Pride lives here: Why West Hollywood still sets the standard
This story is brought to you by our partners at Visit West Hollywood.
The first Pride was a riot — and not the kind with glitter and go-go boots. It was bold. It was loud. And it kickstarted a global movement. Fast-forward to today, and West Hollywood isn't just keeping the spirit alive — it's throwing the ultimate block party in its honor.
Where else can you find a city where nearly 40 percent of the residents identify as LGBTQ+ and the vibe is perpetual celebration? WeHo doesn't do Pride for a weekend — it lives and breathes it 365 days a year. But once late May rolls around, the city dials things up to 'iconic' with a full-on festival of queer joy, resistance, glitter, music, and yes, SPF. From fierce tributes to our trailblazing elders to stages packed with Grammy-winners, West Hollywood's Pride calendar is stacked like a well-padded queen on heels.
Let's break it down, shall we?
City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood
Light a candle, dust off your tiara. It all begins with Harvey Milk Day, featuring the José Sarria Drag Pageant at West Hollywood Park. Sunset backdrop? Check. Local legends? Check. Drama? Oh honey, check.
City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood; Credit: Jon Viscott
Three days. One fabulous feast of queer creativity. Think theater, film, poetry, dance, lit readings, and hands-on workshops. It's giving LGBTQ+ Met Gala meets writer's retreat with better cocktails.
City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood; Credit: Jon Viscot
Now this is where the sequins start flying.
Santa Monica Boulevard transforms into an open-air runway filled with vendors, artists, and performances. Come for the pop-ups, stay for the people-watching.
City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood; Credit: Jon Viscott
City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood; Credit: Jon Viscott
Say it loud: this is not your average music fest. Pack your fanny pack and clack fan—Lizzo, Remi Wolf, Kim Petras, Paris Hilton, and Honey Dijon are all on the lineup. We're talking wig-snatching, floor-stomping queer excellence.
Daniel Reynolds, editor in chief at Out magazine, says it best: 'The Outloud Musical Festival at WeHo Pride is always a highlight of the LGBTQ+ Los Angeles calendar. It's a reunion with friends in the heart of our gayborhood — where world-class musicians also come to perform! It's West Hollywood at its most magical.'
OutloudOutloud
City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood; Credit: Jon Viscott
Flags high, voices loud, and vibes unmatched. This WeHo staple is all about amplifying female and nonbinary voices. March, dance, shout, flirt — it's one of the most electric moments of the weekend.City of West Hollywood; Credit: Jon Viscott
Legendary. Glitter-drenched. Unapologetic.
This parade snakes down Santa Monica Boulevard with floats, divas, and the entire alphabet mafia showing up and out. Pro tip: hydrate and wear shoes that can survive a runway and a stampede.
Don't sleep on the hotel bookings — seriously. The good stuff fills up faster than a drag brunch mimosa pitcher. Here's where to unpack your boas:
City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood
🛏️ The West Hollywood EDITION
Sleek, chic, and perched on Sunset. Rooftop pool? Yes. Pride proximity? 10/10.
City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood
🛏️ Kimpton La Peer Hotel
Perfectly placed at the end of the parade route and the start of the Dyke March. Complimentary wine hours, but no promises if you combine that with the bike rentals.
City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood
🛏️ 1 Hotel West Hollywood
Eco-luxury never looked so lush. Think rooftop greenery, skyline views, and a relaxed vibe that still leaves room for a glittery afterparty.
City of West HollywoodCity of West Hollywood
🛏️ The London West Hollywood
Old Hollywood glamour meets "we booked a Crewcation and packed five outfit changes per day." Extra points for oversized suites and poolside selfies.
Let's be real: with this much going on, a one-day drop-in won't cut it. Plan a three-day Pride-cation, sync your schedule with friends, and give yourself the WeHo experience you deserve.
More info and updates: 📍 www.wehopride.com 📸 @wehopride | @visitweho
Pride Parade: https://www.wehopride.com/event/weho-pride-parade
🎟️ OUTLOUD Festival Tickets: outloudmusicfestival.com
Street Fair: https://www.wehopride.com/event/weho-pride-street-fair
Free Concert: https://www.wehopride.com/event/friday-night-outloud
🛎️ Hotel recs & bookings: visitwesthollywood.com/hotels
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