After more than 30 years and countless red shirts, GayDays has canceled its annual event. The organization announced the news Feb. 8 on social media.

“After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to pause the GayDays Orlando event scheduled for June 2026,” the statement read. 

It went on to cite changes to its agreement with the host hotel along with “broader challenges currently impacting LGBTQIA+ events nationwide.”

While the 2026 event won’t happen, organizers say, “This is a pause — not an ending,” an optimistic take reinforced by a big red banner with white lettering saying “PAUSED.”

“Our focus now is on reimagining the future and returning with a stronger, more sustainable event.”

GayDays began in the early 1990s with LGBTQ and allies showing up at Disney in Orlando. At first the event was shunned and called “anti-family.” Eventually the annual red-shirted pilgrimage was embraced by the parks and resorts. Other events spawned from its success including Bear Jamboree, One Magical Weekend (OMW), and myriad pool parties.

Plenty of legacy events have ended or are on an extended pause, a trend that predates, but seems to have been accelerated during, the second Trump administration. Many cite a dropoff in corporate sponsors, which is often tied to pressure from the Republicans in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.

In South Florida, Naples Pride faces punitive security costs and a public drag ban. Pride Fort Lauderdale hasn't happened in years but hopes to regroup under new ownership and return in 2027. The SMART Ride’s successor, The Joy Ride, appears to be bringing in less than a third of the final SMART Ride. Gay8, the LGBTQ version of Calle Ocho is gone.

The future of GayDays now lives in limbo. Organizers urge fans and supporters to follow social media for updates over the coming months.