The 42nd annual Long Beach Pride Parade and Festival, the city’s popular and iconic LGBTQ+ celebration, is set to take place this weekend. This will be the second consecutive year that the city has taken over the organization of the cherished Pride parade along Ocean Boulevard, which will take place Sunday morning, May 18. But the festival, on Saturday and Sunday, will, as usual, be hosted by the nonprofit Long Beach Pride, which has promised a weekend of music, entertainment, and championing diversity and inclusion. The two-day event attracts thousands of attendees each year to Long Beach’s downtown waterfront. It is the first major Pride event of the season, the nonprofit said, ready to kick off a summer of love, unity, and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s theme for the Pride celebration, according to the nonprofit, is “The Power of Community,” reflecting the strength, diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community in Long Beach and beyond. Over the past several years, there has been an increase in anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and legislation in the United States. In 2025, anti-trans legislation continues to be introduced across the country, with 48 bills passed so far. Last year, an unprecedented 88 bills were introduced at the federal level across various categories, such as health care, student athletics, the military, incarceration and education. Long Beach, meanwhile, has declared itself a safe place for members of the transgender and LGBTQ+ community . The city, in fact, will serve as the official host for this year’s Pride parade — as it did in 2024 — ensuring the longstanding event continues. Last year, the nonprofit requested financial help from the city to put on the event as it worked to restructure and bounce back from several challenges. Long Beach, along with the Port of Long Beach and Council District Two, are co-sponsors for this year’s parade. “The Long Beach Pride Parade is more than just a celebration – it’s a cherished tradition that reflects the heart and soul of our city,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “It’s a vibrant expression of love, acceptance and unity, reminding us of the power of living authentically and standing together. Join us as we honor and uplift our LGBTQ+ community, celebrate the rich diversity that defines Long Beach, and continue building a more inclusive and compassionate future for all.” The parade will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday along Ocean Boulevard. Led by the grand marshals, the Long Beach Pride Parade will feature a variety of participating organizations, businesses and stakeholder groups showcasing vibrant and engaging floats and displays. “The Pride Parade is not just a great community event,” Second District Councilmember Cindy Allen said in a statement. “It’s an important movement at a time in our nation’s history where we are the most vulnerable. “This year’s theme is ‘The Power of Community,’ and Long Beach has always been a leader in supporting LGBTQ+ rights,” Allen added. “Our commitment to our LGBTQ+ community is unwavering, and we will continue being a leader in the fight for equality. It’s a privilege to be able to support this year’s event; I know it means a lot to our residents, businesses and LGBTQ+ communities across the southland.” Allen will be honored for her support of the community as this year’s Morris Kight Political Grand Marshal for the parade. A group of well-known community members will also be recognized as grand marshals this year for their contributions and fundraising efforts for the LGBTQ+ community in Long Beach: the founding members of “ It’s a Drag to Give ,” Debra Kahookele, Josie Quiros, Rocio Rached and Isa Rached, who died on Jan. 2. The parade, which is free and open to the public, will also be featured on NBC Channel 4 and Telemundo, the city said, and audiences can tune in to live coverage of the parade on NBCLA.com , Telemundo52.com , the NBCLA and Telemundo 52 mobile apps or via the stations’ local news streaming channels. While the city leads the planning of the parade, the Long Beach Pride nonprofit remains fully focused on delivering a “dynamic and inclusive” festival experience, officials said. The Pride festival will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the Marina Green Park area. The two-day festival will feature live music by headlining artists and local musicians on three stages, food and drinks, more than 150 arts and craft vendors, DJs and dancing, drag shows, games, and more. Attendees can also explore TransVisibility, which will highlight the transgender community through art, art and culture immersive installations, cultural showcases, and a health hub with free testing, wellness information and community organizations. The nonprofit has not yet announced the headliners for this year’s festival, but there will be music and performances by artists such as Mamboson, a Latinx rock band; Drag Show Extravaganza, featuring America’s most dynamic drag queen from Jewels Productions; and Ballroom Dance-Off, featuring the House of Long Beach.
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