In a last-minute change, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit declared the drag show scheduled for Naples Pride Fest on June 7 must move indoors, upsetting its plan to return the show to the Cambier Park stage.

The ruling from a three-judge panel forced organizers to plan to relocate the event’s marquee performance to the Norris Center, adjacent to Cambier Park

“This ruling allows the city to enforce its ordinance as it has been done for the past two years, while the litigation proceeds in the lower court,” city officials said in a statement. “The city of Naples remains committed to protecting public safety while respecting constitutional rights and maintaining orderly administration of its public spaces.”

Pride Fest drag performances will take place at noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. at the Norris Center. There will be no charge for tickets; they are donation-based and first come, first serve. The organization said it has also taken steps to ensure the safety and comfort for attendees, including working with the Naples Police Department and hiring private security.

“We are doing everything we can to create a welcoming and safe environment where everyone can express their pride freely,” the organization’s statement said. It also is inviting attendees to come to the main stage at 2:45 p.m. June 7 in Cambier Park for a moment of unity and reflection.

Naples Pride, through the American Civil Liberties Union, asked April 19 for an injunction to host the show outdoors, and a temporary one had been granted by the Florida Middle District Court. An appeal by the city was turned down U.S. District Court Judge John Steele.

The U.S. Court of Appeals reversed the earlier decision June 6, siding with the city of Naples on three key points in its appeal.

First, the court found that Naples Pride delayed seeking an injunction for more than two years, having complied with city directives to move its drag show indoors in 2023 to the Norris Center and then off city property in 2024. “The city added the conditions to Naples Pride’s permit in 2023 — two years ago — yet Naples Pride did not move to preliminarily enjoin the permit conditions until April 2025,” the court noted, suggesting that the delay justified further legal review.

Second, the court struck down Naples Pride’s claim that the city’s restrictions were motivated by “perceptions or discomfort,” instead pointing out that Naples Pride had acknowledged the changes were “necessary” to address “safety concerns” and ensure the safety of its guests.

Lastly, the court agreed with the city’s argument that the Pride Fest drag show took place in a “limited public forum,” and that the city’s restrictions were reasonable in light of the nature of the event and the need to prioritize public safety.

In her dissent, Judge Jill Pryor Abudu disagreed, arguing the city’s actions were unconstitutional regardless of whether Cambier Park was considered a traditional or limited forum. She wrote that the restrictions effectively amounted to a heckler’s veto, stifling protected speech based on anticipated public reaction rather than legitimate public safety threats.

“The city’s requirements that the performance be held only inside and that only those 18 years old and over can attend are undeniably viewpoint and content-based,” Abudu wrote, noting that city officials cited community discomfort and not specific threats of violence.

She also pointed to a recent Eleventh Circuit ruling that found Florida’s law targeting drag shows likely unconstitutional, emphasizing that Naples Pride’s rights should not be subject to public disapproval.

“What the city did was wrong, even if it wasn’t stopped in time,” said Callhan Soldavini, board member and corporate counsel for Naples Pride, in a text message following the announcement by the court. “We respect the rule of law and will comply with the restrictions — but we won’t pretend this is justice. It never is when fear wins over freedom. Righting the wrongs of injustice takes time, but make no mistake, we will keep fighting — this case is not over. No going back.”

The Naples Police Department has closed several streets around Cambier Park until 6 p.m. Saturday for security purposes. The affected roads include Park Street from Fifth Avenue South to Seventh Avenue South, Eighth Street South from Fifth Avenue South to Seventh Avenue South and Cambier Parkway from Park Street to Eighth Street South. Authorities have warned that any vehicles parked within the closure area will be towed. Barricades, signs and message boards have been prominently placed to alert drivers of the restrictions.

In a statement June 6, the Naples Police Department emphasized the importance of civility and mutual respect, urging attendees to embrace the Golden Rule and honor the First Amendment’s protections for all viewpoints.