The time has almost come for rainbow colors to dress the streets of Lake Worth Beach and to see hundreds of people dancing and celebrating their worries away.

Compass Community Center Executive Director Julie Seaver said she hopes people use Pride as not only a way to celebrate, but to learn and understand the resources available to them like Compass.

“Yes, Pride is a party. Yes, Pride is a protest. But also, Pride has purpose.”

Palm Beach Pride is hosted by Compass Community Center each year. The organization offers resources for those impacted by HIV and AIDS, and will provide some of its services, like confidential and free rapid HIV testing, at its event booth.

Palm Beach Pride will take place over two days — March 29 and 30 — at Bryant Park from noon to 6 p.m.

It can get overwhelming trying to plan for an event packed with so many festivities. Here’s a breakdown of this year’s Pride so you can show up to the party stress-free.

Things to see and do

From the iconic Pride parade to live performances from local artists, there’s no shortage of entertainment.

South Florida drag queen Velvet Lenore, the headline performer and Queen of Palm Beaches, will appear on Sunday.

Alongside Lenore, the event will feature three other emcees: Melissa St. John, Rianna Petrone and Ariel Rimm.

On Saturday, artists like singer J.D. Danner and DJ Will Mello will perform.

Sunday will see performances from artists like singer Chris Pierce, Mr. Palm Beach Pride JWolf Lenore and Miss Palm Beach Pride Sa’Mari Black Starr.

The Palm Beach Pride Parade will start at 11 a.m. and travel down Lake Avenue. It will finish at Bryant Park, where all other Pride festivities are held.

Compass will offer free rapid HIV testing from noon to 6 p.m. on both days.

Seaver said there are 106 vendors, offering a diverse selection of food, drinks and entertainment.

The event’s ability to bring in people of all walks of life across both days is heartening for Seaver.

“That is the best thing that we can hope for,” she said. “To see young queer kids be able to see productive, healthy and happy LGBT pioneers and elders celebrating Pride right next to them. I mean that's the good stuff, right?”

Parking, Bags And Other Logistics

Parking can be a nightmare, and Palm Beach Pride appears to be no exception.

You can access paid parking at the Bohemian Garage, located on S East Coast St and 1st Ave S, or find street parking. But beware of tow away zones — all fines and regulations will be enforced.

There’s also the new Circuit app, which is offering $1 rides to the event beginning at 12 p.m.

Here’s a photo with marked tow away zones so you can plan ahead:

Image provided by Compass.

If you want to skip the hassle, Seaver strongly suggested using ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.

You can bring clear bags no larger than 12’’ x 6’’ x 12’’ or a small clutch bag up to 6’’ x 9’’.

Make sure you bring your device — there won’t be any more paper tickets. Admission costs $10 for each day, and $12 if you order the day of.

You can also purchase a Pride Pass for $30, which includes two tickets and a Palm Beach Pride crossbody bag.

Those 18 years old and younger get free admission. Seaver said this was to encourage young people and families to attend Pride with no financial barriers.

“We want to make sure that it's accessible to all of our families,” Seaver said. “When you've got two or three kids in tow and teenagers and everything else, it can just be cost prohibitive.”

Proceeds from the festival support the year-round services Compass Community Center offers.

Accessibility

Seaver said Compass has strengthened its commitment to accessibility this year, including creating more space for ADA accessible parking.

There will be covered dining and seating areas for those needing a break from the sun, and sensory-friendly zones that offer a quieter place from all the celebrations.

ASL interpreters will be present at every stage performance, and accessible restrooms will be present.

Don’t want to leave your furry friends at home? Leashed pets are allowed at Bryant Park, and Seaver said people are encouraged to dress them up in their best Pride attire. The most festive will be featured on Compass’ Instagram story.

Safety and security

Amid a Trump administration committed to anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and policies, Seaver said she’s received inquiries from some parents about the safety of the event.

But she said Compass’ strong relationship with the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), which includes a liaison between the two, has created a transparent and safe atmosphere for the event.

There will be more officers present this year, and numerous barricades will be overlapped to prevent any openings for vehicles — especially in light of the New Year’s Eve attack in New Orleans.

Bryant Park is fenced in, and every guest will be wanded to prevent any weapons from entering the space.

For those still skeptical about uniformed officers attending a Pride event, Seaver said Compass’ partnership with PBSO allows them to communicate about concerns openly. For any non-threatening scenario — Seaver gave the example of a guest who’s had one too many mimosas — PBSO will allow Compass staff to deescalate the situation first before an officer steps in.

Seaver also noted that since it is an extra duty event, all officers sign up to be there and enjoy working the festival.

Still not sure?

Seaver’s message to those on the fence about going was indisputable.

“Don't you think that we all need Pride this year more than any other year ever before?” she said. “We just need to be able to celebrate in our authentic selves and just start spending more time experiencing queer joy, because they can take it away from us only if we let them.”