Music, colors, dance, joy and entertainment were the themes of Naples PrideFest 2026 at Cambier Park in Naples.
Usually held in June during Pride Month, the April date during cooler weather and the end of tourist and snowbird season, brought out fewer people this year, perhaps because of all the competing events, including the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships being held at East Naples Community Park.
For the second year, the accompanying drag shows were held inside at the Norris Center, just behind Cambier Park – an order from the City of Naples. Yellow police tape marked playgrounds and athletic courts off limits during the eighth annual event.
The main stage outside in the park teamed with entertainment – singing and dancing from local children and adults as a bubble machine churned to create a moving backdrop. Food trucks, jewelry, drink, art and clothing vendors served as the event’s perimeter.
Naples Pride is a nonprofit organization founded in 2017.
Smaller crowds but cooler weather in April
“This year, when you looked around and truly took in the scene Naples PrideFest, you saw three generations gathered together sharing empanadas; parents sharing a moment together while their children played in the Kid’s Zone beneath the shade; young and old attendees dancing through bubbles; our first Miss Naples Pride Princess; and the shining, celebrated diversity of our SWFL community- families in all shapes and forms,” said Callhan Soldavini, an attorney and board member for Naples Pride, after the event.
“The entire day felt sweet, joyful, and unmistakably family friendly, a true reflection of a community rising again and again with grace, joy and love,” Callhan said.
Callhan, who said the date was changed to April from June for the weather, estimated there were 2,500 people in attendance this year, down from last year’s 4,400.
Naples Pride and the City of Naples continue litigation having to do with the constitutionality of public drag shows and the cost of permits and security required by the city for the event.
Vincent McCana said he likes the new April date.
“I think it’s a good idea,” said McCana, a New Jersey resident who has a home in Naples with partner Reggie Little. “We try to come every year. They do a very nice job.”
The couple stood, arms around each other’s waists, watching a performance on the main stage.
A benefit of having the Pride event in April could lead to more people attending since it’s still tourist and snowbird season in Florida, McCana said. He said he has been surprised at the lack of events and participation in Pride by the Naples community.
“I don’t see that much community involvement” other than PrideFest, he said.
“I thought people would be watching from their balconies,” Little said, looking at the empty second- and third-story condos nearby that look into Cambier Park. “If I could get a free show on my balcony, I’m going to sit on my balcony and watch.”
Drag shows entertain inside at Norris Center
Inside the Norris Center, drag queens flitted and fluttered on stage and among the audience while lip syncing to popular dance tunes.
Colorful, stylish and sparkling outfits, worn by Alexia Cicconi, Lisa Renee, Kylie Summers and Trixie Towers, among others, shown the light and of the stage and twirled along with the feathers and colors of other entertainers.
At the first show of the day at 11:30 a.m. the audience of about 30 cheered, danced and handed dollar bills to the ladies, and the one man – Robin Lee Cradle, who is Mr. Cape Coral Pride 2026.
Back outside, Marco Island residents Linda Scherzinger, Caroline Reich and Marie McDonough came out to support the LGBTQ community.
“The way the world is right now, it feels more important than ever to stand on the right side,” Reich said.
McDonough said she has a transgender grandchild “who feels like their existence is being erased out of existence.”
One protester – Andrew Sheets from Charlotte County − stood on a stool holding a sign he made to convey his feelings. Sheets spoke to everyone who walked into the festival.
“Stop teaching kids to cut off their penis,” he said. He also was carrying weapons, which he pointed the Naples Daily News – a handgun and a semi-automatic weapon. He wore a body cam, and said he was protecting himself.
When asked if he truly felt threatened by those attending at PrideFest, Sheets said, yes, absolutely. He told many that he had them on video.
J. Kyle Foster is a senior growth & development reporter for The News-Press & Naples Daily News. Reach her by emailing jfoster1@usatodayco.com.
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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples PrideFest draws about 2,500 at its new, cooler April date
Reporting by J. Kyle Foster, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
