Downtown Gulfport is exploding in color and merriment this Saturday, June 3, as the city hosts its 3rd annual Pride Month event, shutting down the street for an all-day celebration. Benefitting the Gulfport Public Library’s award-winning LGBTQ Resource Center, festivities for Gulfport pride begin at 10 am, and run until 8 pm, though the party will go through the night at the area’s restaurants, shops and bars.

The event is a celebration appropriate for the quirky, colorful and laid-back personality that makes Gulfport so beloved. On the streets, Beach Boulevard will be packed with a market full of more than 130+ vendors curated by LocalShops1 and SIK Productions. The road will be packed full of area artists, makers, food trucks, pride gear, and more, plus live music and LGBTQ+ resources that serve the community. Two different stages will bring performances to the party all day and night

A highlight of Gulfport Pride is the ArtOut exhibit, “Emergence,” and don’t miss out on Saturday afternoon’s performance from the always-entertaining Gulfport Gecko Amalgamated Marching Band. Made up of current and former band members, the talented group follows a long track record of traditional band experience, but their knack for inventiveness and their commitment to respecting tradition while also staying funky and fresh is quite impressive.

Parking and admission to Gulfport Pride are free. There will also be a 21+ drag show hosted by Brianna Summers at 1 pm at Neptune Bar & Grill.

Additional activities and fundraisers sponsored by Gulfport’s all-inclusive local businesses include live music, fun-raisers, a local business décor contest and more. The event is also a fundraiser for Gulfport Library’s LGBTQ Resource Center, which is committed to promoting awareness of the diversity of experiences, contributions and needs of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer.

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