Long Beach Pride is finally here! This Saturday and Sunday, the LGBTQ+ community and its allies will come together to celebrate their authentic selves, spread the message of equality, and revel in a weekend of unapologetic pride. The 40th Annual Long Beach Pride Celebration will be held at Marina Green Park and Rainbow Lagoon Park on August 5th, but the community is hosting a plethora of events leading up to the festivities as well as after-parties to keep the celebration going. Here are some of the LGBTQ+ events happening in the city this weekend.
Party Monster – August 4
LB Living has partnered with Secret Service LBC to throw an unforgettable Pride Party full of house music, glamour, and drag. “Party Monster” will be taking place this Friday at the Edison Theater from 9 p.m. til late and will feature performances by go-go dancers as well as the local drag queen group “The Babes.” Festival wear is encouraged at this event! Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.
Pink Party – August 4
Hamburger Mary’s is hosting their pride kick-off party with a night of drag, dining, and dancing! “Pink Party” is returning this year to benefit and raise money for the Long Beach Imperial Court, Aids Food Store, and The LGBTQ Center Long Beach. Dinner starts at 7 p.m., and the suggested donation for the event is $10 per person. Visit their website for more information.
LGBTQ+ Mural Unveiling – August 5
“LA Vs Hate” is having a celebration for the unveiling of a mural from their Summer of Solidarity program on Saturday at Bixby Park from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Designed by the talented Myisha Arrelano, a proud queer migrant hailing from Mexico City and raised in Long Beach, the mural radiates a message of inclusivity and diversity. Enjoy enjoying a range of family-friendly activities, food, and performances. Learn more here.
Pride Ride – August 5
LBians are gearing up for an exhilarating start to LB Pride weekend with their third Pride Ride! Join them for a slow-paced bike ride, catering to all bike types, starting at Wide Eyes Open Palms at 10 a.m. and culminating at the Bluff. With a midway pit stop of 30-45 minutes, everyone will be able to take a moment to catch their breath and take in the excitement. Bike rentals are available near Wide Eyes Open Palms for those who do not have a bike. After the ride, the festivities will keep going at The Bluff (Cherry/Ocean) from 1:30 until sunset. Learn more here.
Eden Beach: A Party for Queer Women – August 5
Eden Entertainment Group, a brand dedicated to advancing female representation in the music industry, is hosting a party at Beach Garden Social House for queer women and friends from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. The event will feature a stellar lineup of queer female DJs, GoGo dancers, performers, and more. This event is for individuals 21 and over, tickets can be purchased here.
Pride Run – August 6
The Shoreline Frontrunners of Long Beach are hosting the 31st annual Pride Run this Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. along Bixby Park. Pride Run serves as a fundraiser supporting local LGBTQ charities, with beneficiaries including the CARE Project, The Center in Long Beach, and The Aids Food Store. This year, they are introducing the 200ft dash Pride sKIDaddle, a special race for kids before the main race! Learn more here.
Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles at Hotel Maya – August 6
Hotel Maya is hosting a special Pride brunch on Sunday, August 6, following the Long Beach Pride Parade, featuring the world’s first LGBTQ mariachi band, “Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles.” This unique ensemble was formed to provide a safe space for LGBTQ mariachi musicians to perform traditional Mexican regional music, countering the discrimination prevalent in the mariachi world. Savor Fuego’s fantastic margaritas while being serenaded by the band and enjoying a beautiful waterfront ambiance. Learn more here.
Pride Parade – August 6
The Long Beach Pride Parade, one of Long Beach’s most cherished Pride events, is celebrating its 40th celebration filled with colorful floats, marching bands, and a diverse array of community groups. The festivities begin at the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Lindero Avenue at 10:3o a.m. and will culminate near Alamitos Avenue. It is a time-honored tradition that brings together people of all backgrounds to revel in the spirit of acceptance and unity. The Long Beach Pride Parade is free for all to attend. Learn more here.
