Project Pride announces Pride Month events

As local organization Project Pride SRQ settles into its cheerful new headquarters in the Rosemary District, it is now kicking things into high gear with two major special events to mark Pride Month in June. On June 1, it will present the Grand Carnival In Bloom; on June 8, it will be a partner in offering Silver Pride Sarasota.

Event organizers are looking forward to launching Pride Month in grand style with the Grand Carnival In Bloom, an enchanting evening filled with flowers, a DJ spinning today's hits, cool country performances (artists to be named soon), and delightful surprises. Dive Bar Wine & Spirits will be on-site to craft specialty cocktails that will elevate the experience, and some of Sarasota's finest restaurants will tantalize guests’ taste buds with lite bites and desserts.

The Grand Carnival takes place on Saturday, June 1, 8-11 p.m. at the Sailor Circus Arena (2075 Bahia Vista St., Sarasota). Tickets, which include open bar, food and entertainment, are $125/VIP (enables early entry at 7 p.m.), $85/general admission; door price is $150, subject to availability. Major sponsors include CAN Community Health, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, McCarver & Moser, and SRQ Beats. Proceeds from the event will support Project Pride’s programs and events.

On June 8, Project Pride, Senior Friendship Centers and Golden Girls Solutions present Silver Pride Sarasota, celebrating LGBTQ+ ages 50 and better. This free event celebrates our senior members of the LGBTQ+ community; the afternoon program will feature live music, vendors, food trucks, and more from community partners.

Takes place on Saturday, June 8, 12-5 p.m. at Senior Friendship Center (1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota). Valet and individual parking will be available on-site. Booth space is available to interested businesses and organizations; deadline to sign up is May 15, 2024. Sponsors of $500-$1,500 are also welcome.

“Pride Month offers the opportunity not only to celebrate love, diversity and equality – which we do all year-round – but also to welcome the wider community to join us,” said Project Pride President Jason Champion. “The goal of Project Pride isn’t just to foster a stronger and more cohesive LGBTQ+ community – it is to create a more inclusive and welcoming community for all who live, work and visit here. We invite everyone to come and celebrate Pride Month with us!”

For more about Project Pride and its Pride Month events, visit www.ppsrq.org.

About Project Pride SRQ
Project Pride SRQ is a Sarasota-based nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community by creating strategic partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and governments towards a shared goal. From providing youth scholarships to organizing local gatherings, Project Pride has brought together LGBTQ+ and allied partners since 2019 to build capacity, support, and a vision for an all-inclusive community where everyone is equally united, supported, and celebrated in Sarasota and beyond. For more information, visit www.ppsrq.org.