Where to Celebrate Pride in the Greater Sacramento Area

June 1 marks the first day of a month-long celebration of everything LGBTQ! The month recognizes the fight for civil rights among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning people. It is a nationally designated month that commemorates the Stonewall riots in 1969, when patrons of the Stonewall Inn rose up against raids by New York City police.

Today, Pride Month is recognized throughout the United States with parades and parties, fairs and festivals, and everything in between! The Sacramento area is no different, with rainbow flags flying at various events and venues all month. Following are some of the top spots to show your pride in the greater Sacramento area.

Sacramento Pride March & Festival | June 11–12

The area’s largest celebration comes out in full force along Capitol Mall in Downtown Sacramento June 11–12. The festival features hundreds of exhibitors and vendors and will offer activities and entertainment for all ages. On Sunday, a march will be held beginning at Southside Park. You can march along or simply watch the marchers and colorful parade floats go by.

Can’t make the festival? You can also celebrate pride with Queermedians, an all LGBTQ comedy show at the Comedy Spot June 3; Queens & Comedy at the Punch Line June 12; the contemporary dance performance Out at the Sofia theater June 10–12; an 80s tribute night by the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus June 17–18; and a Pride Bar Crawl June 18. You can also celebrate pride with the kiddos at the Sacramento Children’s Museum during Pride With Leo and Friends on June 25, which will feature art activities, vendors and music.

Davis Pride | June 11–12

The city of Davis is celebrating its pride with a weekend-long festival June 11–12. The party kicks off Saturday night with the Davis Pride Rainbow Skate Night, where you can skate to DJ tunes dressed in your best rainbow or disco gear. The following day, there’ll be a Run/Walk for Equality and Community Fair and Pride Music Festival. All events will be held at Davis Central Park.

Big Gay Pride Whitewater Weekend | June 17–19

Photo courtesy California Gay Adventures

Show off your pride and your adventurous side on the American River near Coloma in El Dorado County. Sponsored by California Gay Adventures, this first-ever pride weekend offers one- and two-day rafting trips provided by American Whitewater Expeditions. You can bring a tent (or RV) and camp at their riverside campground and enjoy buffet-style meals.

ArtMix: OUT-rageous | June 9

The Crocker Art Museum plays host to a monthly, themed after-hours party known as ArtMix. For June, ArtMix will focus on all things pride! The event, which will be held from 6–9 p.m. June 9, will be led by A La Mode, Miss Gay Sacramento 2021. There’ll be live performances, a DJ, food and drinks, a singalong, and of course, bold, colorful outfits!