Key west gay parade
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Expect a confetti storm and wall-to-wall celebration.
Where to stay for Key West Pride?
Key West has lodging to suit every budget and style. The One Human Family phrase has become synonymous with Key West, where it embodies the island’s commitment to diversity and acceptance.More information is at gaykeywestfl.com/pride.
Still Rising: The Florida Keys Welcomes Key West Pride 2025
FLORIDA KEYS (June 18, 2025) — Celebrate PRIDE in paradise!
In addition to the various vendors will be live performances by musicians and artists. 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.
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.
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
In Key West, Pride isn’t just a celebration; it’s a way of life.
This southernmost point of the United States has long been a haven for artists, rebels and free spirits, and thanks to the destination’s laid-back ambiance, tropical charm and deeply rooted LGBTQ+ history, Pride here is more than a party — it’s a pilgrimage. This year’s event takes a fabulous trip back to the 1980s, so don your best retro swimwear for a chance to win the 2025 Argo Pride Cossie Contest.
· The Still Rising Parade (June 29): The grand finale!
Try the clothing optional Sausage Fest (June 27) at Island House, or the fiercely inclusive RU Wet? (June 27) party at Alexander’s Guesthouse, or the no labels/no limits Love Whoever the F*** You Want Ally Party(June 27) at 22 & Co., or the wild Purgatory Party (June 28) at Bourbon St.
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· Pride on Wheels: Explore the island’s queer culture and heritage on a Pride-themed guided Key Lime Bike Tour or aboard the colorful Pride History Trolley Tour, ending with a splash at La Concha’s Pride Pool Bash.
· Special Performances: Key West Pride entertainment options this year include the return of the incomparable Lillian Baxter with her musical memoir (June 25) at the Fringe at the Armory, plus nationally touring comedian Quin Lamar (June 25) taking the Key West Theater stage for a night of queer comedy.
· Key West Pride Brunch Sail & Swim (June 27): Set sail in style at the Key West Pride Brunch Sail & Swim aboard the Argo Navis.
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. Drag brunches, rooftop cabarets, and nightly comedy sets (with national touring queer comedians) round out a week where something’s always happening.
Parade & Tea Dance: The Grand Finale
The Pride Parade caps off the celebration.
Lamar who was raised in Detroit, MI., and pursued life as a social worker in New York City will be a first-time visitor to the island.
Key West Pride is switching things up this year by kicking off at the end of June, a departure happening for the first time in years. Those looking to escape crowds and get out on the water can also sign up for the Pride Brunch Sail & Swim put on earlier that day by the wonderfully staffed Argo Navis.
All of this leads to the final day on Sunday, June 29, which will begin with morning services at MMC Church, St.
Paul’s Church, and Unity of the Keys before ticket-holders to drag brunch assemble at Mangoes on Duval.
Sunday’s big sendoff will see the parade and one of the city’s most colorful processions on Duval. “After all these years, we’re still rising, and we’re doing it together in the Keys.”
Key West Pride 2025 Highlights Include:
· Key West Pride Follies Kickoff Show (June 21): Get things off to an early razzle-dazzle start with an old-school variety revue at the Key West Theater featuring island talent, hosted by beloved local legends Erin McKenna (the very first Miss Island Queen!) and actor Dominic Paoillo.
· Pride Kick-Off Party (June 22): Celebrate at AquaPlex, a hub of Key West LGBTQ+ action, with live DJs, an open bar, a buffet and Key West’s unmatched island energy.
· Ice Plunge & Mocktail Bartender Competition (June 23): Get in the mix with a bold and refreshing event at the Lighthouse Hotel, featuring a thrilling Ice Plunge followed by a Mocktail Bartender Competition that’s sure to stir your senses.
· A Toast to History & Stonewall Uprising Screening (June 24): Pay tribute to the LGBTQ+ past with a champagne reception and The Stonewall Uprising: The Start of a Movement, a powerful documentary that commemorates the 50+ years since the Stonewall Uprising.
· Themed Pool Parties & Signature Events: The revelry is legendary during Key West Pride.
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.
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. This fabulous and fun march travels throughout downtown Key West, putting decades of LGBTQ+ progress and pride on full display.
Get a full schedule of Key West Pride 2025 events at gaykeywestfl.com/pride.
High-resolution images and captions are available at this link.
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Key West Pride 2026: parade, route and hotels
Key West Pride 2026 lights up the island from June 3rd to 7th with a packed week of parties, parades, and poolside celebrations.
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.
Through June 29, the community’s anything-goes spirit and come-as-you-are attitude shine during Key West Pride, a weeklong tribute to love, identity and living out loud. 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 city has long been a haven for artists, rebels and free spirits, with laid-back ambiance, tropical charm and deeply rooted LGBTQ+ history. “After all these years, we’re still rising, and we’re doing it together in the Keys.”
The annual Key West Pride Parade is the grand finale event that travels the length of Duval Street, putting decades of LGBTQ+ progress and pride on full display.
JT Thompson, the visionary behind the “One Human Family” movement, has been selected to serve as the grand marshal for the parade.