Key West Pride 2026 — “Color the Island,” which rocks the dock from Wednesday, June 3 through Sunday, June 7, celebrates “Identity through Color and Creativity.” Presented by the Key West Business Guild, “Color the Island” is a fitting tribute to Key West’s legendary “One Human Family” philosophy. Created by local artist J.T. Thompson, the motto may sound like a simple moniker, but our “One Human Family” ethos stands for so much more. It’s meant to unite people regardless of their race, nationality, sexuality, and other differences that Thompson believes “are superficial distinctions that cannot be allowed to be twisted into cultural divisions.”
It’s also a philosophy that our local community (gay, straight, trans, binary, etc.) proudly lives by daily; especially now, as more and more of our human rights are being usurped, and so many minorities are being marginalized. And that’s what Pride is all about, standing together and embracing our diversity.
This year’s all-inclusive Pride festival includes five robust days of signature events, from lively dance parties, sunset sails, pool parties, and themed bar crawls, to drag spectaculars, off-the-charts entertainment, and the return of the beloved Pride Street Fair.
Also on this year’s immersive roster, an electrifying performance by BERTHA -Grateful Drag. The revolutionary band is famous for fusing rock nostalgia with unapologetic queer artistry.
Here’s what else is happening:
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
5 – 8 pm The GOLD Party
Celebrate 50 Years of Fabulous at the world’s best gay resort. Think gold crowns, tiaras, body paint, sequins, and spandex—anything goes, as long as it’s gold. Clothing is optional, but gold is a must. Enjoy free appetizers served by golden pool boys, complimentary shots, giveaways, and 2-for-1 cocktails. A $20 donation benefits Womankind. All gay, bi, queer, trans, and allied brothers are welcome. Takes place at the Island House for Men.
5:30 pm KEY WEST PRIDE KICK-OFF PARTY
Come ready to color the island with pride during this festive Pride Kick-Off Party. The celebration features local DJ “Mr. Enjoy,” local vendors, delicious food, and unlimited drinks! All included with your entry! Takes place at The Key West Cooking Show, 291 Front St (inside The Shops of Mallory Square, up the escalator).
THURSDAY, JUNE 4
Noon – 4 pm Rainbow Runway: Poolside Glam-Off Party
DJ Rude Girl sets the vibe for a full throttle 21+ pool party that splashes down in Old Town. Arrive ready to showcase your style because at 3 pm, the “Best Poolside Look’” will be announced followed by a champagne spray finale you won’t forget. Free entry and glitter are optional! Takes place at the historic Lighthouse Hotel, 902 White St.
1 pm Fragrance as Freedom: A Scent Making Experience
This isn’t just a class; it’s a full sensory celebration! Step into a technicolor dream where Pride, perfume, and pure self-expression collide! Inspired by the glitter-soaked, free-spirited magic of “Bertha- The Grateful Drag Band”. This is your opportunity to create your own custom fragrance, layering notes like colors on a canvas. From bright florals, and deep, grounding woods, to sparkling citrus and mysterious musk. Your signature fragrance will be a wearable work of art, and an expression of your identity in full color. Space is limited, so reserve early! Takes place at Tijon, 335 Duval St.
4 pm Wine Tasting in the Garden
Celebrate love, diversity, and fine wine at an unforgettable Key West Pride Wine Tasting soiree, hosted at the enchanting Gardens Hotel. Nestled in the heart of Old Town, this lush, tropical oasis sets the perfect stage for an evening of community and vibrant Pride spirit, just before the Pride Tea on the Sea. This event is 21+ and free to attend. Takes place at the Gardens Hotel, 526 Angela St.
6 pm Key West Pride Annual Tea on the Sea
Don’t miss one of Key West Pride’s most iconic traditions — a floating Tea Dance that sails straight into the sunset! With DJ Mr. Enjoy spinning grooves, you’ll dance across the deck as the sky lights up in rainbow hues. Come thirsty, come hungry, and come ready to slay at sea. Tickets include unlimited beer, wine, champagne, Margaritas, and tasty appetizer. Check-in by 5:45 pm, for a 6 pm departure on Fury Watersports, Opal Key Marina, 241 Front St.
9 pm Key West Local Bartender Competition
Local mixologists compete for the crown in Pride’s ultimate bartender championship. The “Battle of the Bartenders” is welcome anyone 21+. Free entry. Takes place at Bourbon Street Pub, 724 Duval St.
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
11 am Key West Pride Brunch Sail & Swim
Indulge in a delicious light brunch, bottomless Mimosas, Bloody Marys, house- made Sangria and Cocktails, along with Miller Lite, and local craft brews. The sail kicks off with an hour-long sail along the historic Key West shoreline before anchoring for a festive afternoon of fun in the sun and playtime in the water! The afternoon wraps up with a refreshing drink and a sweet treat – a perfect end to the day! FYI: Come in your favorite color or representation of the rainbow to celebrate this year’s Pride theme, “Color the Island.” Who knows — you just might be crowned the 2026 winner of Argo’s Annual Pride Cossie Contest! This wet and wild fundraiser helps to support Gay Key West and Key West Pride Week! Takes place on the Argo Navis, Zero Duval St.
12 pm “RU WET” Annual Pool Party
Get down with a frolicking afternoon of poolside drag bingo with Ms. Bouvee, live musical performances, drink specials and a live DJ playing the latest hits! Takes place at Alexander’s Guest House, 1118 Fleming St.
4 pm Mojito Masterclass
Shake, “slap,” and sip your way through the art of crafting the perfect Mojito. This interactive class is a must-do for cocktail enthusiasts, curious beginners, and anyone looking to elevate their island experience. This 21+ event is limited to 25 people so reserve early! Takes place at Tropicado in La Concha Key West, 430 Duval St.
8 pm BERTHA – Grateful Drag
The world’s first Grateful Drag band, BERTHA is an all-star collective of queer and allied East Nashville talent coming together in wigs and full face for a good cause. Hosted by Beatrix Dixie, the band is fronted by a harmony trio of Berthas and backed by a rocking all-Bertha band. Find out why Rolling Stone Magazine said, “Nashville’s Bertha, gives The Dead an irreverent, joyful maker,” and Jam- Base said “BERTHA- Grateful Drag is far from a gimmick. These musicians are the real deal and have some of the best harmonies and vocals of any Grateful Dead tribute act.” Hosted by Beatrix Dixie. Doors open 7:00 pm at the Key West Theater, 512 Eaton St.
9 pm BERTHA- Grateful Drag After Party
Dust off those groovy threads, rock your boldest tie-dye, and come ready to dance! Good vibes, great jams, and a whole lotta love! The grooves continue until 2 am at the Tiki House, 203 Duval St. FYI: Your $5 donation at the door benefits Key West Pride.
8 pm Pride Ally Party
This vibrant celebration of love, community, and “allyship” tributes the LGBTQ+ community and the incredible allies who show up for them every day. DJ Mira keeps the energy going all night with an electric mix that’ll have everyone kicking up their heels. All 21+ welcome so come as you are and bring your friends! Takes place at 22&Co at the Aquaplex, 504Angela St.
10 pm Midnight Mass: A Heated Confession
Lose your inhibitions and look your fantasy right in the eyes! This infamous, wilder than wild party boasts swings, a communal altar, and a huge projector screen. Safe, sane, and smoking hot! All gay, bi, trans, queer + brothers welcome. Takes place at the Island House for Men, 1129 Fleming St.
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
8 am Way Gay 5K Key
Run it. Walk it. Strut it. This Pride 5K is less about pace and more about presence. Bring the glitter, bring the attitude, and bring your full, fabulous self — because around here, we don’t just run, we werk! This fabulous 5K starts and ends at 22&Co, 504 Angela St.
11:30 am Paint the Town Proud Pub Roll
Hop aboard the Old Town Trolley Tour for an exciting adventure outside Key West’s historic and vibrant “Gayborhood!” This unique event celebrates the island’s LGBTQ+ cultural heritage while you enjoy specially curated Pride-themed drinks at each stop. Be sure to dress in your favorite color of the rainbow to win best-dressed! Kicks off with delicious breakfast bites, a welcome drink and cash bar for Pre-Tour Cocktails. Tour leaves promptly at 1 pm from Bobby’s Monkey Bar, 900 Simonton St. FYI: This event is 21+ only.
12 – 5 pm Sausage Fest
The title says it all! Join the Boyz of Island House for a naked sausage fest like no other! Gourmet sausages from around the world, served by a harem of friendly Pool Boyz. Savor signature Stoli frozen drinks, & food specials! All gay, bi, queer, trans + brothers welcome. Takes place at The Island House for Men, 1129 Fleming St.
4 pm “Celebration of Identity Through Color & Creativity” Street Fair
Stroll through a lively open-air festival filled with vendors, live music and dance performances. Enjoy delicious food from diverse vendors, connect with community organizations, and discover safe spaces designed for conversation, inspiration, and celebration. Whether you come to dance, create, learn, or simply soak in the joyful atmosphere, this All-Welcome, family-friendly event invites everyone to show up exactly as they are. Bring your brightest outfits, your loudest cheers, and your truest self because when we celebrate identity through color and creativity, we paint a future rooted in pride, unity, and love. Takes place on the 700 & 800 blocks of Duval St.
10 pm All Welcome Purgatory Party
This adult-themed, fetish poolside party is where bad boys and bad girls play. Fetish attire is encouraged. This event 21+ has a cover charge at the door. Takes place at Bourbon Street Pub, 724 Duval St.
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
10 am Church Pride Service
Takes place at the MCC Church, 1215 Petronia St.
11 am Unity of the Keys Pride Service
Takes place Unity of the Keys, 1011 Virginia St.
11:30 am Key West Pride Drunken Drag Brunch
Takes place at Mangoes, 700 Duval St. SOLD OUT EVENT
12 pm Hot, Naked Sunday
After church, and before the Tea Dance, this Gay Key West tradition has been a Pride “must do” for over 20 years! All gay, bi, queer, trans + brothers welcome.
Takes place poolside at the Island House for Men, 1129 Fleming St.
7 pm Color the Island Pride Parade
Key West Pride 2026 culminates with the island’s most colorful Parade! Kicks off from the Quay at Truman Waterfront, continues down Whitehead St to Front St, then turns right onto Duval Street, and finishes at United St. After the parade, we will make our way to La Te Da for the “last dance.” The parade line-up begins at 5 pm. Participants interested in joining the parade MUST complete the application available at events@gaykeywestfl.com.
DAILY
Museums
Key West Butterfly Conservatory, Little White House, Key West Aquarium, Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, Key West Firehouse Museum, Key West Light House, Key West Ship Wreck Museum, Audubon House, Oldest House and Garden Museum, USCGC Ingham Museum, Tennessee Williams Museum, Hellings Curry Museum/ Home of the Key West Woman’s Club, Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum.
Land Activities
Key West Food Tours, iWitness True Crime Tours, Fort Zachary State Park, West Martello Tower, KW Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden, Key West Cemetery, Key West Adventures, Papa’s Pilar Rum Distillery, Ghost Hunt, Old Town Trolley Tours, Conch Tour Train, Haunted Key West, Ghosts and Mysteries, Ghosts and Gravestones, D’vine Wine Gallery, Key West Fine Wine, Key West Wildlife Center, Tart Tales.
Water Activities
Argo Navis, Blu Q, Classic Harbor Lines, Cruisin’ Tikis, Danger Charters, Fish N Chicks, Fury, Island Vibe Charters, Island Vibe Charters, Java Cat, Jolly Rover II, Key West Eco Tours, Key West Sailing Center, Key West Snorkeling, Hindu Charters, Land Boat Charters, Namaste All Day Key West, Schooner America, Sunset Sail Key West, Sunset Watersports, SV Argo Navis, Yankee Freedom III
For more details, tickets and a full event schedule, hit up gaykeywestfl.com.
Have fun and be safe!
