Ybor City is called the “Gaybor District,” and that well-deserved nickname has a lot to do with the legacy of Tampa Pride. While LGBTQ+ folks have existed since the beginning of time (sorry, snowflakes) Tampa didn’t start hosting an organized pride celebration until 1982—and it was more like a barbecue. Like previous years, 2023’s iteration features a slew of drag performances, a parade through the heart of Ybor City, scantily-clad hotties and of course, booze. Here are over a dozen Pride-themed events happening in Tampa Bay this week.
Arts Legacy Remix- Global Pride: A Unified Community The Straz Center welcomes folks to celebrate their authentic selves at its outdoor Riverwalk Stage (weather permitting.) This year, The Straz commemorates the Stonewall Riots of the late-1960s, while highlighting local artists that “embody the global impact of the LGBTQIA+ community.” Friday, March 24. 7:30 pm. Free. Riverwalk Stage at David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts, 1010 N WC MacInnes Pl., Tampa. strazcenter.org
Silent Disco Pride Celebration Craft cocktails, drag performances, silent disco and live entertainment help Water Street Tampa ring 2023’s Pride season in. A portion of proceeds from this somewhat quiet party will be donated to Metro Inclusive Health. Friday, March 24. 8 p.m. $12. Raybon Plaza at Water Street Tampa, 536 Channelside Dr., Tampa. bigtickets.com
Tampa Pride Brunch & Bar Crawl This parade pre-game features a buffet-style brunch, unlimited mimosas,a best outfit contest, and a “welcoming shot” at up to five participating bars throughout Ybor City. The same event company hosts a similar Pride-themed crawl at downtown Tampa’s District Tavern, which also includes a drag performance. Saturday, March 25. 10 a.m. $25-$60. Showbar Ybor, 1613 E 7th Ave, Ybor City. eventbrite.com
Pride Parade Patio Party This free-to-attend event is a good pregame for the parade or just a chill alternative for the local wine-lover. From 2 p.m.-4 p.m., Ybor City Wine Bar offers bottomless mimosas and select wines for as low as $35 a bottle. Saturday, March 25. 2 p.m. Free. Ybor City Wine Bar, 1600 E 7th Ave., Ybor City. yborcitywinebar.com
Tampa Pride 2023 Street Festival This massive block party and headquarters of Tampa Pride feature an arts and crafts show, community health fair and entrepreneur’s area. Festivities will kick off at Cuban Club’s outdoor mainstage, but vendors will populate two main locations: E 9th Avenue and The HCC parking lot, located at 2112 N 15th St. The festival’s food truck alley, located between Cuban Club and HCC, will sling tasty eats from 11 a.m.-11p.m., too. Saturday, March 25. 10:45 a.m. Free. The Cuban Club, 2010 N Avenida Republica de Cuba. tampapride.org
Tampa Pride Diversity Parade The 2023 parade follows its expected route, which travels east from the corner of Nuccio Parkway towards E 7th Avenue. A multitude of LGBTQ+ organizations, nonprofits and communities from every corner of Tampa Bay will be participating in this year’s parade, throwing beads, rockin’ rainbows and spreading queer joy. Saturday, March 25. 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Multiple locations throughout Ybor City. tampapride.org
Pride @ Night Hosted by Tampa-based queen Brianna Summers, this official after-party features a multitude of drag performances, a laser light show, and flowing drinks all night-long. Queen of raunchy rap CupcakKe, known for singles like “Deepthroat” and “Lgbt,” headlines this massive, 18-and-up Pride gig. Saturday, March 25. 6 p.m. Free. Cuban Club, 2010 N Avenida Republica De Cuba, Ybor City. tampapride.org
Big Storm Pride Parade Party Big Storm’s newest taproom provides great parade views, flowing beers and liquor, and a quick respite from the 7th Avenue craziness. Saturday, March 25. 11 a.m. Free. Big Storm Brewery, 1600 E 7th Ave., Ybor City. bigstormbrewery.com
GirlPride Tampa 2023 Nashville-based singer Sarah Peacock and her all-female ensemble headline the 6th annual GirlPride gig. Other Tampa-based musicians like Shevonne, Stephanie Callahan, and many more take the Crowbar stage, too. Saturday, March 25. 1 p.m. Crowbar, 1812 N 17th St., Ybor City. eventbrite.com
Tampa Pride 2023 Drag Brunch This Bacardi-sponsored brunch is a great way to pregame the parade and other festivities. It’s chock full of drag performances, traditional breakfast eats and daytime drinking. Saturday, March 25. Noon. $50. Big Easy Bar, 1704 E 7th Ave., Ybor City. thebigeasybar.com
‘Love is Love’ Tampa Pride Day Party This Ybor City club offers one of the best views for parade watching, in addition to a slew of stiff drink specials. But starting at 9 p.m., PTL will start hostings its “Eden” event, a lesbian-focused party that describes itself as “Tampa Pride’s only official women’s party!” Saturday, March 25. 2 p.m. $25-$100. PTL, 1507 East 7th Ave., Ybor City. eventbrite.com
Bedroom Blqqm: Tampa Pride After Party Folks are encouraged to wear their best lingerie and/or pajamas to this late night event, hosted by actress and model Jerrie Johnson, known from the popular TV show “Harlem.” In addition to this afterparty, 7th + Grove will also offer drink specials all day-long. Saturday, March 25. 7th + Grove. 10:30 p.m. General admission free, VIP $25. 1930 East 7th Ave., Ybor City. eventbrite.com
Queer Expressions’ Futurity Pop-up Although this laid back pop-up is happening on the other side of the bridge, it’s still a great way to support queer and BIPOC artists, vendors and small business owners. Local organization Queer Expressions hosts this event each month to create an accessible space for Tampa Bay’s BIPOC creatives,never charging a fee to vend. Saturday, March 25. 6 p.m. $5 suggested donation. Black Crow Coffee, 722 2nd St., N St. Petersburg. eventbrite.com
Orange Party Pride Edition Music by Charlie B and Eric Armiliato help keep this casual, pool-side party bumpin’. Enjoy ogling at scantily-clad beefcakes and sipping on cocktail specials. Light bites are included in this event’s ticket price. Sunday, March 26. 2 p.m. $50. Hula Bay Club, 5210 West Tyson Ave., Tampa. eventbrite.ca
SINful Sundays Although this isn’t necessarily a Tampa Pride-focused event, it’s still a great weekly showcase of some of the best (and creepiest) talent in Tampa Bay, happening in an always inclusive environment. Expect performances from drag kings and queens alongside other burlesque and cabaret-style numbers. Haunted cabaret group The Graveyard returns to SpookEasy and promises a “bizarre, sexy, and hilarious” night of fun. Sunday, March 26. 9 p.m. $10. SpookEasy Lounge, 1909 N 15th St., Ybor City. spookeasylounge.com
