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 14–15, 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 40th annual Sonoma County Pride theme is “Forty and Fierce” to honor the trailblazers who paved the way, the progress achieved, and the vibrant future being built together. On May 30, 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 (May 30–June 1) of fun include the annual Pride Parade and Ruby Ripple Pool Party. Keep the good times going with special winemaker dinners and tours, all part of Out in the Vineyard Gay Wine Weekend, July 18–20.
Napa Pride
Napa Pride returns for its 23rd year with events throughout the month of June. The official kickoff party is set for June 1 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 “Queer Joy is Resistance” the 2025 theme for this massive annual festival on June 28–29. 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 14–15; 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 19–21; and Frameline49: The San Francisco International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, running from June 18–28.
Pacifica Pride
The San Francisco Peninsula town of Pacifica celebrates Pride on June 7 with a car parade and festival from 11:00 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 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 multi-week celebration includes dozens of community-hosted events throughout San Luis Obispo (SLO) County, culminating in the main Pridefest weekend, from May 30–June 1.
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 55th annual event on June 8. 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 Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Honey Dijon, Paris Hilton, and Kim Petras.
The WeHo Pride Arts Festival also runs from May 23–25, 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 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 6–7. 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 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 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 14. 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 2025
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 16–20, 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 as well as its family-friendly Carnival and Fun Fair on Sept. 7. Greater Palm Springs Pride will hold celebrations Nov. 6–9. 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 Sept. 27 in downtown Costa Mesa.