5-minute read
Polk Pride, the Lakeland Youth Alliance, and PFLAG of Polk County are gearing up to celebrate Polk Pride 2026 from June 12 – 20.
Events begin with a Pulse Remembrance Ceremony on Friday, June 12.
Festivities start at Union Hall on Saturday, June 13, and continue throughout the week with events for youth, an interfaith worship service, an outdoor pride festival, and evening gatherings designed for LGBTQ+ community members, their families, friends, and allies.
The theme for the 11th annual event, “Proud Through the Storm,” was chosen to recognize what organizers describe as a season of renewed challenges for the LGBTQ+ community, while affirming its resilience in Lakeland and Polk County.
“In times like these it’s vital to be out, proud, and visible as a reminder to all that we are here, we are resilient, and we are not going anywhere. Our 2026 theme, ‘Proud through the Storm,’ acknowledges the challenges we face, but declares the power of standing up for one another,” said Scott Guira, president of Polk Pride.
Challenges to Pride
The annual Tampa Pride Festival and parade has been canceled this year due to funding challenges and sponsorship issues, according to their website. Orlando’s premiere Pride event GayDays Orlando faced similar challenges, though they were able to pull together the funding in time for their 35th annual event June 4-7.
Guira said that Polk Pride has been able to avoid most funding and sponsorship issues.
“Because we rely on local community sponsors, we haven’t had to face those struggles. The local businesses and sponsors [in Lakeland] that have supported us year after year have continued to return,” Guira said.
As they have in the past, Polk Pride requested Pride proclamations from municipalities and government entities throughout Polk County. According to organizers, requests were approved by Haines City and Davenport but not by the city of Lakeland.
Larry Little, director of communications for the city of Lakeland, responded to questions about the lack of a city proclamation in a statement emailed on June 11:
“The City of Lakeland is fully committed to being a welcoming community that supports and values everyone.”
“To establish a consistent approach, the City is currently reviewing the evolving proclamation process to ensure future alignment and compliance with state legislation HB 1001/SB1134, scheduled to take effect in January 2027.”
“Mayor Sara Roberts McCarley recently spoke by phone with Polk Pride leadership to reaffirm the City’s support for Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community which remains unchanged. The City of Lakeland will continue to champion efforts to build a city where everyone is celebrated and belongs.”
Community Building
Even without a proclamation, organizers say the focus of Polk Pride’s weeklong celebration is to bring together members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies, families and supporters through a variety of social and community-centered events for all age groups.
“I look forward to seeing everyone gather in celebration at the 11th annual Polk Pride events, including our largest event, Polk Pride in the Park — the must-do event for the entire family,” said Guira. “Polk Pride welcomes the entire community to join in celebrating the progress won for LGBTQ+ people and committing to continue the work needed to achieve equality for all.”
As the event has grown and attendance has increased, organizers say safety remains a priority.
“Every year we hire off-duty Lakeland police officers to be part of the security force to make sure it’s a safe event for everybody,” Guira said. “We have continued that this year.”
Here’s a look at the events planned for Polk Pride 2026:
Pulse Remembrance Ceremony
A time of remembrance and acknowledgement of the 10-year anniversary of the Pulse Orlando tragedy. Polk Pride invites the community to come together to honor the 49 lives lost, support the survivors, and recognize the lasting impact Pulse has had on the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
When: Friday, June 12 at 6:45 p.m.
Where: Beacon Hill Fellowship
Pride Kick-Off Party, 21+ — “Drag & drinks with fierce drag events”
The annual celebration begins with the Pride Kick-Off Party, marking the start of a week of Pride events throughout Lakeland.
When: Saturday, June 13; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Union Hall, 1023 S. Florida Ave.
This event is sold out. Tickets are not available at the door.
Pride for Youth — Lakeland Youth Alliance Pride Party
When: June 17, 6:30 p.m to 9:00 p.m.
Where: United Women’s Club, 1515 Williamsburg Square
Free admission
Pride in Faith — An interfaith celebration of Pride
When: June 18, 7 p.m.
Where: Beacon Hill Fellowship, 220 West Beacon Road
Free admission
Friday Night Pride — “Game, Music, & Good Vibes”
When: June 19, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Rec Room Lkld, 202 N. Massachusetts Ave.
Free admission
Pride in the Park — Pride celebration for the whole family
When: June 20, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Munn Park, Downtown Lakeland
Free admission
Pride After Dark, 21+ — Polk Pride 2026 After Party
This event will feature live drag from Kathryn Nevets, Allegra Williams, Ja’Staria, Esme Russell, and more. DJ Kelly Lynn will make an appearance and there will be a full bar.
When: June 20, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Where: Eala’s Speakeasy at Fresco’s – 132 S. Kentucky Ave.
This event requires advance tickets ($25).
Additional information about Polk Pride 2026 is available through Polk Pride’s website and social media channels.
latest news
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.