Come Out With Pride Orlando is Bigger and Better Than Ever

Now in its 18th year, Come Out With Pride Orlando is set to return to beautiful Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando on Oct. 15, 2022 — and you are invited to enjoy the fun. One of the largest Pride festivals in the Southeastern U.S., this year’s edition will feature entertainment for the whole family, as well as food, vendors and its signature event, The Most Colorful Parade, presented by Winn-Dixie, plus much more. The festival is free to attend, with optional upgrades and VIP experiences also available.

This year’s theme is “A Place for Us” — reflecting the LGBTQIA+ community’s united stance against the current challenging climate. Come Out With Pride Orlando 2022 is also aligning with National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11, 2022) and National Gay and Lesbian History Month throughout October. Most importantly, it’s a fun event for everyone to enjoy, regardless of age, gender identity, gender expression, race, ability or sexual orientation. You won’t want to miss a second of it!

“Expect a day to come out and be you authentically, filled with joy and an abundance of love and fun,” said Come Out With Pride Festival and Parade Director Khalil J Makdah. “This is a place for us!”

New Features & Returning Favorites

Each year, Come Out With Pride Orlando strives to add new things to keep the festival exciting and fun, and 2022 is no exception. Organizers are particularly excited about the event’s new Hyper-Local area presented by Orlando Downtown Development Board — a new addition with a third stage to showcase Orlando’s vast, diverse and exciting talent. That local focus will extend to food and beverage options, too, including a brand-new hard seltzer with sales benefiting Come Out With Pride.

The area will also include a third VIP experience and a new, VIP parade-viewing vantage point with bleachers. As if that wasn’t enough, the Chill Out Zone presented by Funky Buddha will make its debut. This ticketed area will include plenty of shade, cool seating, dedicated bars and bathrooms, and cool-off stations.

The Most Colorful Parade leads the list of returning favorites, which will also include:

-Hyper-Local Showcase: Presented by Marriott Vacations Worldwide, over 200 vendors take over Robinson Street from end to end, showing their support for our community while showcasing their products and services. 

-Three Food Courts With 40+ Vendors: Enjoy everything Central Florida’s diverse culinary scene has to offer. From food trucks, to local restaurant stalls and all your favorite festival foods.

-Local Bars & Bartenders: Familiar faces from everyone’s favorite local bars will have their mixology skills on display.

-VIP Lounges: Three ticketed VIP experiences throughout Lake Eola Park, presented by Tito’s Vodka, Truist and PNC, with elevated bars and food.

• Zones for Everyone
  • Rainbow Ranch Family Zone: Central Florida Community Arts will activate this area with arts and crafts, performances, and a reading by author Rob Sanders.
  • Youth Pride Zone: Stay tuned for details about this new feature, presented by NBC Sports.
  • Sober Pride: Presented by Pineapple Healthcare, this area will have a mocktail bar, a photo booth van and some surprise experiences.

Sponsorship & Vendor Opportunities

More than 200,000 attendees are expected to attend Come Out With Pride Orlando 2022. As a result, there are plenty of opportunities for businesses and organizations to get involved, from the Marketplace to food vendors to The Most Colorful Parade and more. If you’d like to participate head over to their partners registration page today and grab your spot now.

This year, all Marketplace vendors will be provided with a tent along with one table and two chairs. Prices go up in mid-September.

Parade & Volunteer Opportunities

You can be a part of over 150 LGBTQIA+ supportive businesses and organizations marching down the streets of downtown Orlando in front of tens of thousands of spectators. Whether you walk or dance from the top of a decked-out float, there’s no reason to miss the Most Colorful event of the day!

For volunteer opportunities, visit https://comeoutwithpride.org/get-involved/day-of-event-positions/.

About Come Out With Pride

Come Out With Pride, Inc. is a 501(c)(3), all-volunteer, nonprofit organization inspired to make an impact in Orlando’s LGBTQ+ community, including financial support through grants and scholarship programs. Celebrated in October, Come Out With Pride Orlando welcomes everyone from Central Florida and beyond to come together and #KeepDancingOrlando.