Long Beach is getting a new festival this month that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community.
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.
Flores said the new event is meant to be a more locally-focused neighborhood event as opposed to the much larger Long Beach Pride parade and festival, which attracts thousands of people from all over to the area.
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, Flores said this new event was created. The LB Proud! Fest is also a bit easier on the wallet since all of the events are free and some of the other festival events range from $10-$115.
“I believe pride and queer celebrations should be affordable,” Flores said.
Here are the events planned for the inaugural LB Proud Fest!
Friday, May 19: Night Out
Since this is about the locals, the festival kicks off with a night market from 5-10 p.m. along the Broadway corridor between Orange and Junipero avenues, where patrons are encouraged to shop at the local queer-owned businesses offering specials. People can also expect drag shows and other performances.
“It’ll be like one of those First Fridays events, and we just want people to come and support our businesses along the corridor,” Flores said.
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.
“We’re going to be the biggest hub for Beach Streets,” Flores said.
The LB Proud! Fest takes place at Bixby Park…
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