Thousands celebrate LGBTQ+ joy, visibility, and unity at the 42nd annual Long Beach Pride™ Festival.
Long Beach Pride 2025 lit up the waterfront with color, rhythm, and pure queer joy, as the 42nd annual festival welcomed thousands to a weekend celebration of visibility, resilience, and community.
Held May 17–18 under the fitting theme “The Power of Community,” this year’s festival transformed downtown Long Beach into a vibrant, inclusive playground for all ages and identities.
A Weekend of Art, Music, and Magic
The two-day festival featured a full slate of entertainment across multiple stages and themed zones. From breakout performances by HYM the Rapper and Tori Kay to a nostalgic singalong courtesy of George Michael Reborn, the music was as diverse as the crowd. A fan favorite, the Drag Show Extravaganza brought high glam and higher heels, while MegaWoof and The Galactivators turned up the heat with infectious energy and spectacle.
Festival zones catered to every corner of the LGBTQ+ community, including spaces like Teen Pride, TransVisibility, Queer Country, and the ever-popular Family Fun Zone. The Health Hub emphasized wellness and access, showcasing Long Beach Pride’s commitment to holistic care for its community.
Parade Power on Ocean Boulevard
On Sunday, the Long Beach Pride Parade marched triumphantly down Ocean Boulevard, drawing thousands of onlookers to cheer on colorful floats, bold costumes, and inspiring Grand Marshals. Local leaders, youth advocates, and media partners NBC4 and Telemundo 52—returning for a third year—were honored for their continued support and allyship.
“This year, we witnessed the incredible power of visibility, love, and shared joy,” said Interim Long Beach Pride™ President Elsa Martinez. “The energy, diversity, and spirit of this community made Long Beach Pride 2025 one for the history books.”
History in the Making
Long Beach Pride, one of the longest-running Pride festivals in the country, continues to honor LGBTQ+ heritage while embracing the future. With a focus on inclusivity, health, advocacy, and joy, 2025’s celebration underscored how Pride is more than a party—it’s a powerful reminder of the strength found in community.
As the glitter settles and Ocean Boulevard returns to its usual pace, one thing is clear: the heart of Long Beach beats louder and prouder than ever.
