Like numerous cities around the country, Jacksonville celebrates its LGBT community with a pride festival. However, River City Pride is held annually in October instead of June, and one can’t help but wonder… why?

According to Shelley Barker, a member of the River City Pride Board, nearly all Pride Fests in Florida are held in October due to the extreme temperatures in the summer.

“We wanted a month with more temperate weather but also still with existing ties to the LGBTQ+ Community,” Barker said.

With this in mind, River City Pride chose the month of National Coming Out Day for the festival, according to Barker and the River City Pride website. National Coming Out Day is October 11 and the festival is generally held during the first weekend of October.

River City Pride is celebrating their 40th Anniversary this year. The parade will be on Saturday, October 6 and the festival will be on Sunday, October 7.

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