LB Proud! Fest

The LB Proud! Fest will make its debut on May 19-21 with a trio of free, family-friendly events happening at various locations in the city.

“We’re celebrating our local queer community. We’re highlighting local talent, local vendors and it’s all right in the heart of what I like to call our ‘gayborhood,’” said Sal Flores, founder of the new festival. This event is meant to be a more locally-focused neighborhood event as opposed to the much larger Long Beach Pride parade and festival.

Long Beach Pride was traditionally held in May, and after taking place in July last year, it was moved again in 2023 to Aug. 5-6. To help fill that gap, this new event was created. The LB Proud! Fest is also a bit easier on the wallet since all of the events are free.

Schedule

Friday, May 19: Night Out

The festival kicks off with a night market from 5-10 p.m. along the Broadway corridor between Orange and Junipero. People are encouraged to shop at the local gay-owned businesses offering specials. People can also expect drag shows and other performances.

Saturday, May 20: LB Proud! Fest

The main event of the festival will be held from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and will be done in partnership with the city-wide Beach Streets Festival, which is taking part around downtown Long Beach the same day.

The LB Proud! Fest takes place at Bixby Park (located at 130 Cherry Ave.) and surrounding streets. The festival will include three stages of live music with performances by a dozen artists. There will also be a bike parade, beer gardens and various food vendors.

Sunday, May 21: Beach Takeover

The festivities end with the Big Gay Beach Takeover party from noon-6 p.m. near the Lifeguard Tower at 11th Place and Ocean Boulevard. This is an ongoing event that is now part of the LB Proud! Fest where DJs will be spinning tunes right on the sand. There will also be lounge areas, food trucks, art displays and games.

Every year with the help of our community, Long Beach Proud! Fest will choose a project to help improve the neighborhood. The project can be anything from tree planting, minor park repairs, neighborhood clean-ups, activations and more.

We believe that by helping our neighborhoods and activating our neighborhoods  creates a more vibrant, diverse and safe community; a community that takes pride on their streets, their shops and overall community. 

You can help by purchasing our LB Proud! Supporter Wristband.

This year, thanks to Vice Mayor Cindy Allen and the City of Long Beach, we will be planting new trees along the Broadway corridor. 

Purchase a Wrist Band Here