Long Beach Cancels Pride Festival, Parade Proceeds This Sunday

Overview of the Long Beach Pride Events

The City of Long Beach is set to host its annual Pride Parade on Sunday, but many of the planned events for the weekend have been affected. The Long Beach Pride Festival at Marina Green Park has been canceled due to safety permitting issues. According to the city, the festival could not take place this year because the necessary information to safely permit the event was not provided by the organizers.

The festival, which runs independently from the city, was scheduled to begin today at 5 p.m., but the city made the decision just half an hour before, at 4:30 p.m., when the required documentation was still not submitted. This last-minute cancellation caused a disruption in the plans for attendees.

Details of the Cancellation

According to the official city news release, the Long Beach Pride Festival "Will not be able to take place this year as sufficient information to safely permit the event has not been made available by the event organizers." The event requires detailed operational, construction, and public safety plans to ensure compliance with safety standards.

The city stated that it did not receive the necessary documentation needed to complete safety reviews, inspect critical event infrastructure such as the stage, electrical systems, and tent, and review emergency exiting plans. Without this information, the city could not issue the required permits for the event.

Despite the cancellation of the festival, the Pride Parade will proceed as scheduled on Sunday, May 17, starting at 10 a.m. With 141 entries, this is the most ever for the parade, according to the city.

Reactions and Responses

Long Beach Pride issued a statement expressing disappointment over the city's decision to cancel the festival. They described the event as a long-standing community institution that has stood for more than four decades as a symbol of visibility, resilience, belonging, and equality. The organization called on the city, Mayor Rex Richardson, the City Council, and public safety partners to engage in good faith to find a responsible path forward that preserves the festival, protects public safety, and honors the community.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents the area, also expressed disappointment about the cancellation. She encouraged people to still come out and celebrate the weekend, attend performances relocated to the Terrace Theater, and support local businesses in Long Beach.

Additional Events and Adjustments

On Saturday, with thousands of people still flocking to Long Beach to celebrate the festivities, city officials shared an updated statement. The full statement can be read below:

"The City of Long Beach remains committed to supporting a safe, joyful and inclusive Pride Weekend for our entire community. There are so many opportunities to celebrate in Long Beach. The City and dozens of organizations, businesses and community partners are hosting Pride-themed events, gatherings, performances and family-friendly activities."

The city emphasized that while the festival was canceled, there are still many ways to celebrate during Pride Weekend. A list of events can be found at VisitLongBeach.com.

Efforts to Support the Community

City leadership and the Convention Center met with Long Beach Pride to offer two solutions: use of the Long Beach Terrace Theater and plaza to accommodate up to 3,000 people or use of the Bixby Park bandshell. Although these options could not be fenced off and alcohol could not be sold, tickets could have been sold at the Terrace Theater, with sponsor booths on the outside. Mayor Rex Richardson offered to privately fundraise up to $50,000 to support either event. However, Long Beach Pride chose not to accept these options.

The city has also added 11 additional Circuit microtransit vehicles, activated additional Long Beach Transit buses, and set out additional restroom facilities on Broadway to support increased traffic in the area. Additionally, the city has opened a permit operation this weekend to support bars and restaurants with questions on what else they can do to accommodate visitors.

Celebrating the Pride Parade

The Long Beach Pride Parade, taking place on Sunday at 10 a.m., is a cherished tradition that brings joy to residents and visitors alike. In 2024, when Long Beach Pride could no longer support the parade, the city stepped in to assume the financial and operational responsibility for the event. What was originally intended as a one-time commitment to support the organization as it reorganized has now continued for a third consecutive year, with the city funding and producing the parade.

Over the past couple of days, there has been a lot of positivity on social media about the parade and the many events taking place this weekend. The city looks forward to celebrating Pride together and honoring Long Beach's vibrant LGBTQ+ community, an important part of the city's identity, culture, and overall fabulousness.

Additional Activities

The city has also activated the bandshell at Bixby Park (130 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802) on Sunday, May 17, from noon to 7 p.m., with live music and a free drag show hosted by Jewels of Long Beach. Information regarding the free event at Bixby Park as well as the additional transit options can be found at VisitLongBeach.com.