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Long Beach Pride kicks off this weekend with two days of celebration, featuring the 43rd annual parade on Sunday, May 17. The third-largest Pride festival in California brings legendary performers, community gatherings, and thousands of participants to Marina Green Park.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Festival Dates: Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17, 2026, 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Parade Time: Sunday, May 17 at 10:00 AM, running along Ocean Boulevard to 2:00 PM
- Location: Marina Green Park, Long Beach, CA, with parade route from Redondo to Lindero Avenue
- Theme: “Fearless and Free” celebrating resilience, inclusivity, and community pride
Saturday Night Headliners Take Center Stage
Saturday kicks off with DJ Retrocub starting at 12:00 PM, setting the energy throughout the afternoon. The Opening Ceremony begins at 6:30 PM, leading into legendary performances from Thelma Houston, a disco icon, plus Robin S and Thea Austin. Jewels of Long Beach and the Dolls celebrate local drag excellence with community pride performances.
The Founder’s Stage brings pop, hip-hop, and Latin talent throughout the evening. Samba LA brings vibrant cultural energy at 6:55 PM, followed by live performances celebrating movement, music, and the LGBTQ+ spirit until 9:45 PM.
Long Beach Pride kicks off this weekend in California with parade and festival
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Sunday Celebrates Ballroom Culture and Community
Sunday continues the celebration with DJ Les Ortiz starting at 12:00 PM, introducing afternoon and evening performances. The Long Beach Pride Kiki Ball 2026 takes place from 2:20 PM to 4:20 PM, showcasing ballroom fashion, fierce competition, and creative expression. Brenda Guzman, Maribel Guardia, and Ninel Conde headline Sunday evening with live performances running until 9:45 PM.
DJ Angie V keeps the energy going with a two-hour set from 6:00 PM, while performers like XBValentine and LA Bamby deliver bold performances throughout the night. This weekend promises non-stop celebration, music, and community connection.
The Historic Parade Marches Sunday Morning
The 43rd annual parade steps off Sunday at 10:00 AM along Ocean Boulevard, spanning from Redondo to Lindero Avenue in downtown Long Beach. The parade route includes side streets on both north and south sides, with street closures beginning at 6:00 AM and continuing through 2:00 PM.
Colorful floats, marching groups, and performers showcase the LGBTQ+ community’s pride alongside local organizations and allies. Distinguished Grand Marshals lead the procession, making this one of California’s most iconic Pride celebrations. Admission is free for spectators lining the route, welcoming families and supporters from throughout the region.
Festival Location and Access Information
| Detail | Information |
| Venue | Marina Green Park, Long Beach, CA 90803 |
| Festival Hours | Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM |
| Parade Start | Sunday, May 17 at 10:00 AM |
| Parking | Convention Center ($25), Marina Green ($25), Pike Parking Garage available |
| Admission | Parade free, festival tickets available online |
“In response to a rising climate of hate and rhetoric, ‘Fearless and Free’ serves as a call to action for a community that has often been forced into the shadows. This year’s theme honors centuries-long history of resilience, reminding the world that standing fearlessly in love is the ultimate path to freedom.”
— Long Beach Pride, Organizational Statement
Why This Weekend Matters for California’s LGBTQ+ Community
Long Beach Pride stands as the third-largest Pride celebration in California, drawing thousands of participants, supporters, and allies. The 43rd annual celebration follows a tradition spanning decades of visibility, resilience, and community building. This year’s “Fearless and Free” theme directly addresses the current climate, emphasizing solidarity and celebration.
The festival produces over 50 official and community events throughout Pride week, creating inclusive spaces for all. From Kiki Ball ballroom culture to legendary performances by Grammy winners, this weekend celebrates diversity in all its forms. Whether attending the parade, dancing at the festival, or participating in community moments, Long Beach Pride invites everyone to stand fearlessly alongside the LGBTQ+ community.
Will You Join Long Beach Pride This Weekend?
Whether you are a longtime Pride attendee or experiencing Long Beach Pride for the first time, this weekend offers something for everyone. Saturday brings legendary performers and opening ceremony energy, while Sunday delivers ballroom culture, community celebration, and the historic parade. Parking is available throughout downtown, festival tickets can be purchased online, and the parade remains free to watch.
Make plans now to celebrate with thousands of community members and allies. Marina Green Park becomes the heart of LGBTQ+ celebration, visibility, and love this weekend, with performances running late into the evening both nights. Stand fearlessly and freely with Long Beach Pride, May 16 to 17, 2026.
Sources
- Long Beach Pride – Official festival website with complete schedule, performers, and event details
- City of Long Beach – Official parade route, street closures, and logistical information
- Visit Long Beach – Tourism and visitor guide for Pride weekend activities and accommodations
