At the base of the Hollywood Hills, the city of West Hollywood is the center of LGBTQ+ Los Angeles. In 1984, West Hollywood became the first majority-gay municipality in the country, and ever since, its rich tradition of pride and acceptance has been enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
2024 marks the 40th anniversary of this milestone, and West Hollywood will commemorate that and the many progressive LGBTQ+ policies that followed it with 40 Days of Pride and the return of the recently reinvigorated WeHo Pride event. With the theme of “Pride Starts Here,” everything kicks off on Harvey Milk Day (May 22) and runs through June 30 with programming that includes the WeHo Pride Weekend Parade, the Dyke March, the WeHo Pride Arts Festival and more.
Nightlife, Burgers, and Drag Bingo
With LGBTQ+ residents comprising more than 40 percent of the 1.9-square-mile community and crosswalks are painted as welcoming rainbows, it goes without saying that the entire area is LGBTQ+-friendly. What’s more Route 66 than a classic 24-hour diner? Devour a plate of Disco Fries at 3 a.m. at Kitchen24. This always-open neighborhood diner has all the classics, but their namesake item—fries topped with carnitas, gravy, or chorizo—are a must. Excellent restaurants, hotels, and shopping can be found on practically every corner, and the nightlife is legendary. Consider The Abbey as your first stop. One of the most famous gay bars and nightclubs in the world, The Abbey has go-go dancers, high-end cocktails, and surprisingly good food. Watch a game at the aptly named Hi Tops sports bar, check out Or Bar if you’re looking for a glamorous, lounge-y feel, hit the dance floor at Revolver, or swing by The Bayou for a late-night happy-hour scene. On Melrose, you can party like a rock star at The Wild, a bar and restaurant opened in late 2023 by Adam Lambert and Roger Taylor of Queen. Round out the weekend with drag queen bingo nights held every Sunday at Hamburger Mary’s.
In late May, the aforementioned WeHo Pride event’s WeHo Pride Weekend honors LGBTQ+ visual and performing arts with free events around the city, including the WeHo Pride Street Fair, the Outloud@WeHoPride concert, the Women’s Freedom Festival, and more. Then in mid-June, the weekend-long WeHo Pride Arts Festival (formerly known as the One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival) celebrates the artistic contributions of the LGBTQ+ community at various locations throughout the city.
Where to Stay in West Hollywood
If you’re headed to the city to take part, there’s no shortage of luxe accommodations that will keep you right in the middle of the action. Options include stylish boutique hotels such as the Kimpton La Peer Hotel (disco pickleball!) and Hotel 850 SVB to reliably affordable chains (Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza) and even a music-themed spot (Hotel Ziggy), where you can take in live bands or rock out yourself in the Shred Shed.