Ava McDonnell
Central Florida is set for a busy weekend on Saturday, October 18, 2025, as downtown Orlando prepares to host two major events: the annual Come Out With Pride Orlando celebration at Lake Eola Park and a “No Kings” protest organized as part of a nationwide day of demonstrations.
Come Out With Pride Orlando Returns
Come Out With Pride Orlando, one of Florida’s largest LGBTQIA+ celebrations, will take place from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Lake Eola Park. The free, family-friendly festival will feature the signature Pride Parade through downtown, live music, food and beverage vendors, a marketplace of local artisans, and the evening fireworks finale over the lake.
The annual event, organized by the nonprofit Come Out With Pride, Inc., is held each October in recognition of National Coming Out Day. It aims to foster visibility, inclusion, and celebration for Central Florida’s LGBTQIA+ community and allies.
In past years, the festival has drawn more than 200,000 attendees, making it one of the largest one-day Pride events in the Southeast. This year’s theme is “Proud and Present,” focusing on celebrating authenticity and community resilience.
City officials and event organizers say safety remains a top priority. Controlled entry points, bag checks, and coordination with the Orlando Police Department will be in place. Guests are encouraged to use rideshare services or downtown parking garages, as several roads around Lake Eola will close during the parade and festivities.
More details and schedules are available at comeoutwithpride.org.
“No Kings” Protest to Join Nationwide Movement
Also on October 18, Orlando is expected to see local participation in the “No Kings” protests as part of a nationwide series of demonstrations planned in cities across the United States. THe event will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Orlando City Hall.
The No Kings movement emerged earlier in 2025 as a coalition-led protest opposing what organizers describe as threats to democracy and executive overreach. The group’s message centers on the idea that “no leader should rule like a king,” emphasizing democratic accountability, reproductive rights, and civil liberties.
According to NoKings.org, local events are independently organized and encouraged to remain peaceful and nonviolent. Social media posts from the organization indicate a possible downtown gathering from 5 to 7 p.m.
A prior national day of protest on June 14, 2025, drew millions across the U.S. and made headlines for its largely peaceful demonstrations. Organizers describe the upcoming October 18 actions as “a renewed day of civic engagement.”
Whether joining the rainbow parade at Lake Eola or standing in solidarity at a peaceful protest, October 18 is shaping up to be a day of both celebration and activism in Orlando.
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