The 2026 Cape Coral Pride Festival and Parade is happening Saturday with a new parade route and enhanced security measures, including ticketed entry and metal detectors.
Cape Coral Pride Board Secretary Melissa Moore said, "I think it's going to be really nice because our event has always been completely open. And, now it's going to be enclosed. It is ticketed, which we haven't done in the past, but that also helps us pay for the security that an event like this really needs."
Organizers have moved the event to a new location partly due to increased security costs. The parade will now proceed onto Lafayette Street, while the festival and performance stage will be set up in the big lots behind Nice Guys Pizza near Cape Coral Parkway.
The entire festival space will be enclosed with metal detectors and ticketed entry, and the parade is smaller in size this year.
Anthony Sizemore, the chief of the Cape Coral Police Department, told Gulf Coast News that a smaller event is easier to secure.
The festivities began at noon, with the parade stepping off at four. Gulf Coast News anchor Jen Stacy will serve as the grand marshal for the event.
Organizers say guests can expect plenty of food trucks, local vendors, games and activities, along with both indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy the celebration.
For more information about the event, check the website at PRIDE Cape Coral.
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