A planned drag performance at Naples Pride Fest was moved inside after a federal appeals court ruled the city could impose restrictions on its location and audience.

According to the Christian Post, A three-judge panel from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals authorized the city of Naples to limit the drag segment of its annual Pride event to indoor settings and to restrict attendance to adults only, citing constitutional and public safety reasons.

The drag show took place Saturday, June 7, 2025, inside the Norris Center near Cambier Park. It had originally been intended as an outdoor feature of Naples Pride Fest, but the city cited safety and legal considerations in seeking to move it indoors.

Federal court reverses earlier injunction.

On Friday, June 6, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower court’s injunction that had temporarily blocked the city from enforcing its permit restrictions. The appellate court ruled the earlier decision had “abused its discretion.”

By labeling the drag presentation a “limited public forum,” the panel determined the city had the legal authority to set conditions for its performance, including venue and age boundaries. The forum was viewed as curated for specific performers celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, allowing for such regulations to stand.

This marks the second time Naples has enforced these restrictions on its Pride Fest. Limits on location and age had also been implemented in 2023, with the event continuing as planned that year, much like it did in 2025.

Organizers challenge limits on free speech.

In April 2025, Naples Pride filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that the new requirements enforced via the special event permitting process infringed on their First Amendment rights. Organizers argued that their rights to express themselves in public venues were being curtailed by the indoor and age restrictions.

However, the court stated that the city’s interest in ensuring public safety justified the conditions placed on the event and emphasized that restrictions were permissible in limited public forums. The ruling stressed that local governments are not compelled to allow every expressive act in every public space under every possible condition.

Mat Staver, chairman of Liberty Counsel, praised the decision, asserting that the First Amendment does not mandate cities to permit “obscene” performances in public places. He noted that moving the show indoors advances public safety and respects community standards.

High turnout met with protest activity.

Saturday’s event drew significant community attendance, with Naples police estimating approximately 4,000 people took part in Pride Fest. Around 250 protesters also gathered near the venue, according to law enforcement estimates.

Naples Police Department officers were stationed throughout the area to maintain order and safety. They encouraged the public to be respectful, referencing the Golden Rule in a social media post shared the day before the event.

Only one arrest was reported about the event. Law enforcement did not release further details immediately, but no other major incidents were confirmed during or after the festival.

Faith leaders voice concern over family spaces.

Senior Pastor Jeff Donaldson of Christ Community Church in Naples expressed opposition to the drag performance taking place near family areas like children's playgrounds. He clarified, however, that he supports the community's right to hold a Pride event overall.

Donaldson said that his church’s protest aimed to inform parents about the drag show, not to oppose LGBTQ+ celebrations as a whole. He explained that their mission was to raise awareness so that families could make informed decisions for their children.

“We want to warn parents,” Donaldson said. “If you choose that for your kids, that’s fine — that’s up to you. But you should be aware of what's about to happen.”

The festival includes diverse programming for all ages

While the drag show was restricted to adult audiences and held indoors, Naples Pride Fest also featured a broad lineup of activities aimed at families. Organizers included a “Kid’s Zone” complete with a bounce house and craft stations.

Attendees reported that drag performers inside the Norris Center were collecting cash tips during their routines, as noted by The Naples Daily News.

Festival organizers have not indicated whether they will appeal the ruling or modify next year's programming to comply with the affirmed permit conditions. Despite the legal dispute, the Pride event proceeded with a high turnout and relatively minimal disruption.