June marks the beginning of a month dedicated to uplifting LGBTQ+ voices, celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and supporting LGBTQ+ rights. Locally, Project PRIDE SRQ, Venice Pride and SarasotaOUT have compiled an array of events and activities for the month—for everyone from kids to adults. We’ll keep this list updated as more events are scheduled.
Sarasota Taste of Pride
June 1-30, 2022
Taste the diverse flavors Sarasota has to offer while supporting LGBTQ+ friendly businesses with the second annual Taste of Pride, which takes place the entire month of June. Participating businesses are offering special discounts to customers who mention Taste of Pride and use their virtual dining guide and passport. The person with the most stickers collected from every business they visit will win a $50 gift certificate to the business of their choice. For more information, click here.
June 2
Drag Bingo with Beneva Fruitville
140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota
Looking for a fun game night with a twist? Project Pridee SRQ presents Drag Bingo, a fun and family-friendly event hosted by local celebrity Beneva Fruitville “On the Green” at University Town Center. The event starts at 7 p.m.
June 3
Concert at the Gazebo in Centennial Park
200 W. Venice Ave., Venice
Moxy Stardust Band will perform at the gazebo in Venice’s Centennial Park from 7-9 p.m. Expected a diverse playlist including everything from the Beatles to Alanis Morrisette to Dua Lipa.
June 4
The Grand Carnival
Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N. Tamiami Trail
Project Pride SRQ presents a night of fun featuring imagery of LGBTQ+ activists throughout history and a performance by RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars season four winner and current All-Stars season seven competitor Trinity “The Tuck” Taylor. There will also be musical tributes to Cher, Tina Turner, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga. The $50 ticket includes an open bar, food, dancing, performances, DJ Brianna Lee and more. Get yours here.
June 4
Venice Pride Car Parade
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 508 Riviera St., Venice
Venice Pride encourages residents and businesses to register and decorate their cars for this parade (no entry fees required). The event starts at 1:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and ends promptly at 2 p.m., followed by an after-party at the Venice Wine & Coffee Company. The participant with the best-decorated ride filled with Pride gear and colors wins a prize.
June 8
Zumba Pride Party
140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota
Sarasota residents can enjoy an evening of Zumba at “On the Green” with Project Pride SRQ at UTC at 5:30 p.m. Stay tuned for more details.
June 9
Loud & Proud Dance Party
140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota
Come let loose with your family and friends and DJ Brianna Lee from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. “On the Green” at UTC, hosted by Project Pride SRQ.
June 10
Big Gay Weekend Kick-Off Happy Hour
Bahi Hut, 4675 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
SarasotaOUT begins its “Big Gay Weekend” celebration with happy hour at the Bahi Hut in the Golden Host Resort (pro tip: don’t skip the infamous Mai Tais). The event goes from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Pride Booze Cruise
2 Marina Plaza, Sarasota
Enjoy a night out on the water with SarasotaOUT’s Pride Booze Cruise, themed “Nightclub at Sea,” from 10 p.m.-midnight. The two-hour event will be held on the LeBarge; attendees will experience live entertainment, special prizes, raffles and more. A full bar and snacks will be available for purchase. Guests must be 21 and over and purchase a ticket before attending. The event will be from 10 p.m. to midnight. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Fabulous Arts Foundation.
June 11
Pride Car Parade
1. N. School Ave., Sarasota
Ride in style down Main Street in downtown Sarasota in the second annual Pride Car Parade. Prizes for the best-decorated vehicles will be given after the parade. The event will start at 11 a.m. at 1 North School Ave. and will end at noon at O’Leary’s Tiki Bar & Grill in downtown Sarasota. From there, an after-party will commence featuring music from DJ LucyBlu, dancing, prizes, a first drink free and more. Register for free here.
June 11
Pride Pool Party
Golden Host Resort, 4675 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
SarasotaOUT will host this free pool party, complete with a LGBTQ vendor expo, at s at our LGBTQ Expo, dancing to the beat of our DJs, enjoying a delicious food truck, poolside games, and more. The event will take place from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at the pool at the Golden Host Resort. The pool’s cabanas are officially sold out, but table reservations and VIP lounge tickets are still available.
Mythological Toga Party
Golden Host Resort, 4675 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
After the pool party, SarasotaOUT will round out the weekend with a mythological toga party at the Golden Host Resort’s Oasis Restaurant & Bar from 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
June 12
Big Gay Beach Party
North Lido Beach, Sarasota
Grab your squad and your most fabulous beach outfits. This free, outdoor event will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on North Lido. Amenities are not provided, so attendees are encouraged to bring everything they would need for a day at the beach, including umbrellas, beach blankets, chairs, coolers, sunscreen, canopies, water, alcohol, snacks and towels, must be brought by those joining. For more information, click here.
June 16
UTC Night Market
140 University Town Center, Sarasota
Join Project Pride SRQ for UTC Night Market, a monthly outdoor market event featuring live music and a great mix of local farmers and makers selling handmade goods, jewelry, art, gifts and more. Shop, sip and stroll under the stars from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the West District at UTC and enjoy live music from the Moxy Stardust Band.
June 18
Pride Pet Parade
Your furry friends want to celebrate Pride, too. Join Project Pride SRQ for its second annual Pride Pet Parade from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Bayfront Park. Come dressed to impress and register your pet for free. Participants will parade their best pooch or feline friend around Bayfront Park and Project Pride SRQ will hand out prizes for the furry friends who are best dressed.
June 25
Grand Flag March
John Ringling Bridge, downtown Sarasota
Join Project Pride SRQ at the John Ringling Bridge as the group unfurls the largest inclusive Pride flag in the world—a record-breaking 700 feet—and marches it across the bridge. The event is free and will start at 7:30 p.m.
June 30
Pride Picnic
140 University Town Center, Sarasota
Close out Pride Month with a family-friendly Pride picnic at University Town Center. Enjoy live music, food and fun from 6 p.m-8 p.m. “On the Green” at UTC. The event is free and open to all.
