Here’s Where to Party, Dine and Stay This June in LA
Living in Los Angeles means living in the heart of Pride Month history. The first Pride parade in Los Angeles took place on June 28, 1970, marking a victorious day for the LGBTQIA+ community. More than 50 years later, Pride Month continues to be a source of hope, inspiration and celebration for people all across the city. In addition to the LA Pride Parade, this year’s Pride itinerary is set to include an upbeat festival in WeHo, an LGBTQIA+ night at Dodger Stadium and so much more. We’ve got you covered on what to do, where to go and how to celebrate Pride Month in LA!
What to Do
LA Pride in the Park
Dance the night away with some of Hollywood’s biggest icons at the LA State Historic Park on June 9 and 10. This year, LA Pride in the Park will be headlined by the iconic Mariah Carey and Megan Thee Stallion, so expect great tunes and even better vibes. In addition to the performances, the festival will have endless food and beverage options along with a Trans Galleria that will highlight artwork from local members of the trans community.
The Garland’s Drag Yourself to the Valley
For an electrifying start to LA Pride weekend, head to The Valley for The Garland’s highly anticipated “Drag Yourself to the Valley” event on Thursday, June 1 at 7 p.m.. Proudly hosted by the renowned Pride aficionado, Billy Francesca, this exclusive drag show promises an unforgettable experience. Prepare to be mesmerized by the captivating performances of Drag Race icons Detox and Alyssa Edwards. This dazzling extravaganza is open to the public, inviting everyone to celebrate love, diversity and the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. Don’t miss out on this fabulous celebration of pride and self-expression!
LA Pride Parade
This year, Los Angeles is hosting its 53rd annual LA Pride Parade. The event kicks off on Hollywood Blvd and will feature festive floats, live band performances, dancers and more. Last year, the LA Pride Parade drew more than 145,000 people after making its first return to Hollywood since 1978. Dress to the nines in your favorite rainbow getup and prepare to walk with love as the parade strolls through the city. Whether you’re celebrating your own identity or are going to stand in support as an ally, the LA Pride Parade carries on the legacy of the brave men and women who laid the groundwork for Pride Month.
Disney Pride in Concert | Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles
Celebrate the sound of Pride with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles on June 24 and 25. “This is perhaps our most ambitious undertaking in our 44-year history,” says GMCLA Executive Director and Producer Lou Spisto. “It’s the first time we’ve ever been able to present the complete canon of Disney music with video on a 20-foot wide video screen on a stage with 200 singers and a 25-piece orchestra.” The highly anticipated concert welcomes people of ages and backgrounds (and yes, you can deck yourself out in Disney regalia). “This concert is for everyone,” explains Spisto. “We have so much enthusiasm for this project. We’ve been rehearsing for over a month, and it’s literally something for us that is once in a lifetime.”
LGBTQ+ Pride Night at Dodger Stadium
On June 16, LA Pride is teaming up with the LA Dodgers to create a memorable evening of baseball, inclusivity and recognition. Cheer on the Dodgers over cold beers and Dodger Dogs as they take on the San Francisco Giants. Those purchasing the ticket package for this special event will receive admission to the game and an exclusive jersey that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with rainbow lettering on the front and back. Once the game is over, be sure to stick around for a special drone show.
OUTLOUD WeHo Pride Festival
OUTLOUD is the ultimate concert event for Pride weekend. Taking place June 2-4, this exciting music festival celebrates LGBTQIA+ voices and offers high-energy entertainment from performers like Passion Pit, Grace Jones and Carly Rae Jepsen. The event is taking place at West Hollywood Park over the course of three days. Buy the WeHo Pride Pass to get access to the entire weekend or purchase a single-day pass and attend for your favorite artists. Since OUTLOUD is taking place during the first weekend of June, it is the ideal event to kick off the month and gather with loved ones over great music and a love of community.
WeHo Pride Parade
Since nearly half of the residents of West Hollywood identify as LGBTQIA+, it’s no surprise WeHo throws one of the largest and most anticipated Pride celebrations in the entire country. Taking place Sunday, June 4, the WeHo Pride Parade will stroll down Santa Monica Blvd. Watch as the eye-catching costumes and larger-than-life floats pass by into the heart of the Rainbow District. Since the parade passes by the city’s most iconic gay bars, pop into one of your favorite spots and cheers to love before heading back out and joining the party at the parade.
Where to Drink and Dine
Redline Bar
Venture out of West Hollywood and head to DTLA for a drink (or two) at Redline Bar. This lively and upbeat gay bar bumps great tunes from local DJs and hosts weekly drag shows. Best of all, it is 100% queer- and POC-owned. You can even attend a RuPaul’s Drag Race Viewing Party each Friday to watch the queens work the runway while you mix and mingle with others.
Club Tempo
Let loose with live music and lighthearted drag shows at Club Tempo on Santa Monica Blvd. The Latin cowboy theme is sure to make you say “yeehaw” as you embark on a night full of dancing and drinks at this locally loved nightclub. Break out the cowboy boots, order drinks and get ready to two-step until the sun rises.
The Abbey
The Abbey is one of the most popular and iconic gay bars in the Rainbow District of WeHo. From the dance floor to the spacious outdoor terrace, expect The Abbey to be packed every evening of Pride Month. Come a little early and grab a bite to eat before the party starts, or book a table and bottle service next to one of the steamy dancers at night.
Mickey’s WeHo
Mickey’s is another WeHo staple and has been around since 1989. As one of the oldest gay bars in LA, Mickey’s is known for its sexy dancers, upbeat music and stiff drinks. Mickey’s also loves a good theme night–it hosts everything from drag shows to Latin night and ‘90s night. If you need a breath of fresh air after hitting the dance floor, cool off on the outdoor patio and do some mixing and mingling.
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The Ruby Fruit
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The Ruby Fruit is LA’s latest and greatest wine bar. This lesbian-owned business is actually the first permanent lesbian bar to open in five years, offering a safe space for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community to sip on some amazing wines. In addition to a solid selection of natural wines, The Ruby Fruit also serves some light bites like sandwiches and salads.
Where to Stay
Mama Shelter
Mama Shelter is an eclectic and artsy hotel in the heart of Hollywood. Whether you want to be within walking distance of the LA Pride Parade or simply want to be able to take advantage of the hotel’s rooftop, Mama Shelter is a fun and lively accommodation for every kind of visitor. The vibrant and colorful rooftop provides the perfect backdrop for day drinking and celebratory Instagram posts. Sip on the spicy Mamacita or the cognac-forward Mother’s Milk while snacking on some Boujee Fries and crispy Brussels sprouts.
The Hollywood Roosevelt
Stay among the stars at the iconic Hollywood Roosevelt hotel. This legendary accommodation was one of the biggest celebrity hot spots during the Golden Age of Hollywood and even hosted the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable. The vintage glam of the lobby is virtually unmatched, and the Tropicana pool has a ‘60s-inspired vibe that is ideal for lounging on a daybed and soaking up some sun. The newly renovated rooms are cozy yet chic, featuring hardwood floors, plush bedding and subtle Spanish-inspired prints. If you’re looking to splurge for the celebration, book the Marilyn Monroe Suite to live like the queen you are.
Dream Hollywood
The Dream Hollywood hotel offers a more modern stay for Pride. Located on Selma Ave, this polished hotel has a sleek and exclusive atmosphere that is complete with premium access to restaurants like The Highlight Room, TAO and Beauty & Essex. Catch some rays at the rooftop pool before heading out to the WeHo Pride Parade, or take in the twinkling lights across the Hollywood Hills at sunset with a glass of rosé in hand. The minimalist and modern rooms have a neutral color palette that is complemented by sweeping views of the Hollywood sign and the surrounding area.
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
