Despite the abrupt and unexpected cancellation of Long Beach’s annual Pride Festival, the city’s Pride Parade charged ahead on Sunday with unyielding spirit.
The parade unfolded along Ocean Blvd, commencing at 10 a.m. as originally planned, embracing this year’s theme, “Fearless and Free.” This theme celebrated resilience, individuality, and equality, even in the face of adversity. The 43rd annual Long Beach Pride Festival was called off last Friday due to incomplete paperwork and inspection issues, but that didn’t stop the community from celebrating.
In a swift and creative response, city leaders turned Bixby Park into an impromptu festival venue, offering live music and a complimentary drag show by the Jewels of Long Beach. The event filled the park with vibrant energy and kept the Pride spirit alive from noon until evening.
Among those marching in Sunday’s parade was Xavier Becerra, who is currently running for Governor of California. Becerra, who has a strong record of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, shared his thoughts on social media, stating, “As Attorney General, I fought to protect LGBTQ+ Californians from discrimination and attacks on trans youth and families … And as Governor, I’ll keep standing up for equality, dignity, and the freedom for everyone to live openly and with pride.”
To accommodate the influx of visitors, Long Beach officials arranged additional transit options to link downtown with Bixby Park. They also urged attendees to support local bars, restaurants, and businesses, helping to bolster the local economy during the festivities.
The festival, which usually spans three days, tends to attract up to 80,000 participants, underscoring its significance and the community’s dedication to celebrating Pride, even when faced with unexpected hurdles.
âWe are especially excited for the Long Beach Pride Parade,â city officials said. âThis cherished tradition brings joy to residents and visitors alike.â
Since 2024, the city has taken the reins of the parade from the volunteer-run Long Beach Pride group, which continues to oversee the festival and now faces growing scrutiny following the dramatic permit debacle.
Officials recounted working late into Friday night and through the early hours of Saturday, racing against the clock to secure new venues after permit deadlines passed.
âAlthough the timeframe had passed to issue permits for the festival as it was originally envisioned,â the city said, efforts continued to help organizers host âa meaningful community gathering.â
Organizers say they’ll be back with a full festival next year.
