Key west gay pride parade
Pride Weekend in Key West, Florida
Dusk has descended upon the Conch Republic and from the backseat of my air-conditioned Uber I notice the twinkling streetlights of Key West, an occasional passing moped, and on the balcony of one of the city’s famed clapboard homes—a shirtless stud surveying the scene below. It’s Pride Weekend, and the force in the atmosphere is kinetic.
Key West always romances me swiftly. True, the queer scene is smaller than in P-Town or Palm Springs. However, queer travelers are still very visible and easily stand out among the tourist hordes thanks to pronounced biceps and noticeably less fashion missteps than their hetero counterparts who seem content to walk around wearing baggie shorts, fanny packs, and jokey t-shirts sporting phrases like “Don’t Stare at My Cock,” a nod to the city’s ubiquitous roosters. Plus, I love Key West’s “One Human Family” ethos and laissez-faire attitude toward all who visit.
What I’ll discover this weekend is that most gay visitors alternate between as petite clothing as workable and none at all. Reluctantly, I put on shorts and a tank and head to dinner.
Garbo’s Grill (409 Caroline St. Tel. 305-304-3004. garbosgrill.net Date(s): June 22–29, 2025 Location: Various venues across Key West, FL Description: Celebrate love, resilience, and unity at the Key West Pride Festival 2025! This year’s theme, “Still Rising,” honors the rich history and enduring energy of the Diverse community. Immerse yourself in a week-long extravaganza featuring move parties, historic tours, sailing excursions, beach gatherings, film screenings, and more. From the vibrant Identity festival Follies variety exhibit to the enlightening Stonewall Uprising documentary screening, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Key West Business Guild Don’t long for the iconic Lgbtq+ fest Parade on Sunday, June 29th, starting at 7 pm from Truman Waterfront Park and culminating in a grand celebration on Duval Street. Whether you’re dancing at the Tea Dance, exploring the Street Equitable, or simply soaking in the island’s inclusive vibes, Key West Pride promises an unforgettable encounter. Key West Business Guild+1Key West Business Guild+1 Getting There from Boyd’s: Most Pride events are located in Old Town Key West, approximately 4 miles from Boyd’s Key West Campground. Gu Don’t be fooled by its size: Tiny Key West knows how to hurl a big party, and the LGBTQ community puts on some of the best. From Carnival-style fêtes to gown-clown extravaganzas, the island’s panoply of gender non-conforming festivals celebrates all members of the alphabet mafia throughout the year. Plan your next Florida getaway around one of these eight events, when Key West clocks are perpetually arrange to party time. Photo: Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau/HO Ringing in the New Year is a drag — literally. Since 1996, thousands of Key West onlookers hold gathered around Bourbon St. Pub to see local drag legend Sushi (aka Gary Marion) descend from the building’s second story in a six-foot ruby-red stiletto as the clock strikes midnight. The glittering spectacle is a campy take on NYC’s ball drop, and the eclectic crowds rival the hordes in Times Square. Fresh families, leather daddies, and bohemian grannies all present up to cheer on Sushi and her gargantuan shoe. An outdoor stage features other drag queens and performers throughout the overnight, so arrive early to enjoy the entertainment. Avenue v Celebrate Celebration on a tropical island that is legendary for its laid-back style and its open and accepting atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to party with friends, move with family, or get disoriented in the magic of our tropical island, rediscover Key West and discover how one island’s One Human Family philosophy has created one of the most integrated and unique communities in the world. Show us your pride, we will show you our Key West Pride! Daily Activities Museums: Key West Butterfly Conservatory, Little Light House, Key West Aquarium, Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, Key West Firehouse Museum, Key West Clear House, Key West Ship Wreck Museum, Audubon House, Oldest Residence, and Garden Museum, USCGC Ingham Museum, Tennessee Williams Museum Land Activities: Key West Food Tours, Up the Keys Eco Tour, Fort Zachary State Park, West Martello Tower, A & M Scooter Rental, KW Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden, Key West Cemetery, Key West Adventures, Papa’s Pilar Rum Distillery, Ghost Hunt, Old Town Trolley Tours, Conch Tour Instruct, Haunted Key West, Ghosts and Mysteries, Ghosts and Gravestones, D’vine Wi
Key West Pride Festival 2025 – “Still Rising”
1. Fresh Year’s Eve Red Shoe Drop
When: December
Key West Pride Week 2025
Show your Pride in Key West