42nd Annual Waterfront Festival Draws Thousands for a Weekend of Performances
Long Beach Pride™ 2025 brought the theme “The Power of Community” to life with a weekend of celebration, connection, and visibility. Held May 17–18, the 42nd Annual Long Beach Pride™ Festival welcomed thousands of attendees to the waterfront, transforming the city into a vibrant hub of LGBTQ+ pride and unity.
As one of the longest-running Pride celebrations in the country, Long Beach Pride™ continues to honor LGBTQ+ history while paving the way for future generations.
Festivalgoers experienced two full days of dynamic performances, immersive art, and cultural programming across multiple stages and zones. Highlights included show-stopping sets from HYM the Rapper, Tori Kay, and a nostalgic tribute by George Michael Reborn, plus the crowd-favorite Drag Show Extravaganza and the return of MegaWoof and The Galactivators.
This year’s Pride Parade on Sunday lit up Ocean Boulevard with dazzling floats, community groups, and an inspiring roster of Grand Marshals, including local leaders, youth advocates, and media partners NBC4 and Telemundo 52, who returned as official media sponsors for a third year.
“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.
Festival zones like Teen Pride, TransVisibility, Queer Country, Family Fun Zone and the Health Hub reinforced Long Beach Pride’s commitment to inclusion, wellness, and advocacy. Vendors, nonprofits, and local artists added to the rich experience across the festival grounds.
Long Beach Pride has celebrated another great year of community and love, giving hope and strength to all who came to the festival. Long live Pride.
