Downtown Sarasota’s Rosemary District hosts the 2026 Gulfcoast Pride Festival and Street Party on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 4 to 11 p.m. Hosted by Project Pride SRQ, the festival has expanded through more of the district this year, giving locals more room to wander between vendors, stages and community booths.
The schedule is built for a full evening: the vendor marketplace runs 4 to 8 p.m., two stages feature dance, theater and live music, and a family zone includes activities with Ringling College. The Pride After Party keeps things going from 8 to 11. Dog Bar Sarasota adds a Pup Pride Pit Stop with an ice pool, water station and games, and festival-goers might spot Bruce, a Great Dane known around town for his colorful mohawk. Fred Metzler of Dog Bar calls it a dog-friendly zone, so leashed pups are welcome to join the fun.
This year’s theme, “Carry Pride Forward,” is a nudge to keep celebrating inclusion beyond the festival and beyond June and October. According to Executive Director Justyn Hunter-Ceruti, the goal is engaging the community and thinking about pride outside of just those months. The event is free and all ages. Will we see you in the Rosemary District on Saturday?
