Cape Coral's Pride Festival draws thousands, celebrates LGBTQ unity

CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Cape Coral came alive with vibrant colors and festivities during the city’s annual Pride Festival on Saturday.

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

Thousands gathered to show support for the LGBTQ community with a day full of music and performances.

Rainbow flags waved proudly as attendees enjoyed a parade, live performances, and local vendors. The atmosphere was one of love and unity, creating a safe space where people could express themselves freely.

Erin Atwood, the festival's president, emphasized the importance of continuing such events despite challenges faced by similar celebrations elsewhere.

"In general, prides are diminishing, it seems, and it's sad," said Atwood. "We made it very clear in the very beginning, when things started talking where prides were being canceled or paused, that we were not going to do that. Regardless, we would have an event that showed equality, love and encompassing everyone, and that's what we've done here today."

The festival offered a variety of entertainment, from mariachi music to a high-energy performance by Crystal Waters. The celebration was not just about entertainment but also about community and acceptance.

"When you come to a drag show, you don't think about anything," said Kylie Summerz, a drag queen performer. "You don't think about your financials, you don't think about your problems at home, you don't think about anything. You're just there for five minutes of a song and a performance."

The festival also highlighted the sense of community and pride among attendees.

"We just come to celebrate our pride of being gay," said one festival-goer. "We are good people and just give love to everybody."

Local businesses and allies also showed their support. Desire Brown from the European Wax Center expressed the importance of inclusion.

"Everyone matters, and then we also are the experts in wax and confidence," said Brown. "So we want to bring confidence to the pride fest."