ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The start of June marks the beginning of Pride month around the Bay area, as well as across the U.S.

The month gives the LGBTQ+ community a season to celebrate individuals and experiences.

Along with the marches, Pride organizers in the Bay area fill the month of June with events ranging from readings and performances to parties and street festivals.

This year’s Pride month comes amid new state legislation opponents deem as anti-LGBTQ+. Tampa’s 2023 Pride on the River event was canceled citing uncertainty with the new legislation.   

Here’s a look at some of this month’s events and activities.

JUNE 1:

• Pride Month kicks off with multiple flag raisings across the Bay area, including Tampa, St. Pete and Gulfport.

JUNE 2:

• St. Pete Pride Block Party: Central Ave. between 22^nd and 24^th  streets. 7-10 p.m. Free admission.

JUNE 3:

• Gulfport Pride. Celebration benefitting LGBTQ+ Resource Center of the Gulfport Library.  Beach Boulevard South. 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. FREE.

JUNE 6:

• Largo Pride Celebration Kick-Off. Largo City Hall, 201 Highland Ave, Largo. 5:30 p.m.

JUNE 9:

• Hot Box: Local artist Chad Mize hosts a Pride-themed art show at Space, located at 855 28^th Street in St. Petersburg. The 18-and-up shows are scheduled for 7-11 p.m. Friday (June 9), 4-9 p.m. Saturday (June 10) and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday (June 11). Free.

JUNE 10:

• Youth Pride and Family Day will be held at Straub Park at 400 Bayshore Drive in St. Pete Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free.
• Pride Day – Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers. Tropicana Field. 1 p.m.

JUNE 10-17:

• Polk Pride 2023. Pride on Tap, Pride For Youth, Pride Kickoff events throughout Lakeland.

   

JUNE 17:

• Shades of Pride Festival: A Juneteenth celebration of Black and brown impacts to the LGBTQ+ community.  5 p.m.-3 a.m. at The Factory St. Pete, 2622 Fairfield Ave. South. Free.
• Tampa Pride Bar Crawl. James Joyce Irish Pub & Eatery, 1724 E. 8^th Ave., Tampa. 4 – 11 p.m.

JUNE 21:

• Stonewall Reception at the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tickets $75

JUNE 23:

• St. Pete Pride Friday Night Concert featuring Idina Menzel. 18 and older show at Jannus Live. Doors open at 6p.m., Showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets are $35.

JUNE 24:

• St. Pete Pride Parade. The festival begins at 2 p.m. in North Straub Park with a variety of local vendors, food trucks, a DJ, beer garden and live entertainment. Albert Whitted Park to Vinoy Park along Bayshore Drive. Free. 2-10 p.m.

JUNE 25:

• Pride on Grand Central. Street Fair in Grand Central District with music, vendors, food and participating businesses and organizations. Noon-5 p.m. Sunday (June 25). Grand Central District, St. Petersburg. Free.