Why You Need to Visit the Colorful Streets of St Petersburg This June

Everyone is invited to the party that is St Pete PrideFest
Everyone is invited to the party that is St Pete PrideFest | Courtesy of St PetePride Fest
Doug ONeill

There’s a vibrant rainbow of acceptance taking over the Sunshine State throughout June as the Florida LGBTQ+ community celebrates St Pete PrideFest.

June is Pride Month across the US, in honor of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, but there’s no better place to wave a rainbow flag than under the warm Florida sun. St Petersburg’s PrideFest (June 1-26, 2021) is a month-long celebration of members, friends and allies of the LGBT+ community, spread across four themed weeks. Make a weekend of it by booking one of Culture Trip’s curated collection of hotels and experiences.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

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A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

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An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

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A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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ANCIENT PERU

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An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

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EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

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COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

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A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

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THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

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ULTIMATE EGYPT

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IMMERSIVE KENYA

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An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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What’s happening?

Outdoor Adventure Week kicks off Pride Month under blue skies along the Tampa Bay waterfront. The Pride OUTside festival will feature live performances, yoga classes and other interactive activities. The 5K race and 100yd Diva Dash will get the morning off to a running start.

St Pete PrideFest is a month-long LGBTQ festival in Florida

Family Week is close behind, starting on the following Saturday. Both North and South Straub Parks, as well as the St Pete Pier, invite adults and kids (and anyone who fancies it, really) to come together for this new PrideFest event – with family-friendly entertainment and activities throughout the week.

Next, Arts + Qulture is the signature event of Arts & Music Week. Located in St Pete’s Warehouse Arts District, the Factory will host an immersive musical experience while honoring Queer and Black Culture on Juneteenth.

The festival draws huge crowds

The month concludes with the Taste of PrideFest Week; Monday through Friday, participating restaurants and bars will serve up select items for only $5. On Saturday, the Pride Picnic cooks up one final festivity with food trucks, street vendors, live music and fireworks at North Straub Park.

Who’s there?

Since the first event in 2003, St Pete PrideFest has continued to champion the LGBTQ+ community by increasing awareness of the human-rights issues its members face. Both public and private entities join together to create a more inclusive and accepting spirit in every aspect of the greater Tampa Bay area.

Divas on stage at St Pete PrideFest
One long party for all
A performer marches during the St Pete Pride Parade

Although you’ll be actively supporting the LGBTQ+ community by attending, the St Pete PrideFest is as much about entertainment and amusement as it is about activism. Children and adults of all ages, backgrounds and interests will feel part of the festivities, even if they’ve never engaged in any Pride celebrations before. Honestly, who would say no to finger foods and cocktails during sunset at the Sirata Beach Resort’s PrideFest Kickoff Reception? The PrideFest Stonewall Reception is another must-attend event, not only for the open bar, but for the opportunity to access the James Museum after hours.

The St Pete Pride Parade is a colourful affair

Whether you’ve visited Tampa before, or new to the area, St Pete PrideFest is a vibrant opportunity to embrace every color of the bright local community.

Don’t miss

No matter where you fall in the LGBTQ+ spectrum, the St. Pete-Clearwater area offers something for everyone. It goes without saying that the 2.5mi (4km) Clearwater Beach – the pearlescent pride of the west Florida coast – is worth a visit. Venture a little further north and Caladesi Island State Park will treat you to more white-sand beaches, as well as wildlife trails and mangrove kayaking that can easily jam-pack a weekend.

A stop at the Salvador Dalí Museum is another must for your itinerary. Art lovers will be distraught if they miss a glimpse at the Chihuly Collection, 1mi (1.5km) away, where you can marvel at the dazzling installations by Dale Chihuly, one of the pioneering artists of the studio glass movement.

Art lovers won’t want to miss the Salvador Dali Museum

Still lingering after Pride celebrations have ended for the day? Meander down to former Top Chef contestant Jeffrey Jew’s new restaurant, Lingr. An Asian and Nordic-inspired menu is set to debut at this upscale-casual eatery where everyone is welcome. If there’s more celebration left in your soul, boogie two blocks up to Enigma for dancing, drag shows and drinks among LGBT+ locals.

Keen to make a weekend of it? Browse our curated collection of hotels & experiences available over St Pete PrideFest – bookable here on Culture Trip.

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