June 1 marks the first day of Pride Month ― a month designated to celebrate the LGBTQ community.
Our city celebrates Pride Month every year with the annual Pride Fest, planned and hosted by LGBTQ organization Naples Pride.
Pride Fest is back this year despite all the challenges it faced last year.
Here's what you need to know about this year's celebration and what spiked controversy last year.
What is Naples Pride Fest?
Naples Pride Fest is an annual celebration that takes place in Cambier Park in downtown Naples.
In the past, the event has featured community vendors, food trucks, entertainment, and drag queens. It's an event designed to help the LGBTQ community and allies celebrate and connect.
You'll see a ton of colorful pride flags and fun outfits from festival-goers. It's an excuse to go all-out!
Why was Pride Fest almost canceled last year?
Last year, protesters showed up to Naples City Hall to voice their concerns about drag queens performing in Cambier Park, which has a playground. They argued that their children shouldn't have to see drag queens at the park.
A few suggested that City Council move the event to a different location so they wouldn't have to worry about figuring out what day they shouldn't take their kids to the park.
Protesters said the drag queens at Pride Fest 2022 were wearing revealing outfits that were inappropriate for children. But Naples Pride board members were adamant that all performers were dressed appropriately.
The Naples Police Department did not find any evidence that the performers were dressed provacatively.
In order to protect the festival and keep it at Cambier Park, Naples Pride organizers decided to hold the drag shows indoors.
When is Pride Fest this year?
Naples Pride Fest is set for June 8, 2024, at Cambier Park, which is located in downtown Naples at 755 8th Ave. S.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is family-friendly.
Will there be drag shows at Naples Pride Fest this year?
There will be drag shows at this year's Pride Fest. Like last year, they will take place indoors and be only for VIP ticket-holders who are 18 and older.
The VIP shows run from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. with four different showtimes available.
The shows will take place at the Naples Women's Club at 570 Park Street.
This year, there will also be a Naples Pride after-party taking place at The Bayshore Warehouse at 3270 Bayshore Drive. It starts at 4 p.m. and doesn't have a set end-time.
You must be 18 years old or older to attend the after-party.
Where can I get tickets for Naples Pride?
Tickets for Pride Fest are on sale now online, but you can also get them at the door.
General admission is $10, but kids 12 and under are free.
VIP tickets are also on sale online with three different ticket tiers:
- VVIP: Reserved table for eight, bottle service, and Pride Fest entry for $400
- VIP sitting: Row seating, one drink, and Pride Fest entry for $45
- VIP standing: Standing room only, one drink, and Pride Fest entry for $35
What does Naples Pride do?
Naples Pride is a volunteer-based grassroots nonprofit organization that began in 2017. It began as a way to raise money for an LGBTQ emergency fund and has transformed into a community center.
The Center was opened to become a safe, supportive space for the LGBTQ community to get together and create change.
Naples Pride has hosted educational sessions at the Center to encourage locals to learn about LGBTQ history and issues.
Is Naples LGBTQ-friendly?
While Naples isn't a huge LGBTQ hub, there's definitely been a shift toward inclusivity with the establishment of Naples Pride.
Pride Fest is always a hit in Naples and Cambier Park is always busy during the event. The event brings in a ton of LGBTQ locals and allies looking to connect and celebrate.
LGBTQ locals have started their own businesses in Naples, truly making the city a place to call home.
Every city will have its fair share of protesters, but Naples Pride works hard to ensure Naples remains a safe place for the LGBTQ community to shine.
Is it safe to attend Pride Month events?
Federal authorities have issued a public service warning that foreign terrorist groups could potentially target LGBTQ events during Pride Month.
The statement from the FBI and Homeland Security didn't mention any specific threats or say any specific event may be targeted.
U.S. officials noted certain foreign groups have previously promoted anti-LGBTQ ideals and targeted LGBTQ events for attacks.
“We continue to work with our partners to evaluate the threat environment, provide updates to the American public, and protect our homeland," a DHS official told USA TODAY, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to be quoted by name. "We urge the public to stay vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activity to their local law enforcement.”
If you suspect a threat to an area or specific event, please notify local law enforcement immediately. You can call 911 in the case of emergency, or dial the Naples Police nonemergency line at (239) 213-4844.
Naples Pride Fest always has law enforcement present in case of a threat or attack. If you notice suspicious behavior, alert a police officer or security guard.
