The increasing success of the St. Pete Pride Street Festival is positive, but at the same time, its numbers sometimes overshadow the other events going on throughout the month of June.
An estimated 80,000 people are expected to take to Central Avenue on Saturday, June 25, for the festival. But many other special activities are planned throughout Pride Month, and some events have changed since the publication of the official St. Pete Pride Guide, which holds the full calendar.
Here is an updated rundown of updated St. Pete Pride events with the most accurate information available at press time:
Thursday, June 16
“In Anita's Wake”
6:30 p.m., King of Peace MCC
3150 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg
Florida was, until very recently, the only state that categorically prohibited gay people from adopting. Join St. Pete Pride, King of Peace and the ACLU of Florida as we present a free screening of In Anita's Wake: The Irrational War on Florida's Gay Families. The documentary is about Anita Bryant's anti-gay crusade and the ongoing impact of Florida's adoption ban, including Q&A with the film's director Vicki Nantz. For more information, please contact Joyce Hamilton Henry at JHamilton@aclufl.org or Nikki Fisher at NFisher@aclufl.org.
Friday, June 17
Pride Night at The Rays
7:10 p.m., Tropicana Field
One Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg
The Tampa Bay Rays take on the Florida Marlins, but not before Una Voce, The Florida Men's Chorale sings the National Anthem. Enjoy a special rate of $45 for Lower Box seats and a complimentary Rays Baseball Cap. A portion of the proceeds will benefit St. Pete Pride. Tickets are available online at StPetePride.com.
Tropical Wave
6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Plush Ultra Lounge 128 3rd St. South
The Tropical Wave silent auction, known as the “anti-black tie event of the year,” will benefit St. Pete Pride and the Trevor Project. The dress is Florida Formal, meaning flip-flops and Hawaiian shirts are encouraged! Tickets are available online for $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Auction items will range from fabulous vacations, artwork, collectibles and theatre tickets, just to name a few. The Trevor Project is a national 24-hour suicide hotline for LGBT youth.
Historic Kenwood Movie Night
8:45 p.m.-10:45 p.m., Seminole Park
2900 3rd Ave. N., St. Pete
Bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy an outdoor movie in Seminole Park with Historic Kenwood neighbors. This year's featured film, Billy Elliot, is the gritty coming-of-age drama about a young son of a poor English coal miner who dreams of being a ballet dancer.. Get there early to grab your favorite spot on the grass and get ready for a relaxing night out with friends. For more information visit HistoricKenwoodStPete.com.
Sunday, June 26
Pride Service & Brunch
10 a.m., King of Peace MCC
3150 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg
King of Peace will hold a special Pride service on the Sunday at following St. Pete Pride at 10 a.m. with Rev. Elder Troy Perry. Directly following the service at 11:30 a.m., join Perry for brunch in the community room. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at King of Peace. For more information visit KingOfPeaceMCC.com.
Jagermeister Main Stage On Central at 21st St.
There are a few changes this year with regards to entertainment at the annual St. Pete Pride Street Festival on Saturday, June 25.
True, there will be two stages pumping out music like in years past, but this year live entertainment will only appear on one stage”the Jagermeister Main Stage at 21st Street on Central Avenue. The other stage at 27th Street will feature local DJs pumping out dance music from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The entertainment on the Main Stage will be peppered with special guest speakers and entertainment and, as usual, times are subject to change depending on schedules, the weather and more.
For more on St. Pete Pride's entertainers, see page 49 of the official St. Pete Pride Guide.
St. Pete Pride Entertainment lineup, Saturday, June 25
Jagermeister Main Stage on Central Avenue at 21st Street
10:30 a.m. St. Petersburg City Councilman Jeff Danner will read the official Proclamation, declaring the Month of June St. Pete Pride Month.
10:15 a.m. Transgender FORGE executive director Michael Keeffe will speak to the crowd
11 a.m. Elysian Sex Drive, the Sarasota/St. Petersburg based rock band, will showcase its strong, self-penned material throughout its live show.
Noon: Headliner Sir Ari Gold of New York will perform. For more on him, see page 33.
12:45 p.m.: The winner of the 2011 Mister St. Pete Pride pageant will welcome attendees and perform his winning number.
1 p.m.: Lesbian trio Karmic Tattoo have a huge following throughout Tampa Bay and will play originals and covers of songs from the 1970s-2000s.
1:45 p.m.: The winner of the 2011 Miss St. Pete Pride pageant will showcase her winning number and speak briefly to the crowd.
2 p.m.: Stephanie Callahan and Deb Hunseder of Halcyon will undoubtedly bring legions of fans to the main stage when they close out the 9th Annual St. Pete Pride Street Festival.
