# Southlake council blocks Pride festival permit

> Texas city unanimously denies event organizers a permit for October gathering after last year's festival drew controversy.
- Title: Southlake council blocks Pride festival permit | Shortify
- Summary: Texas city unanimously denies event organizers a permit for October gathering after last year's festival drew controversy. Southlake's city council rejected…
- Keywords: southlake, pride kel-so, lgbtq, permit denial, city council, texas, st. martin-in-the-fields episcopal churc, lgbtq saves, festival, community values, news, politics
- Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/tarrant/southlake-city-council-unanimously-denies-pride-kel-so-permit-for-october-3
- Author: Dallas Express
- Published: 2026-09-17T15:47:54+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: southlake, pride kel-so, lgbtq, permit denial, city council, texas, st. martin-in-the-fields episcopal churc, lgbtq saves, festival, community values, news, politics
## Southlake denies Pride festival permit
The Southlake City Council unanimously rejected a permit for Pride Kel-So on October 3 at St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church without discussing the item or questioning staff.
## Planning commission had recommended approval
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-1 to recommend approval after organizers agreed to reduce the event's footprint.
## Festival planned as family-friendly event
The event advertised over 150 inclusive vendors, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly entertainment, with LGBTQ SAVES spotlight speaker Sharon Herrera.

> "So please help us make some noise by joining us on this fine day to let the cities of Keller and Southlake know that WE WILL NOT BE ERASED!"
## Last year's event sparked controversy
The 2025 Pride Kel-So drew between 1,600 and 2,500 attendees with drag performers and Pride booths, prompting resident complaints about community values.

> "Last year this event caused a lot of upheaval."
## Mayor distanced city from event
After last year's festival, Mayor Shawn McCaskill issued a statement saying Southlake had no role in approving or supporting the event.
## Organizers accuse city of discrimination
Pride Kel-So organizers said the city made clear LGBTQ people don't belong there and claimed they were misled about permit approval prospects.

> "The City of Southlake has made it clear that they believe LGBTQ+ people do not belong there."
## Applicant seeks explanation for denial
April Dreyson of Dreyson Ventures LLC, the permit applicant, said she hasn't received an explanation for the denial and is reviewing options to hold a Pride festival.
## Key takeaway

Southlake's city council rejected a Pride Kel-So festival permit without discussion or debate, despite the planning commission recommending approval.