Pasco Pride 2025: Back in Downtown New Port Richey

Downtown New Port Richey, Pasco Pride 2025

There’s a new way to celebrate Pride in Pasco County, and it feels like a homecoming. On Saturday, September 27, 2025, Pasco Pride returned to downtown New Port Richey with a refreshed concept I feel centered on safety, comfort, and community. And before I go any further - let me proudly note that Tampa Bay Gay is an official sponsor of Pasco Pride 2025.

Protestors? Not This Time
One of the first things people talked about was, what wasn’t there: protestors inside the event spaces. Previous years, the festival grounds had disruptive protestors causing chaos.

Yes, they showed up this year with megaphones and signs, but because this year’s Pride was hosted at private businesses, they had no standing. If asked to leave, refusing could mean trespassing charges. The result? Protestors moved along likely to Clearwater or Ybor, and Pride carried on in peace.

 
Richey Suncoast Theater

Powered by Community
Pasco Pride is run entirely by volunteers, and this year they leaned on local businesses proving it can be done without big-name corporate sponsors. From what I could tell, there wasn’t a major national sponsor - just local sponsors and a downtown business community coming together to support Pasco Pride. In total, 11 local businesses stepped up to co-host and support the event. (Local Sponsors included: Studio NPR, Bainbridge Wesley Chapel, The Florida Room, Community Congressional Church, Paperback Exchange Bookstore, Rainbow Family Wellness, Tampa Bay Gay)

Main Stage at the Richey Suncoast Theater
Inside the fully air-conditioned Richey Suncoast Theater, Mr. Vyn Suazion emceed a full day of entertainment—comfortable seating and family-friendly fun included. From the opening ceremony to violinists, poets, singers, drag performers, and even on-stage games, the theater pulsed with talent and joy. The closing performance was a packed house.

 
Mr Vyn Suazion & Andrew Polo

Entertainment included:
Live Performances: Leah Alligood, Julep Band, Jumpsuit Giant, Violinist Andrew Polo, Poetry by: Megan and Icarus.
Drag Stars: Mr. Vyn Suazion, Stephanie Stuart, Joziah Bangkx, Veloura Amanita, Victoria Michaels, Blu Dream, and Indya Snatch.

 
Julep Band & Drag Stars

Backstage and on the street, Stevey Nunez from Latin LGBT News gave live coverage, while I hopped on Instagram Live to bring Tampa Bay Gay followers as much as possible (copyright filters willing!).

Around Downtown

• The Hacienda hosted local vendors with everything from handmade woodwork and crochet to clothing, jewelry, and 3D printed goods.
• Emerald Coast Brewing Company opened its doors for a Community Visioning Board and vendors.
• Bourbon on Main featured From Pasco, With Pride.
• Ordinance One presented Weave Come So Far.
• Sip on Grand became the VIP Lounge, with food and drink specials all day. They also partnered with Paperback Exchange Bookstore of Port Richey, who gave away rainbow pins and a swag bag of books.

 
SIP on Grand kept the Pride spirit going all day with cocktails, food, and a lively crowd.

Merch, Art & After Party
The Florida Room buzzed with merch, info tables, a scavenger hunt, and interactive art. At night, it transformed into the SOLD OUT after party for 21+, featuring Mr. Vyn Suazion, Christi Spice, Sage of Nix, Host Autumn Lee, DJ LEXXEE, and a Wig Snatching Contest.

More Pride Spots

• The Doggie Salon hosted The Big Gay Coloring Wall.
• Dented Keg Ale poured local cider, beer, and seltzers alongside vendor booths.
• Growing Together Plant Company Works organized a plant swap.
• Community Congregational Church created a quieter kids’ room with coloring, crafts, and family activities.

Pasco Pride is back, baby - and onward we go!

-Dave Borman
Tampa Bay Gay