From the Hope Community Center
In Summary:
Apopka PRIDE 2026 will take place from 2–6 pm. Saturday, October 10, at Hope CommUnity Center, 800 S. Hawthorne Ave. The free event will feature live music, drag performances, the Orlando Gay Chorus, health screenings, approximately 30 vendors, and wellness activities. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta are among the scheduled guest speakers.
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Hope CommUnity Center is proud to announce Apopka PRIDE 2026, a vibrant celebration of love, unity, and visibility held in recognition of National Coming Out Day. This year’s theme, “Bloom Without Permission,” celebrates the strength, courage, and power of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies while highlighting the importance of living openly and authentically.
Apopka PRIDE is more than an event; it is a celebration of community, resilience, visibility, and joy. Attendees can expect an afternoon filled with live performances, local vendors, community and resource organizations, wellness activities, and opportunities to connect and celebrate together.
Related: Hope CommUnity Center seeks donations as emergency food pantry supplies run low.
Main Stage:
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Music by DJ Mikhael Aaron
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Performances by: Orlando Gay Chorus, Charlie Rosario, Descolonizarte Teatro and MG Band
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Drag Performances by: Kirk T. DaVinci, Orusha San Miguel, Mala Mia, DeDe Santos & Shanty Santos
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Guest Speakers: Mayors Jerry Demings and City of Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta, Darcel Stevens (local gay icon + Harmony Healthcare), Neftali Rodriguez (Camp Pride) & More
Health Garden (Health Hub) - Screenings for Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Diabetes, STI & HIV Testing (15 vendors)
Main Festival Area: 30 vendors, including small local businesses, photo booths, free haircuts, grassroots organizations, and community partners. (can provide list of names if needed)
Wellness/Decompression area:
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Wellness activities led by Nurture Place
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Chair Massage by Breath & Bodywork
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Art area: Coloring/painting with ArtJam
Call to community: Being a flower (real or artificial) that represents you, your journey, your favorite color.
"At Hope CommUnity Center, we’ve always believed in opening our doors to those who need them most. Apopka PRIDE continues that legacy, creating a space where immigrant, LGBTQ+, and working-class communities can come together, be visible, and be celebrated in their fullness," said Zafia Gomez, LGBTQ+ Services Manager at HCC. "This year’s theme, ‘Bloom Without Permission,’ reminds us that our community continues to rise, even in the face of challenges, and deserves to be celebrated out loud."
Because we believe that every person is created with inherent dignity and should be loved as their authentic self, Hope CommUnity Center stands in solidarity with all those honoring diversity this National Coming Out Day. Building on its advocacy and community work following the Pulse tragedy, Hope CommUnity Center continues to foster safe and supportive spaces, including its base-building group, Queer and Trans Immigrants (QTIs), and year-round LGBTQ+ programming.
Friends and allies are encouraged to join this celebration of diversity, visibility, and love. Admission is free, but attendees must register in advance. Hope CommUnity Center extends a special thank you to our event sponsors — Aguilar Salud, ViiV Healthcare, and Contigo Fund — for helping make this celebration possible.
Attendance is open to guests 18 and older. Advance registration is required: Registration Link
Key Points:
- Apopka PRIDE 2026 is scheduled for 2–6 pm. Saturday, October 10, at Hope CommUnity Center.
- The theme, “Bloom Without Permission,” celebrates LGBTQ+ visibility, resilience, and living authentically.
- Entertainment will include the Orlando Gay Chorus, musicians, theatrical performances, DJs, and drag performers.
- A Health Garden will offer blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screenings along with STI and HIV testing.
- Admission is free and limited to guests 18 and older, but advance registration is required.
