Be Proud! Fest 2025 is not just a celebration — it’s a movement.
Across the country, LGBTQ+ rights are under attack. And here at home, our own queer spaces are in crisis. Beloved local businesses are hanging on by a thread. Sponsorships have disappeared. The places that held us are now in danger of vanishing.
We refuse to let that happen.
This year, Be Proud! Fest returns not as a fenced-off event — but as a citywide act of resistance and reinvestment. We’re bringing Pride back to the community that built it. Into the shops, the streets, the bike paths, the bars, and the beaches where we’ve always belonged.
Pride was never meant to be gated. It started as a protest. It grew through survival. And in 2025, it becomes a call to action — to protect what’s ours and celebrate who we are.
FRIDAY:
Light-Up Bike Protest
Oct 10 @ 6pm | Rosie’s Dog Beach | FREE
We kick off Be Proud! Fest with a visibility protest on wheels. Decorate your bike, grab your glow gear, and roll with us along the coastline — from Rosie’s Dog Beach to Marina Green — in a bold, beautiful display of queer joy and resistance.
Let’s light up the night and show Long Beach that we ride together, loudly and proudly.
Community-powered ride with lights, speakers, and protest signs
Starts at Rosie’s Dog Beach, ends with an after-party at a local queer venue
No registration required — just show up, light up, and be seen
SATURDAY:
Be Proud in the Neighborhood
Oct 11 @ 12pm | Broadway Corridor & More | FREE
This is the heart of Be Proud! Fest.
We’re activating queer-owned and ally-run businesses throughout Broadway Corridor, & beyond.
All day long, these spaces will come alive with:
Live performances
Local DJs, art installations, spoken word
Community panels & queer storytelling
Sidewalk vendors
Food & drink specials from participating venues
FREE Shuttle along the Broadway Corridor (all ages)
FREE PARTY BUS to/from participating bars (21+) UPGRADES AVAILABLE [CLICK HERE]
This is what Pride looks like when it lives on every block
FREE! SHUTTLES
Broadway Corridor Shuttles
(Free & Family-Friendly)
1 PM – 6 PM | From Hamburger
Mary’s to Bixby Park
Hop on, hop off, and explore the best of our Gayborhood!
This FREE community shuttle runs all afternoon along the Broadway Corridor, helping you move easily between activations, performances, vendors, and queer-owned businesses. Catch it at any designated stop, anytime between 1–6 PM.
No tickets, no pressure — just ride, explore, support.
BE PROUD! WRISTBAND
The Be Proud! Wristband is a great way to show your support & helping us provide inclusive and free events, not only during Proud! Fest, but year round for our LGBTQ+ Community. Your purchase directly supports our queer businesses, artists, and the Be Proud! movement and it also comes with some great perks!
–
Discounts at participating businesses all weekend long.
Priority boarding FREE party bus (21+) & Shuttles
Discounts on Be Proud! Merch
+ more.
–
(riding the bus is not required to participate in the bar craw)
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1 PM – 7 PM | Shuttling Between Participating Bars
Live Drag Queen hosts keeping the vibes high
FREE Drinks on Board
Unlimited rides between participating queer bars
SUNDAY:
The Big Gay Beach Takeover
Oct 12 @ 12p | Rainbow Lifeguard Tower @ Junipero Beach | FREE
We close out Be Proud! Fest with pure queer joy under the sun. Bring your beach blankets, coolers, and colors as we take over the sand with music, dancing, and community.
Local LGBTQ+ DJs spinning all day
BYOB (respect beach rules)
Floaties, flags, and a sea of celebration
Unofficial dance floor + chosen family vibes
This is what freedom feels like.
Claim your space. Find your people. Stay unapologetic.
Get Involved & Support the Movement
Be Proud! Fest is 100% free to attend, but it’s powered by people like you.
Without corporate funding, we rely on our community to keep queer spaces alive. That means every donation, every supporter package, and every shared story counts.
Ways to Support:
Make a tax-deductible donation
Purchase a Supporter Package with perks (free drinks, discounts, merch, and more)
Apply to be a vendor, performer, or volunteer
LGBTQ+ businesses are struggling. Some may not survive the year.
This is our moment to show up — not just for Pride weekend, but for everything that makes it possible.
Donate, apply, or join the movement
CONNECT WITH US:
THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS
