What goes down at Los Angeles Pride
We travel the world to participate in global LGBTQ celebrations and Los Angeles Pride was one of our favorite.
LA Pride is Southern California’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration, which sees a massive annual parade and a 2 day Festival take place in the infamous area of West Hollywood.
West Hollywood is transformed into a party zone during the three days of the Pride festival. The bars in WeHo will charge a $10 cover for entrance, useful to know should you need to use the restroom.
Alternative toilets available can be found at West Hollywood Starbucks or the CVS on Santa Monica Boulevard (where you can also purchase alcohol!)
The police were very lax on the days of the festival, you can take your own drink to LA pride, but not into West Hollywood park, you will be searched for alcohol and any other liquids. Drinking is normally forbidden on the streets of California but everybody did it on the day of the parade!
Here’s some useful information on Los Angeles Pride:
When is LA pride?
We are told by the official LA Pride team that Los Angeles Pride is held on the second weekend of June.
There will be events during the week prior that build up to the main festival which is held on Friday to Sunday at West Hollywood Park in the heart of WeHo.
The LA Pride Parade
Los Angeles Pride parade is one of the best we’ve ever seen. It is the largest LGBTQ celebration in Southern California.
Hundreds of thousands of revelers gather to watch the parade as it takes a three mile journey from the Hollywood and Highland complex and along La Brea to Santa Monica Boulevard, finishing at West Hollywood Park entrance on San Vicente Boulevard.
Congressmen and other government officials show their face in the parade as well as an array of surprise celebrity appearances.
We even met rainbow Jesus!
West Hollywood’s LGBTQ bars show up in style with their own floats.
LA Pride Parade Route
The LA pride parade route starts at the Hollywood and Highland complex travelling along La Brea to Santa Monica Boulevard via Sunset.
The Los Angeles Pride Parade finishes at the West Hollywood Park entrance on San Vicente Boulevard.
What happens at the Parade?
The LA Pride Parade is completely free and is held on the Saturday afternoon. Gather along the route to enjoy the wonderful sight of thousands of participants who show up every year to show their support for the LGBTQ community.
You can expect to see the likes of Facebook, Apple and Universal Studios participate. Stand close to the action and enjoy the distribution of colorful freebies as the parade passes by.
We were literally covered in stickers, sunglasses and jewelry throughout the day.
Disney arrive in style every single year!
.. as expected!
As do Universal Studios!
And some unwelcomed visitors tend to show up every year, a small amount of anti-gay protesters.
It’s easy to respond to groups like this with a simple dose of positivity.
Including a great big kiss right in front of them.
Enjoy the celebratory atmosphere on Santa Monica Boulevard where most people gather to spectate.
LA Pride Festival at West Hollywood Park
The official LA Pride festival is a two day ticketed event, costing around $35 for a two-day pass, a very reasonable price for the entertainment you receive in return.
The festival starts on the Friday where the gates of West Hollywood Park are opened and revelers can enjoy a selection of dance tents and stalls at their own free will.
The Friday night is wild with live performances from top DJs and dance acts, check out Crystal Waters and her show below, we had crazy fun as you can see!
A small carnival is erected at West Hollywood Park, as well as memorabilia stalls and awareness tents.
The dance tents boom out bassy music until 11pm.
We had so much fun and made so many new friends in the Latino Carnivale tent. The festival is held over the Friday and Saturday where three stages will host a number of big name acts.
The main acts will be live on the Saturday.
Past performers include, Ke$ha, Brandy, Fifth Harmony and Chromeo.
Other Events
LGBTQ celebrations are held across Los Angeles in the run up to LA pride.
LGBT night at the Dodgers Stadium
A relatively new event to the Los Angeles Pride line up is the LGBT night at the Dodger’s Stadium. The Dodgers baseball team have partnered with LA Pride and together they host the official 2017 LA Pride kickoff party at the Dodger Stadium beginning at 5:30pm-7:10pm in Right Field Plaza.
Credit: http://www.outtraveler.com/destination-guide/los-angeles/2015/06/22/watch-la-crowd-react-gay-kiss-dodgers-lgbt-night
The tickets were completely sold out in 2017 and the schedule of events included:
Due to the success of the event, the LGBT night at the Dodger’s Stadium is expected to continue as part of the schedule of future LA pride events.
Visit the Dodger’s website for more details.
Trans Party
Music, DJ performances and an awards ceremony are all part of the free Trans Party which was held at the South Entrance (San Vicente and Melrose).
The event is completely free to attend and recognizes and supports members and activists of the trans community.
Universal Studios
DANCE, RIDE, BE PROUD, and PARTY at the only gay night at Universal Studios Hollywood!
Universal Studios Hollywood hosts a two day long event known as Pride is Universal. From 9am, ticket holders can enjoy regular access to shows and rides alongside the general public. At 9pm, the park closes it’s doors to the general public and Pride is Universal event ticket holders can remain until 1am. The main rides within the park, such as The Simpsons The Ride, Revenge of the Mummy The Ride, and Transformers The Ride 3D remain open until close.
There is also an exclusive outdoor dance floor known as Club Papi which is open 9pm-1am.
Visit LA pride’s website for more information.
The Staples Center
The Staples Center, home to the LA Lakers, host an annual LGBT Pride Night in the build up to the festival. In 2017, it was held on Tuesday 6th June.
The reigning WNBA Champion, Los Angeles Sparks hosted the night from 6:30pm.
After the basketball event, the Staples Center held a 21+ post-game women’s party at the City View rooftop from 9:00pm-1:00am immediately following the game.
For more information, visit the Staple’s Center official site here.