Pride Month is about to kick off, with the Ringling Bridge lit in rainbow hues and the Pride flag flying at City Hall during the first week of June. Here are some of the best events happening throughout the month. Check back often. As new events are announced, we'll continue to update this list.

UTC Live on the Green With NoFilter Band

Live on the Green happens every first Thursday of the month. The June concert will kick off Pride Month with NoFilter Band. Wear your most colorful clothing and get ready to paint the town rainbow with the high-energy dance band. The Green is located near Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar. Chairs and blankets are recommended, and early arrival is suggested. Thursday, June 1, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on The Green at University Town Center. ppsrq.org

The Grand Carnival: Diamonds Are Forever

Presented by Project Pride SRQ, this major event includes an open bar, light bites and live music at the Circus Arts Conservatory on Saturday, June 3, from 8 to 10 p.m. It promises to be "the shiniest ball of them all," with visuals from Botanica Design Studio and live performances on the main stage by Ada Vox of American Idol and Queen of the Universe, and Zee Machine, nominated for Breakout Musical Artist at The Queerties Award. Tickets start at $75. ppsrq.org

Diamonds After Dark

This is the official 21-plus after-party for the Grand Carnival at the Art Ovation Hotel's rooftop pool. The free party will go on with a live DJ, cocktails and surprises. The party begins Saturday, June 3, at 11 p.m. ppsrq.org

Queer PoetryMic at Bookstore1Sarasota

Bookstore1Sarasota will host the Queer PoetryMic for Pride Month, featuring writers Tyler Gillespie and Gloria Muñoz on Sunday, June 4, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the bookstore's loft. sarasotabooks.com

LGBTQ+ Bowling: A League of Our Own

This summer bowling league offers a free bowling night on June 5, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Bowlero on South Tamiami Trail. Folks can sign up to join the league that night with official play beginning on June 12 and continuing every Monday for 10 weeks through the summer. ppsrq.org

Pride Zumba on the Green

This is a Pride edition of UTC Fit's outdoor fitness series. Wear your most colorful clothing on June 7,  from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. ppsrq.org

Art With Pride

Lexow Gallery is celebrating LGBTQ artists in our community with an evening reception on Friday, June 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. ppsrq.org

Silver Pride

Project Pride SRQ and Senior Friendship Centers present Silver Pride 2023, a free event on Saturday, June 10, from noon to 5 p.m. The event celebrates LGBTQ people ages 50 and up. Live music, vendors, food trucks and more will gather at the Senior Friendship Centers at 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota. ppsrq.org

FabAF - Give Back Night With Fabulous Arts Foundation and 99 Bottles

On Sunday, June 11, from 4 to 10:30 p.m. a percentage of all sales at 99 Bottles will be going to the Fabulous Arts Foundation, which is creating safe spaces within our community as well as a platform for the community to be seen and heard.
fabaf.org

LGBTQ+ Grief Support Group

First Congregational United Church of Christ will host this meeting  on June 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. to offer a safe place for people to find strength and hope through the sharing and support of other grieving LGBTQ individuals. This is not a therapy group, but an open discussion with others suffering the loss of someone close to them—whether a spouse, partner, friend or family member. ppsrq.org

UTC Night Market on the Green – Pride Editon

June’s UTC Night Market event will be bigger and brighter than usual in celebration of Pride Month. The night will include live music, LGBTQ and local vendors, rainbow-themed sweets and treats and more. Community organizations will be onsite with giveaways and resources. Enjoy it all on June 15, from 5 to 9 p.m. in the West District at UTC. ppsrq.org

Pride Shabbat

Celebrate Pride Month with speaker Jason Campion, president of Project Pride, on June 16 at 6 p.m. at Temple Sinai. ppsrq.org