Undeterred by the sudden last-minute cancellation of the city’s annual Pride Festival, Long Beach’s Pride Parade moved forward on Sunday.
The event marched along Ocean Blvd — kicking off at 10 a.m. as planned under this year’s theme of “Courage and Freedom,” a celebration of resilience, authenticity and equality — despite city officials shutting down the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride Festival on Friday due to missing paperwork and inspection failures.
In response, city leaders jumped into action, transforming Bixby Park into a vibrant event with live music and a free Jewels of Long Beach raffle show to keep the Pride spirit alive from noon until evening.
Xavier Becerra, who is currently campaigning to become the next governor of California, marched in a parade on Sunday. “As Attorney General, I fought to protect California’s LGBTQ+ community from discrimination and attacks on transgender youth and families…and as Governor, I will continue to stand up for equality, dignity, and the freedom for everyone to live openly and proudly,” he posted on X’s website.
“To accommodate those coming into the city,” Long Beach has added additional transportation options connecting downtown to Bixby Park while also encouraging visitors to support local bars, restaurants and businesses, officials said.
The three-day festival attracts up to 80,000 attendees.
“We are especially excited about the Long Beach Pride Parade,” city officials said. “This cherished tradition brings joy to residents and visitors alike.”
Since 2024, the city has taken over the reins of the parade from the volunteer-run group Long Beach Pride, which continues to oversee the festival and now faces increased scrutiny in the wake of the dramatic permit debacle.
Officials said they worked late Friday night until the early hours of Saturday, racing against time to secure new locations after deadlines for obtaining permits had passed.
“Although the timeframe for issuing festival permits has passed as originally envisioned,” the city said, efforts continue to help organizers host a “meaningful community gathering.”
Meanwhile, political figures, including Xavier Becerra, joined the parade festivities on Sunday, with the gubernatorial candidate posting photos on X While paying tribute to the “strength, joy and resilience” of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Great march in the Long Beach Pride Parade with Mayor Rex Richardson,” Becerra wrote, adding:
“As Attorney General, I fought to protect California’s LGBTQ+ community from discrimination and attacks on transgender youth and families. As Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, I was proud to become the first Secretary of Health to raise the Pride flag, right here in Long Beach, in recognition of the community’s enduring fight for visibility, equality, and respect.”
Even with the festival’s sudden shutdown, Long Beach’s famous Pride Parade continued, proving that the city’s celebration can’t be stopped.