Gay pride parade key west
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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. But don’t think that being in the lineup is restricted to locals.
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.
On stage Wednesday, June 5 – Friday, June 27 at the Armory, 600 White Street. 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. 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.
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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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. It begins at Truman Waterfront Park, winding along Whitehead and Front Streets before turning up Duval, where the route spills into the legendary Tea Dance at La Te Da.
Tea Dance has been a Key West Sunday staple since 1977.
The film debuts at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, June 24 and examines the events leading up to what is now considered to be the defining moment in America’s Gay Rights Movement: the 1969 rebellion at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. The brand’s founder, Jenn Stefanacci Portier helped start the party years ago as an ally to the community and a way for islanders to celebrate the advancement of equal rights when it comes to love.
It also delves into the individuals, events, and locations of those pivotal June nights in Greenwich Village, NYC. See it daily from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm at the Custom House Museum, 281 Front St. Info: 305-850-8343; kwahs.org.
On Sunday, June 29, starting at 7 pm, Key West Pride 2025 culminates with the “Still Rising Pride Parade.” The colorful lineup begins on Whitehead Street then travels down to Front Street, and goes right onto Duval.
Convertito described the documentary as a powerful one that demonstrates resilience in the face of adversity.
Drawing audience members to the Key West Theater is this year’s headlining performance on Wednesday, June 25 starring comedian Quin Lamar. The same slate of performances, a parade, and pool parties, can be counted on by returning visitors and year-round islanders.
Visual arts and explorations of historical events will be on hand this week.
The Studios of Key West invites the public to explore three floors of “Mango Madness” art before joining everyone for drinks on the roof.
Sullivan also brought British heartthrobs like the Beatles to the US for their first live performances in front of legions of screaming teenagers. 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.
For complete details on everything else that’s happening, hit up GayKeyWestFL.com. 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.
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.
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. Info and tickets: 305-731-0581; keystix.com.
On Saturday, June 28, starting at 4 pm, the 700 – 800 Blocks of Duval Street will transform into a mega “Generation of Strength” Street Fair & Dance Party with live performances, dancing in the streets, and over 50 eclectic vendors.
This year’s Pride Celebration also raises the bar with “headier” cultural events, as well.
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.
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.
Key West’s own iconic production is the brainchild of our own Peter Arnow. Many LGBTQ travelers choose classic gay-friendly hotels and guesthouses in Old Town.