October 20, 2025

Orlando Hosts Largest Come Out With Pride Parade

News Summary

Orlando’s Come Out With Pride Festival celebrated its 21st annual event with over 200,000 attendees, marking it as one of the largest Pride celebrations in the Southeastern U.S. The event included vibrant parades, live performances, and community unity, significantly contributing to the local economy. Festivities took place at Lake Eola Park, promoting both a celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride and a platform for advocacy in light of recent political concerns. The festival emphasized the strength and solidarity within the community.

Orlando Hosts Largest Come Out With Pride Parade, Drawing Over 200,000 Attendees

Orlando’s Come Out With Pride Festival reached a significant milestone this year, gathering more than 200,000 attendees for its 21st annual event. Recognized as one of the largest Pride celebrations in the Southeastern U.S., the festival not only celebrated the vitality and diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community but also contributed substantially to the local economy, generating an estimated $30 million in economic impact in 2024.

The festivities commenced at Lake Eola Park on Friday at noon, with activities scheduled throughout the weekend. Roads such as parts of Orange Avenue, Central Boulevard, Rosalind Avenue, and Robinson Street were closed for the parade and festival activities. One of the event’s highlights, “The Most Colorful Parade,” officially began at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and featured participants in vibrant costumes and displays, showcasing the community’s pride and unity. The event culminated with a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m., adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

The festival is particularly significant in light of recent local and national political issues that have sparked concerns for the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQIA+ community. Organizers of the event aim to both celebrate pride and serve as a platform to change hearts and minds, promoting authenticity for the community and their allies. Christine Hanavan, a community member, expressed the importance of unity within the LGBTQIA+ community, highlighting the need for collective strength during challenging times.

In addition to the parade, attendees were treated to a variety of entertainment options, including live performances on two stages, as well as a diverse array of vendors offering merchandise and services throughout the park. The atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and camaraderie, reflecting the spirit of pride that resonates within the community.

On a logistical note, police were on hand to manage traffic and ensure public safety throughout the event. Many participants were encouraged to utilize public transit or rideshare options due to limited parking availability and significant road closures in the area.

This year’s Come Out With Pride Parade took on additional significance following the repainting of the Pulse memorial crosswalk by the Florida Department of Transportation, a move that temporarily frustrated members of the community. The parade and festival represented a response to both local events and broader societal challenges, enabling the community to come together in solidarity in an environment where inclusivity is celebrated.

With over 200,000 attendees, the Come Out With Pride Festival demonstrates not only the love and support for the LGBTQIA+ community in Orlando but also serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and recognition. The sheer scale of the event underlines the importance of community and the collective voice of individuals standing together for their rights and freedoms.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER

ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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