CV PRIDEfest

CV PRIDEfest is the largest annual event of Central Valley Pride, a Merced nonprofit offering peer support groups and socials. The festival is held in downtown Merced.

Central Valley Pride describes PRIDEfest as its largest annual event and relies on volunteers to put it on. The festival is one of several community-wide events the group runs in Merced, alongside a June 1 Pride flag raising, the Downtown Merced Trick-or-Treat Street and National Coming Out Day celebrations.

Much of the organization's work happens year-round. It holds monthly youth socials for ages 17 and under led by two adult mentors, adult socials for anyone 18 and older, and Koffee Klatch, a gathering for LGBTQIA+ people 40 and over that co-founder Eric Olson-Diehl started and directors Adam Castro and Jesse Cruz carry on. Peer support groups meet on and off site, and staff help people find resources for their overall wellness.

Central Valley Pride also works in schools. During the 2025 to 2026 school year it served students on four high school campuses, visiting twice a month for club sessions at lunch or after school and hosting events such as Pride tea parties and a Pride prom. Dr. Jon McFarland leads professional development workshops, including LGBTQ+ 101, anti-bullying and Trans and Non-Binary 101, offered in person, online or hybrid.

Pride events celebrate LGBTQ+ people and mark the Stonewall uprising of June 1969. Most combine a parade or march with a festival of performers, community groups, vendors and food.

CV PRIDEfest has included festival.

The organizer has not announced dates for 2027 yet. In 2026 it was held September 12, 2026. It usually falls september.