Project Pride SRQ presents the Gulfcoast Pride Festival & Street Party

Local LGBTQ+ advocacy nonprofit Project Pride SRQ invites the community to the vibrant Rosemary District in downtown Sarasota for the Gulfcoast Pride Festival & Street Party, which takes place on Saturday, October 19 from 3-11 p.m. The festival was formerly known as Sarasota Pride but has been rebranded as the celebration now encompasses the former Manatee Pride event as well.

The event officially launches with a parade – featuring Ken Shelin, former Sarasota City Commissioner and Vice Mayor, as Grand Marshall – down Main Street at 2 p.m.

The event continues in the Rosemary District, starting at 3 p.m. It will feature: a market comprising numerous local vendor booths; a drag show featuring headliner Pork Chop, from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”; a kids’ zone with age-appropriate activities; pet zone and pet pageant; an art zone; cool-down zone; special guests and performances, including Marty, the mascot from the Bradenton Marauders and a stilt walker; and much more. The market runs from 3-8 p.m.; the street party continues through 11 p.m., with a street dance presented by SRQ Beats, and musical headliner, Zee Machine.

Zee Machine (aka Joe Bissell) is an LA-based pop/rock/electronic singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. After a handful of singles, he released a seven-song EP “Can I Be Honest…” in July. He has been featured in People magazine, SPIN and other prominent outlets.

“By now, most people know that Pride Month takes place in June; what they may not realize is that LGBT History Month is recognized in October,” said Project Pride Executive Director Paul Lotierzo. “It is the perfect time for us to be visible and welcoming, and to showcase the many positive aspects of Sarasota as an inclusive community, with partners and allies who appreciate the diversity of its citizens.”

Project Pride SRQ is grateful to Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Presenting Sponsor for the Gulfcoast Pride Festival & Street Party this year.

“Gulf Coast Community Foundation is proud to support Gulfcoast Pride, the largest Pride festival in our region. Our commitment to fostering vibrant, inclusive communities drives us to celebrate our region’s rich diversity. We look forward to joining the festivities this fall and celebrating the many voices that make our community unique,” said Gulf Coast’s President | CEO Phillip Lanham.

This family-friendly, free event is open to all; sponsorship opportunities are still available. Visit ppsrq.org for more information.

About Project Pride SRQ
Project Pride SRQ is a Sarasota-based nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community by creating strategic partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and governments towards a shared goal. From providing youth scholarships to organizing local gatherings, Project Pride has brought together LGBTQ+ and allied partners since 2019 to build capacity, support, and a vision for an all-inclusive community where everyone is equally united, supported, and celebrated in Sarasota and beyond. For more information, visit ppsrq.org.

About Gulf Coast Community Foundation
Headquartered in Venice, Fla. and with a second office in downtown Sarasota, Fla., Gulf Coast Community Foundation has transformed the region through bold and proactive philanthropy for nearly 30 years. Serving the needs of the region as a partner in philanthropy and leader in community initiatives, Gulf Coast has surpassed granting over $550 million in the areas of: health and human services, civic and economic development, education, arts and culture, and the environment. Gulf Coast was named one of the “Best Nonprofits To Work For” nationally by The NonProfit Times in 2010, 2011, 2017, 2020, 2021, and 2023. To learn more visit GulfCoastCF.org and follow us on Facebook.