joy, and our determination to keep moving forward,” she said. “Even in difficult times, we choose to celebrate because our community deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. We are for the people of Central Florida and beyond, fueling local pride while also welcoming visitors from across the state and country who travel here to celebrate with us.”
This year’s festival remains free and open to the public, with a full day of programming in and around Lake Eola Park. The festival grounds open at noon with a family-friendly marketplace, sponsor activations, food vendors, and a sober space. At 1 p.m., the Trans Rally kicks off the day, followed by The Most Colorful Parade at 4 p.m. The Pride Rally and Awards Presentation will take place at 6:15 p.m., and the evening will end with a fireworks grand finale at 9:30 p.m.
Entertainment spans multiple stages and will feature both local and national talent. The Sonic Bloom Field, presented by BlueLaLa Events, will feature DJs Nani Soul, Mr. Meow Meow, Scott Robert, BlueStar, and Grammy Award–winning DJ Tracy Young. The Diva Stage, presented by Show Imaging, will host Orlando’s top drag performers alongside RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Jorgeous and TS Madison. VIP guests can enjoy lounges presented by Biatch Tequila, which include premium parade and fireworks viewing areas, exclusive DJ sets by Matty Anderson and SweatBox, catered bites by Sonny’s BBQ, and air-conditioned lounges.
The event will also honor local leaders through its annual awards. Heather Wilkie of the Zebra Coalition will receive the Debbie Simmons Community Excellence Award, and Orlando entertainer Angelique Jones will be recognized with the Sam Singhaus Legends in Pride Award.
This year’s parade Grand Marshals include LGBTQIA+ advocate and organizer Jen Cousins; Brittany and AJ from Netflix’s The Ultimatum: Queer Love (Season 2); Sister Ann Kendrick, founder of the Hope Community Center; and performer and advocate Angelique Godwin.
