Discover everything about LA Pride 2025: Legacy of Celebration, Community, and Progress

LA Pride isn't just an event; it's a vibrant tapestry woven with decades of history, struggle, and triumph. As one of the world's largest and most significant LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations, it draws hundreds of thousands to Los Angeles each year, offering a powerful testament to the community's resilience and joy. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about LA Pride, from its groundbreaking origins to the exciting events planned for 2025, and where to keep the celebration going after the parade.

For those looking to connect with other LGBTQ individuals or discover more queer events throughout the festivities, apps like Lex can be a great social app to enhance your LA Pride experience.

LGBTQ History and Background of LA Pride

At its heart, LA Pride, formally known as the LA Pride Festival & Parade, is an annual LGBTQ+ Pride celebration in the heart of Los Angeles, California. Produced by the Christopher Street West Association (CSW), it stands as a beacon of self-expression, diversity, equity, and inclusion for the Greater Los Angeles LGBTQ+ community.

Its roots run deep, intertwined with the very genesis of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The pivotal Stonewall Riots of 1969 ignited a spark that resonated across the nation. In their wake, the Christopher Street West Association (CSW) was founded in 1970 by visionary co-founders Rev. Troy Perry, Rev. Bob Humphries, and Morris Kight. Their bold mission: to organize a gay parade in Los Angeles to commemorate these revolutionary events.

Against a backdrop of societal prejudice and initial resistance from the Los Angeles Police Department, history was made on June 28, 1970. Approximately 2,000 brave individuals gathered in Los Angeles, marching north on McCadden Place, turning east onto Hollywood Blvd, and proceeding to Vine Street. This momentous "Gay Pride Parade" wasn't just a march; it was the first permitted gay parade in the world, setting a precedent for future Pride celebrations globally.

Over the years, the celebration evolved. A festival was added in 1974, expanding the scope of the festivities. In 1979, seeking a more welcoming environment, both the parade and festival relocated to the unincorporated area around Santa Monica Blvd, a move that foreshadowed its eventual home in the City of West Hollywood, incorporated in 1984. Today, CSW continues its vital mission: "to create safe and inclusive spaces of self-expression, celebration, and diversity/equity/inclusion for the LGBTQ+ community of Greater Los Angeles."

When is LA Pride

LA Pride traditionally lights up Los Angeles during the second Pride Weekend of June, a perfect time for the LGBTQ community and its allies to embrace the spirit of summer and celebration.

For LA Pride 2025, mark your calendars for Sunday, June 8, 2025.

What time is the LA Pride Parade

The magnificent 55th Annual LA Pride Parade is set to step off promptly at 11:00 AM sharp on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

The Los Angeles Pride parade, a central and deeply symbolic event for the LGBTQ community during pride weekend, will weave its way down Hollywood Boulevard, between and including Highland and Cahuenga. This iconic procession, a powerful continuation of LGBTQ history in the city, transforms this famous street into a vibrant spectacle of floats, performers, community groups, and proud marchers, serving as a highlight of the broader Los Angeles Pride celebrations that also encompass areas like West Hollywood Park. For the best viewing experience, position yourself along the middle of Hollywood Blvd or on Highland, directly opposite the ABC7 broadcast area. Can't make it in person? No worries! The parade will be broadcast live on ABC7 and streamed on Hulu from 11 AM to 1 PM, allowing you to catch every moment from anywhere.

The 2025 parade will also feature an inspiring lineup of Grand Marshals:

- Vanguard Grand Marshals: Niecy Nash and Jessica Betts
- Celebrity Grand Marshal: Andrew Rannells
- Community Grand Marshals: TrinoxAdam (Trino Garcia & Adam Vasquez)

What is the theme of LA Pride 2025

The 2025 LA Pride Parade theme is a powerful and resonant declaration: "PRIDE MARCHES ON." This theme encapsulates "the energy of a city that never stops, the rhythm of a culture that refuses to be silenced, and the strength of a community that shows up - every single day." It's a reminder of the continuous journey towards equality and the unwavering spirit of the LGBTQ+ community.

LA Pride 2025 Events

Beyond the iconic parade, LA Pride offers a diverse array of events throughout June, creating a month-long celebration across the city and beyond:

- 55th Annual LA Pride Parade: The main event, taking place on Sunday, June 8, 2025, on Hollywood Boulevard. Check for more parade details.

- LA Pride Village: Immediately following the parade on Sunday, June 8, 2025, this free street festival will be located adjacent to the Parade route on Hollywood Boulevard between Argyle and Bronson. It's a vibrant hub featuring a music stage, a community stage, bars, engaging sponsor activations, a diverse array of vendors, and delicious food trucks. More information of LA Pride Village.

- Pride Night at Sparks: Kick off the Pride month on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena, where a special night of basketball and community awaits. A generous $5 from every ticket sold will be donated to LA Pride. You can buy tickets here.

- Catalina Island Pride: Get a head start on the festivities with this "pre-game" for LA Pride on June 6 & 7, 2025, in Avalon, Catalina Island. Enjoy a weekend of island magic, live music, a spirited Pride Walk, a charming Dinghy Parade, and more.

- LA Pride x Angel City Pride Night! While specific details for 2025 are still to be confirmed, this event typically involves a themed game with Angel City FC, celebrating Pride on the soccer field. You can buy tickets here to show your unwavering support.

Additional Community Pride Events in Los Angeles

- WeHo Pride: A multi-day celebration from May 22 – June 30, 2025, featuring the popular OUTLOUD Music Festival at WeHo Pride, a powerful Dyke March, the Women's Freedom Festival, the WeHoPride Street Fair, and the WeHo Pride Parade on June 1, 2025.

- PRIDE at the Park: Various locations throughout June will host community-focused Pride events.

- Pride Family Festival @ The Wallis: A family-friendly celebration on June 7.

- Queer Family Picnic in the Park: A joyful gathering on June 7.

- Drag Story Hour Saturdays at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: Enjoy enchanting storytelling on June 7, 14, 21, and 28.

- Frogtown Pride: Celebrate in the vibrant Frogtown neighborhood on June 6.

- Hermosa Beach Pride Festival: A beachside celebration from June 11-15.

- Family PRIDE at Annenberg Community Beach House: A fun-filled event for families on June 13.

- Pride Night at the Aquarium of the Pacific: Celebrate surrounded by marine life on June 13.

- SaMo Pride: Running throughout June with events like Pride Disco and Kid Zone at Santa Monica Place, Fabulous Fables at Santa Monica Pier, and Pride on the Promenade.

- SFV Pride Festival: Includes a march and festival at the Van Nuys Civic Center.

Recommended Gay Bars or Clubs to Visit After LA Pride

After a day of marching, dancing, and celebrating, Los Angeles offers a spectacular array of LGBTQ+ friendly bars and clubs where you can continue the festivities. The vibrant neighborhoods of West Hollywood (WeHo) and Silver Lake are particularly renowned for their welcoming and lively nightlife.

West Hollywood (WeHo)

The heart of LA's gay scene, WeHo boasts an impressive concentration of iconic venues.

- The Abbey Food & Bar: Often hailed as one of the world's best gay bars, The Abbey is a must-visit for its energetic atmosphere, creative cocktails, and dazzling drag shows.

- Micky's WeHo: A long-standing staple on Santa Monica Boulevard, Micky's is known for its open-walled design, high-energy dance floor, and popular themed nights.

- Rocco's WeHo: Blending an upscale sports bar vibe with vibrant LGBTQ+ culture, Rocco's features energetic events, delicious food, and popular themed nights.

>>Check for more queer nightlife spots in LA

Silver Lake

Known for its more laid-back, alternative, and often hipster-friendly queer scene.

- Akbar: A retro-style lounge that serves as a popular gay alternative and hipster hangout, offering a unique and cool vibe.
- Eagle LA: A longstanding institution celebrating counterculture, The Eagle LA caters to the leather and BDSM community, providing a unique space for diverse expressions of queer identity.
- The Ruby Fruit: A welcoming and inclusive space that fosters community, regularly hosting queer co-working afternoons and events.

>>Check for more queer nightlife spots in LA

Downtown LA

- Precinct: A downtown staple queer bar, known for its good music, busy dance floor, and energetic atmosphere.

- New Jalisco Bar: A popular and vibrant watering hole for LA's LGBTQ+ Latinx community, offering lively music and a welcoming environment.

>>Check for more queer nightlife spots in LA

Other LA Neighborhoods

- Redz Angelz (Long Beach): A hidden gem in Long Beach with good music and a welcoming outdoor patio.
- The Silver Fox (Long Beach): Known for its Art Deco style and energetic go-go dancers on weekends.
- The Boulevard Bar (Pasadena): A long-standing queer institution in Pasadena, offering a comfortable and friendly local spot.

>>Check for more queer nightlife spots in LA

Continuing the Celebration: The Enduring Spirit of LA Pride

As Pride Month unfolds across Los Angeles, LA Pride stands as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of the LGBTQ community. From its humble beginnings to the grand spectacle it is today, the celebration transforms Santa Monica Boulevard and surrounding areas into a vibrant hub of joy and advocacy. The culmination of Pride Week often sees West Hollywood Park bustling with activity, complemented by a lively street fair that embodies the inclusive and diverse heart of this incredible city. Whether you're marching in the parade, enjoying the festivities, or continuing the celebration at one of LA's many welcoming venues, LA Pride is a vital experience, reminding us that Pride Marches On—a beacon of visibility, acceptance, and progress for all.

Whether you're looking for a high-energy dance floor, a relaxed cocktail lounge, or a community-focused gathering, Los Angeles offers a myriad of options to extend your LA Pride celebration and connect with the vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Join the celebration, embrace the history, and let your pride shine!

Find your perfect plans on Lex

There’s always something queer happening on Lex. Download Lex and filter your feed by Events to see every pride events happening in your area. Nothing speaking to you? Take charge and make your own! Create an Event and get friends (read some tips on finding new queer friends) together to check out a queer bar in your city. Queer cuties in your neighborhood are right at your fingertips - go meet them!

Looking for something a little less nightlife-related? We’ve got tips for sober activities, too. And check out our other city guides for queers.

Download Lex to find queer community near you.