Being proud is a lifelong affair, but this month is cause to paint the town rainbow and celebrate inclusivity, diversity, self-expression and love while recognizing the profound impact of the LGBTQI+ community on our world. June became Pride Month to commemorate the Stonewall Riots in New York that took place on June 8, 1969. A year later, Los Angeles held the first permitted Gay Pride Parade in the world. Multiple marches advocating for gay rights happened simultaneously across the nation, but none were legal parades at the time.
What’s now known as LA Pride Parade & Festival grew from 50,000 to over 400,000 proud revelers. While the major festivities may have been called off last year, the season is set to be a colorful month of in-person events and dazzling displays. So gather your crew and head to these fabulous happening across the city!
1. Cinespia & LA Pride Movie Extravaganza
The incredibly popular outdoor movie pop-up Cinespia will partner with LA Pride for an LGBTQIA+ Pride Movie Night at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and LA State Historic Park. Dress to express, pack a party picnic, strike a pose and catch iconic films in a gorgeous setting. There’ll be an exciting lineup of films including The Wizard of Oz in honor of Judy Garland’s 100th Birthday. Find out more here.
2. “Miles Of Pride” in SaMo
From June 1, the City of Santa Monica will be lighting up the night sky with a rainbow of color and a range of exciting events scattered throughout Pride Month. This vibrant “Miles of Pirde” installation will up on Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place with an extension carried through to key landmarks like City Hall. Find all the details here.
3. Santa Monica City Hall Light Up
Santa Monica City Hall will light up in Celebration of Pride Month throughout June. You can catch the building with a beautiful rainbow glow every evening from 7 pm to 11:30 pm.
5. UCLA Royce Hall
UCLA’s beautiful building is getting a technicolor makeover for the month of June. You can catch the displays nightly and check out their inspiring resources and activities organized through the university’s LGBTQ society here.
6. Officially Out Loud In WeHo
West Hollywood will be hosting its very own Pride with world-class acts, a festive street fair and a music festival. From June 3 to June 5 you can catch stars like Lil Kim and Jessie J at WeHo’s Officially Out Loud festival. Find out more here.
7. LA Pride In The Park
After its covid-induced hiatus, the beloved Pride In The Park is back and bolder than ever. This festive event will be taking place on June 11th at the Los Angeles State Historic Park with music, DJs, food, exhibitions, special guests and performances that include Anitta, Syd, Chika, Michaela Jaé, and even headlined by the queen herself, Christina Aguilera. Get all the details here.