Long Beach Pride
This year, the Long Beach Pride Parade and Celebration returns to the third weekend in May, the 18th & 19th.
What hasn’t changed is the significance of the event and how it showcases so much of what Long Beach is and aspires to be: inclusive, welcoming … and fun.
In its 41st year, Long Beach Pride has firmly established itself as one of the city’s most anticipated and popular events. Witness the fact that nearly 100,000 people flocked to it last year with similar crowds expected in 2024.
Welcome to the Gayborhood
Long Beach’s celebration kicks off Pride season in Greater Los Angeles, with WeHo Pride May 31 to June 2, followed by LA Pride on June 8 and 9. Long Beach's history is intimately tied to its LGBTQ+ community, and today the city is home to many restaurants, bars, and small businesses that foster that community, many clustered along the Broadway Corridor. City officials are working to designate the Broadway Corridor as a cultural district to recognize that history.
That sense of community is on proud display during Long Beach Pride. In many ways, Pride’s growth in popularity owes much to the fact that its principles of community speak to a city with such a rich tapestry of cultures. Long Beach has been named one of the best cities in the nation for LGBTQ+ inclusion by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for a decade. When the announcement of that honor was made by then-mayor–now Congressman–Robert Garcia, the city’s first openly gay mayor, he said the city remains “a place where everyone – regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity – is welcome.”
Pride Parade
The 41st Annual Long Beach Pride Parade takes place Sunday, May 19, at 10AM. The parade begins at Ocean Boulevard between Lindero Avenue and Alamitos Avenue and travels west on Ocean. This free event will be hosted by the City of Long Beach in partnership with the Office of Vice Mayor and Councilwoman Cindy Allen. Many local businesses, government agencies, and public personalities participate in the parade, with music, dancing, and even cheer performances happening along the route. 2024 parade grand marshals include Saucy Santana, Stuart Milk of the Harvey Milk Foundation, and Dykes on Bikes. For more details, visit longbeach.gov/prideparade.
More Events
Teen Pride returns this year on May 17 from 4 to 9PM in Rainbow Lagoon Park (400 E Shoreline Dr). LGBTQ+ teens are invited to enjoy live DJ performances, drag and talent shows, arts and crafts, workshops, and vendors–all for free. Pride Run 2024 will be held on May 19. This 5K/10K Run and 5K Walk starts at 8AM at the intersection of Junipero Avenue and Ocean Boulevard. For more Pride events, visit longbeachpride.com.
