Santa Cruz Pride

Santa Cruz Pride is a parade and festival that describes itself as the largest LGBTQ+ event on the Central Coast and the third oldest Pride parade and festival in California. It has been held since 1975 and marked its 50th anniversary in 2025.

Santa Cruz Pride started in 1975, making it one of the first Prides in a smaller city after New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. It draws more than 7,000 participants each year. The parade and festival take place downtown on the first Sunday in June, and organizers note that the date opens the Pride season. During the pandemic the group kept going with virtual, smaller and outdoor events.

The organization is run entirely by volunteers and funded by local businesses, organizations and individuals, with the Santa Cruz Diversity Center serving as its fiscal sponsor. Its mission covers more than the parade: it hosts other community events, offers scholarships and works on local and state LGBTQ+ issues.

Santa Cruz Pride also holds an annual community picnic, runs activities across the county and works with Pajaro Valley, Monterey and Salinas Prides. It partners with local businesses and groups on events through the year and shares news in a regular newsletter.

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.

Santa Cruz Pride has included parade and festival.

Santa Cruz Pride was first held in 1975. Organizers reported over 7,000 participants annually people in null.

The organizer has not announced dates for 2027 yet. In 2026 it was held June 7, 2026. It usually falls first Sunday of June.