From historic parades and colorful street art to massive festivals and star-studded concerts, California honors Pride in a big way. In fact, California was the first state in the country to designate June as its official LGBTQ+ Pride Month in 2018.
It’s no surprise that California’s history of LGBTQ+ activism runs deep: The first LGBTQ+ business association was founded here in 1962; Laguna Beach was the first city in the U.S. to elect an openly gay mayor; and the iconic rainbow flag was even designed in San Francisco. Each year, California cities honor this legacy—and you have plenty of opportunities to join in the fun. Here’s a travel guide for anyone looking to celebrate LGBTQ+ history and culture at one of the many Pride festivals and events throughout the state.
Sacramento Pride
Every year, more than 20,000 visitors descend on Sacramento for the city’s two-day SacPride. On June 8–9, the Capitol Mall transforms into a buzzing entertainment zone with food vendors and musical performances from stars like Rebecca Black as well as local talent. On Sunday, honor the 1969 Stonewall Riots at the Pride March. Watch colorful floats and musical acts make their way from Southside Park to the State Capitol—or pre-register to join the march yourself.
Tuolumne County Pride
This Gold Country county starts celebrating June 2 with the Sonora Pride event at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds in Sonora, featuring LGBTQ+ artisans and vendors, a family-friendly drag hour, and a DJ. On June 18, Around the Horn Brewing in Groveland will host its fourth annual Hops and Glitter Pride Month Celebration and Burlesque Show, a music-filled fundraiser to benefit CalPride Sierras. During the month, stop by local LGBTQ+ allies such as Nox Coffee Shop, Little Roots Toy Store, and Bear Tent Brewing.
Sonoma County Pride
The 39th annual Sonoma County Pride theme is “Heroes, Sheroes, and Queeros” to honor the experiences and achievements of Sonoma County’s LGBTQI community. On May 31, the city will raise its flag and hold a Pride Movie on the Square screening downtown, along with an official kick off party at La Rosa Tequileria & Grille. Centered in Santa Rosa, the three days (June 1–3) of fun include the annual Pride Parade, Wigs and Waffles Drag Brunch, and Aqua Boogie Pool Party. Keep the good times going with OutWatch Wine Country’s LGBTQI Film Festival (June 8) in Sebastopol, as well as special winemaker dinners and tours, all part of Out in the Vineyard Gay Wine Weekend, July 19–21.
San Francisco Bay Area Pride
San Francisco Pride made “Beacon of Love” the 2024 theme for this massive annual festival on June 29–30. Head to Civic Center Plaza to see live concerts, comedy acts, and cabaret performances on the main stage, and take part in Sunday’s Pride Parade, which starts near the Embarcadero and ends on the steps of City Hall. Admire the annual Pink Triangle installed on Twin Peaks commemorating the LGBTQ+ victims of the Holocaust—a reminder of how far we’ve come.
Explore more events throughout the Bay Area, including the stunning Ribbons of Remembrance rainbow flag display at Filoli in Woodside on June 3–4; the popular Fresh Meat Festival, featuring trans and queer artists performing in different corners of the 13,000-square-foot Z Space in the Mission from June 14–18; and Frameline47: The San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, running from June 14–24. Sausalito is also hosting its second Pride celebration June 20–22.
Pacifica Pride
This San Francisco Peninsula town celebrates Pride on June 1 with a car parade and festival from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with food trucks, musical performances, local artists helming tables with their work, a family zone and more. Participating afterparties that evening include DJs and bands at a local tavern and a Dress-in-Drag party.
Central Coast Pride
Get the party going early at San Luis Obispo’s Central Coast Pride, with events that stretch throughout the month of May—including Art After Dark on May 3 at SLOMA, the Trans Pride on May 11 in Meadow Park, the Rise Up! Drag and Burlesque Show at the Fremont Theater on May 31, and the Pride in the Plaza event at Mission Plaza in downtown SLO on June 1.
Los Angeles County Pride
Los Angeles was the first city in the world to host a permitted gay pride parade, and you can experience history in action with the 54th annual event on June 8. See music icon Ricky Martin perform at Pride in the Park in Los Angeles State Historic Park, or watch 145,000 or so revelers dance on fabulous floats down Hollywood Boulevard during the parade.
In West Hollywood, attend WeHo Pride on May 31–June 2 for a street fair and music festival OUTLOUD with performances from Kylie Minogue, Janelle Monáe, and Diplo. The WeHo Pride Arts Festival also runs through the entire month, featuring the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, a craft market, comedy, a drag parade, a Life in Pictures exhibition and more.
Catalina Island Pride Month
From Dana Point, Newport Beach, Long Beach, or San Pedro, you can hop across the water to stunning Catalina Island for Catalina Pride on June 15. Head to Avalon for live entertainment on Wrigley Stage, the Pride March to Casino Point, and a rainbow lighting of the historic Catalina Casino.
Orange County Pride
Orange County has long been a premier destination for LGBTQ+ tourism, and that’s never more true than during the OC Pride Parade & Festival on June 24, held in downtown Santa Ana. Disney fans won’t want to miss a nearby celebration held in Anaheim. For the first time ever, Disneyland Park will host Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite. On June 18 and 20 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., guests can enjoy special after-hours access and entertainment. Get your groove on at the ‘Ohana Dance Party, watch Mickey and Minnie Mouse march during the Pride Cavalcade, and try a variety of fun themed eats.
Fresno Pride
This year, Fresno’s June 1 Rainbow Pride event has the theme of “Rainbow Wave: Navigating Through the Current” for its 34th year. The family-friendly parade of floats from more than 90 participating businesses and organizations begins at 10 a.m., and a $5 donation at the gate grants you access to live music, more than 100 vendors of food and merchandise, a beer garden, a children’s play area and more.
Santa Ynez Valley Pride
Santa Ynez Valley is kicking off its third annual SYV Pride Month celebration with a parade that starts at 11 a.m. on June 22. Check the event site for more information as the date approaches.
Palm Springs, Oakland, and San Diego—Later in 2024
In California, Pride is celebrated in spirit all year round—and some cities have full-blown festivities outside of June. San Diego Pride is planning a slate of events July 13–21, including the women-centered She Fest, Pride 5K, Spirit of Stonewall Rally, and a thrilling two-day festival in Balboa Park.
Oakland will host a parade as well as its family-friendly Carnival and Fun Fair September 8. Greater Palm Springs Pride will hold celebrations Oct. 31–Nov. 3. Listen to DJs spin at the Arenas District Block Party and watch the iconic Pride Parade and Festival along Palm Canyon Drive.
