At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, the council unanimously voted to mark June as “Pride Month” in Santa Monica.
SaMo Pride has been an annual series of events dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and providing a platform to champion individuality and acceptance.
Santa Monica’s dedication to LGBTQ+ rights is evident in its policies and community initiatives. The city has received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s 2024 Municipal Equality Index, recognizing its commitment to equity, inclusion, and the creation of safe spaces for all residents.
Pride Month officially kicks off internationally when the clock strikes 12 on June 1, but the city’s first Pride themed event won’t be until SaMo Pride Drag Bingo at Solidarity on Lincoln Boulevard. The event is hosted by Miss Barbie-Q and Mini Horrorwitz and proceeds will benefit the Trans Equity Scholarship Fund. RSVP at EventBrite.
Other events include (in chronological order):
AIDS/LifeCycle Finish Line Festival
Saturday, June 7, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Santa Monica Beach Lot 4 South (2030 Ocean Ave.)
Get ready to witness an incredible feat of determination and resilience as the extraordinary Cyclists and Roadies conclude their remarkable 7-day journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles. After 31 years, this will mark the last LifeCycle event. Read more at Streetsblog.
Friday, June 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Annenberg Community Beach House (415 Pacific Coast Hwy.)
Pickle, the first Drag Laureate of the city of West Hollywood, returns to the Beach House to host an interactive Drag Storytime that delightfully challenges restrictive gender stereotypes and encourages self-expression. Enjoy face painting, surprises, and the opportunity to create lasting memories with family and friends.
LGBTQ+ Self Defense Training
Saturday, June 14, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Miles Memorial Playhouse (1130 Lincoln Blvd.)
This self-defense training, specifically designed for the LGBTQ+ community, is a deeply empowering and highly applicable 4-hour workshop that offers an in-depth overview of effective everyday safety and self-defense concepts, including: awareness, target denial and violence avoidance.
Tuesday, June 17, 11:30 a.m. –12 p.m., Ocean Park Branch Library (2601 Main St.)
Celebrate Pride Month with an inclusive storytime for LGBTQIA+ and ally families. Ages 3+
PRIDE Sunset Swim plus Happy Hour
Friday, June 20, 6-9 p.m., Annenberg Community Beach House (415 Pacific Coast Hwy.)
Enjoy a queer, safe, accessible, judgment-free space for every and all bodies, with fabulous pool floats and s’mores at the historic Beach House pool. PRIDE Happy Hour at the adjacent Back on the Beach Café will be hosted from 5 – 7 p.m. Age 18+.
SaMo Pride Community Celebration
Saturday, June 21, Promenade | Pier | Santa Monica Place | Main Street
10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Fabulous Fables: Drag Queen Pride Family-Edition
A family-friendly event with face painting, a live performance by Santa Monica Playhouse, poetry by Santa Monica Poet Laureate Anne Carmack, Drag Storytelling, and a Books & Cookies pop-up in the Santa Monica Pier Historic Merry Go-Round Building
11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Pride at the Pier Beach Sporting Experience
Join OutLoud Sports for a day of mini tournaments in kickball, dodgeball, soccer, football, volleyball, tennis, and cornhole, along with music, food, and drinks on the beach near Santa Monica Pier
11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Pride at the Pier Beach Volleyball
Pride Point Volleyball hosts open-format play for all skill levels, inviting participants to spike, set, and connect in a welcoming, community-driven event on the beach north of Santa Monica Pier.
12-4 p.m., Pride Disco and Kid Zone
Enjoy a family-friendly Silent Disco along with inclusive craft activities, in partnership with Cayton Children’s Museum, at Santa Monica Place.
3-6 p.m., Main Street Drag Bingo
On Main Street Santa Monica, Pride-goers can enjoy Drag Bingo in the Beer Garden as part of the return of the Main Street Summer Soulstice celebration.
2–7 p.m., Pride on the Promenade
Enjoy musical performances, fun giveaways, interactive games and a curated selection of LGBTQ+ businesses on Third Street Promenade. New this year, Pride on the Promenade is part of Downtown Santa Monica’s expanded Entertainment Zone, which allows guests to responsibly enjoy alcoholic beverages as they stroll the Promenade.
7 p.m. & 9 p.m., Crow Comedy Family Pride Story-echtomy
LGBTQ+ community members and allies share personal and comedic stories alongside pro comedians like Netflix’s Cameron Esposito.
Sunday, June 22, 12-8 p.m., Santa Monica Pier
With the ocean as the backdrop and the Pier as the stage, this unforgettable event brings together the entire community to celebrate love, unity and the beautiful diversity of Santa Monica’s LGBTQIA+ family. A portion of the proceeds from this spectacular event will go directly back into the community, supporting local LGBTQIA+ organizations and initiatives to ensure that the spirit of Pride continues long after the celebration ends.
