Long Beach Pride is back for its 43rd year this weekend, rolling out Teen Pride on Friday, a two-day festival at Marina Green Park on Saturday and Sunday, and the parade on Sunday morning. The theme, “Fearless and Free,” is meant to answer rising anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric while celebrating the community’s long history of resilience.
Parade Route, Street Closures and Parking
The parade steps off at 10 a.m. this Sunday at Ocean Boulevard and Lindero Avenue, then heads west along Ocean Boulevard to Alamitos Avenue. Expect no parking from 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Ocean Boulevard from Redondo to Atlantic, along with staggered closures on Ocean Boulevard and Shoreline Drive through the morning, so plan for heavy congestion and transit delays. According to the City of Long Beach, those restrictions are in place to keep the route clear and safe for participants.
Festival Schedule and Headliners
The festival runs from noon to 10 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday at Marina Green Park, with multiple stages, vendor blocks and community booths on the grounds. Saturday’s evening lineup wraps with Robin S at 9:05 p.m., and also features Thelma Houston, Thea Austin and local drag performances. Sunday’s schedule includes XBValentine, Brenda Guzman and several DJ sets. Some festival entrances are ticketed, with the site listing $25 entry points at Marina Green and the Convention Center, so organizers advise checking the schedule and ticketing details before you head out, according to Long Beach Pride.
Grand Marshals and City Role
The City and Long Beach Pride have named a slate of grand marshals that includes XBValentine, California Treasurer Fiona Ma, Austin Metoyer and Helena Donato-Sapp, among others. For the third straight year the City of Long Beach is serving as the official host of the parade, and organizers expect more than 100 community groups, businesses and stakeholders to take part. As outlined by the City of Long Beach, the grand marshals reflect performers, civic leaders and youth advocates from across the region.
Teen Pride and Access
Teen Pride lands this Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Marina Green Park, with free admission for teens. A valid school ID is required at the gate for entry. Organizers have designated a drop-off zone on Shoreline Drive and recommend arriving early to lock in parking and avoid spillover from the weekend parade traffic. Per Long Beach Pride, Teen Pride programming includes DJs, drag bingo and community booths tailored for LGBTQ+ youth.
How to Plan Your Visit
The weekend typically draws tens of thousands of visitors, so public transit or rideshare can save time and hassle. The Metro A Line to Downtown Long Beach drops riders within walking distance of the parade route, and getting there early improves your shot at a good parade view and smoother festival entry. For maps, safety information and the full schedule, check the festival guide and event listings, according to Visit Long Beach.
