Everything You Need to Know About Celebrating Pride in Sacramento

It’s time to bust out the rainbow flags and celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride in the Sacramento area! The month of June has been designated as national Pride Month, a time to commemorate those who protested anti-gay sentiment during the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York.

Today, it’s a time to celebrate the rights and cultures of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Fairs, festivals, parades and other gatherings are held throughout the country during the month of June — including right here in the Sacramento area. In fact, Sacramento has one of the largest pride celebrations in Northern California, welcoming more than 22,000 people of all ages and backgrounds.

So, if you’re looking for a way to celebrate, check out one of the following events in and around the Sacramento area this June.

Sacramento Pride | June 10–11

This year, Sacramento Pride will take place on June 10-11 in downtown Sacramento. The festival will run from 12–9 p.m. Saturday and 12–6 p.m. Sunday along Capital Mall. The event will include artisan vendors, nonprofit and public service exhibiters, and plenty of food and beverage sellers.

Of course, no pride party would be complete without music and entertainment, and there will be three stages hosting live performers. Saturday’s lineup includes headliner Rebecca Black, Bronze Avery, Leonardo Martinez, Brian Falduto and singer-songwriter Zee Machine. Sunday features G Flip, Jakk Fynn, Siena Liggins, Naomi Smalls, Plastique Tiara and Mistress Isabelle Brooks.

Inspired by the Stonewall uprising, the event will include a pride march through downtown Sacramento. It will feature colorful floats, music, and passionate marchers spreading the word about social equity and inclusion. The march will begin at 11 a.m. Sunday and you can register to participate.

Can’t make the festival? You can also celebrate pride at the family-friendly Big Queer Party at A Seat at the Table Books in Elk Grove June 2; through dance and storytelling at Pride at the Sofia June 11; during Queermedians, an all LGBTQ comedy show at the Comedy Spot June 16; and at the Sacramento Pride Bar Crawl June 17. You can also meet other LGBTQ families during a Rainbow Families Playdate at the Sacramento Children’s Museum in Rancho Cordova June 2.

You can also support LGBTQ+ makers and business owners the entire month. The “Big Gay Passport” features four “stops” throughout the month featuring local vendors, food, music and beverages: Friday, June 2 at Strapping Store in Oak Park; Saturday, June 3 at Track 7 Brewery in Natomas for a special Pride beer release; Sunday, June 4 at the Poppy + Pot floral and ceramic shop in Curtis Park; and Saturday, June 17 at Shorebirds kombucha brewery in Rancho Cordova.

Davis Pride | June 3–4

Photo courtesy Davis Pride

The city of Davis is celebrating its pride with a weekend-long festival June 3–4. The party kicks off Saturday night with the Davis Pride Rainbow Skate Night where you can roller skate, play games and win prizes. The following day, there’ll be a Run/Walk for Equality, a 1-mile or 5K run/walk that honors Davis long-distance runner Lawrence “Mikey” Partida, who, in 2013, was the victim of a brutal hate crime, targeted for his sexuality. He relied on his love of running to get him through the months of physical therapy and rehabilitation that were required after the assault.

Afterwards, the Community Fair will welcome local artisan vendors, exhibits, cultural presentations and food and drink booths, while the Pride Music Festival will feature performing artists including Sydney Raneé, Cheer Sacramento, Drag Revue, the Sacramento Women’s Chorus and the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus. Headlining will be 90s tribute band Tainted Love. All events will be held at Davis Central Park.