Naples Pride Fest Heats Up with Protesters, Proud Boys, Court Flip-Flop, and Packed Indoor Drag Event

June 7, 2025 – NAPLES, Florida: Naples Pride Fest 2025 drew crowds and controversy on Saturday as the annual celebration went ahead with a mix of indoor and outdoor programming amid legal battles over drag performances.

Following a back and forth of court rulings, the drag show portion of the festival was ultimately held indoors and limited to attendees aged 18 and over. While a federal judge initially ruled that the city’s restrictions on outdoor drag performances violated the First Amendment, a federal appeals court reversed that decision on Friday, siding with the city’s argument that the drag show should be restricted to adults and moved inside.

The rest of the festival, held in Cambier Park, remained open to all ages and featured music, dancing, vendors, and community resources. The drag performances took place in an adjacent building and required ID for entry.

Tensions flared outside the event as members of the Proud Boys joined church groups and other protesters rallying against Naples Pride.

Despite the protests, the event continued as planned, drawing large crowds celebrating  pride.