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 13–14, the Capitol Mall transforms into a buzzing entertainment zone with food vendors and musical performances from Drag Race stars like Shea Couleé 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.
Sonoma County Pride
The 41st annual Sonoma County Pride theme is “Pride & True – Advance, Advocate, Act Up” to signify “refusing to shrink, refusing to sanitize who we are, and refusing to let others define our story. It means standing in integrity, honoring those who came before us, and ensuring that the next generation inherits a community that is visible, protected, and empowered.” On June 1, the city will raise its flag along with an official kickoff party featuring drag performances and a DJ dance party.
Centered in Santa Rosa, the three days (June 5–7) of fun include the annual Pride Parade on June 6 and the Pride Pool Party at Francis Ford Coppola Winery on June 7. Keep the good times going with special winemaker dinners and tours, all part of Out in the Vineyard Gay Wine Weekend, July 17–19.
Napa Pride
Napa Pride returns for its 24th year with events throughout the month of June. The official kickoff party is set for June 7 with a Sunday afternoon Tea Dance at Andaz Mercantile Terrace in downtown Napa. The full slate of events can be found on the Napa Pride website.
San Francisco Bay Area Pride
San Francisco Pride made “Resistance in Action” the 2026 theme for this massive annual festival on June 27–28. 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 12–14; 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 District from June 19–21; and Frameline49: The San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, running from June 17–27.
Pacifica Pride
The San Francisco Peninsula town of Pacifica celebrates Pride on June 6 with a car parade and festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with food trucks, dancing, entertainment, 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 Central Coast Pride, with events that stretch throughout the months of May and June in the towns of San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, Cambria, and Los Osos. The multiweek celebration includes dozens of community-hosted events throughout San Luis Obispo (SLO) County, culminating in the main Pridefest weekend, from June 27–28.
Los Angeles County Pride Events
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 56th annual event on June 14. Watch 145,000 or so revelers dance on fabulous floats down Hollywood Boulevard during the parade. Expect a free street festival featuring pop-up bars and beer gardens, food trucks, photo ops, and live entertainment.
In West Hollywood, attend WeHo Pride on May 30–June 1 for a street fair and the music festival Outloud with performances from the Pussycat Dolls, Jade, Ava Max, Ashlee Simpson, and more.
The WeHo Pride Arts Festival also runs from May 23–24, featuring the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, a craft market, comedy, a future drag show, a live model drawing workshop, and more.
Santa Monica Pride Month
Not to be outdone by its neighbors, Santa Monica’s SaMo Pride celebration spans the entire month of June, and features activities for all ages. Highlights include Pride on the Promenade, a lively street festival with live music, games, and a pop-up marketplace showcasing LGBTQ+ artists and businesses that typically takes place on the third Saturday of the month. Families can enjoy Fabulous Fables at the Santa Monica Pier on June 7, offering drag queen and king storytelling, face painting, and performances. For nightlife enthusiasts, the Santa Monica Pride Bar Crawl (date TBD) offers a festive tour of the city's vibrant bars. Join the community in celebrating love, diversity, and inclusion throughout the city.
Catalina Island Pride Month
From the Southern California towns of Dana Point, Newport Beach, Long Beach, or San Pedro, you can hop across the water to stunning Catalina Island for Catalina Pride from June 12–13. Head to Avalon for live entertainment on Wrigley Stage, the Pride March to Casino Point, and a rainbow lighting of the historic Catalina Casino.
Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite
Orange County has long been a premier destination for LGBTQ+ tourism, and Disney fans won’t want to miss Anaheim’s signature LGBTQ+ celebration: Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite at Disneyland Park. June 16 and 18 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., guests can enjoy special after-hours access and entertainment. Get your groove on at the Pride Nite 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 Rainbow Pride event takes place on June 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Expect a family-friendly parade of floats from dozens of participating businesses and organizations. A $5 festival pass 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 fourth annual SYV Pride Month celebration with a parade and festival in Solvang on June 13. Expect a family-friendly event with live music, face painting, a beer and wine garden, food trucks, and a bounce house.
Palm Springs, Oakland, Costa Mesa, and San Diego—Later in 2026
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 18–19, including the Pride 5K, Spirit of Stonewall Rally, and a thrilling two-day festival in Balboa Park (with performances by Kehlani and Kim Petras).
Oakland will host a parade and festival, plus a ticketed event featuring four stages of entertainment, on Aug. 16. Greater Palm Springs Pride will hold celebrations Nov. 6–8. Listen to DJs spin at the Arenas District Block Party and watch the iconic Pride Parade and Festival along Palm Canyon Drive.
Orange County has long been a premier destination for LGBTQ+ tourism, and the OC Pride Parade & Festival will take place on Oct. 10 in downtown Santa Ana.
