Pride Cape Coral changes location for 2026 parade due to cost and security

CAPE CORAL, Fla. - Pride Cape Coral, a cherished celebration of love and acceptance, is changing locations for its 2026 parade and festival.

The event, traditionally held on SE 47th Terrace, will now take place on Lafayette Street in Cape Coral.

Security and finances are the primary reasons for the change, according to Pride Cape Coral organizers. They aim to ensure the event is as secure and safe as possible.

This year's festival will be a gated, ticketed event with metal detectors. The entry point will be behind Nice Guys Pizza. However, the parade will remain free and open to the public at its new location.

"Pride is nothing short of amazing," said Melissa Moore, a board member for Pride Cape Coral. "It just gives you all the warm, fuzzy feelings. It's nothing but positivity and love and acceptance."

Moore explained that the decision to move the event was financially driven, emphasizing the importance of security at large-scale events.

"It really all comes down to finances," said Moore. "Security is number one."

In previous years, a grant helped offset costs, but they did not receive it this year, impacting their plans.

Moore praised the City of Cape Coral for enhancing security efforts for events in the area, highlighting the importance of safety.

"The City of Cape Coral has increased their efforts to keeping any event in this area secured, which is really great," said Moore. "Safety is number one in any large event."

Despite the location change, the festival's core mission of celebrating love and acceptance remains unchanged.

"We're super excited. Obviously, change is scary, but we're excited, and we think that it's going to make the event all the more better," said Moore.

Pride Cape Coral's festival is scheduled for March 7, running from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the parade kicking off at 4 p.m.