Celebrate West Hollywood’s 40-Year Rich History of LGBTQ+ Advocacy for 40 Days of WeHo Pride
West Hollywood’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community, inclusive atmosphere and rich queer-rights history make it the perfect location for WeHo Pride. This 40-day Pride celebration is a beautiful expression of identity, freedom, solidarity and equality. The cherry on top of the rainbow-ice-cream sundae is that queer-friendly West Hollywood also turns 40 this year! Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of WeHo Pride 2024.
But first, a brief LGBTQ+ history of West Hollywood…
The area of Los Angeles we know today as West Hollywood became a hub for film stars with the rise of the entertainment industry in the early 20th century. When Sunset Boulevard established a route between Beverly Hills and Hollywood in the 1920s, WeHo garnered a fun reputation and welcomed an influx of creatives, performers and LGBTQ+ folks seeking asylum from legal persecution and the camera’s eye. The area was incorporated as the City of West Hollywood in 1984 with the nation’s first majority openly gay city council. Since then, West Hollywood has remained a bastion of progress and change that keeps the interests of its gay community close to its heart.
Ready to celebrate? Here’s your guide!
Harvey Milk Day
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Kick off WeHo Pride by honoring the impacts of two LGBTQ+ political figures. The legacy of Harvey Milk, California’s first openly gay political office-holder, lives on in West Hollywood — the first city in America to declare Harvey Milk Day a public holiday. José Julio Sarria (aka Absolute Empress and The Widow Norton) was the first openly gay man to run for U.S. office, helping to pave the way for Milk’s success. At this year’s Harvey Milk Day festivities, the second-annual José Julio Sarria Drag Pageant will dazzle you with lively performances, elaborate costumes and immaculate makeup.
Friday Night @ OUTLOUD
Friday, May 31, 2024
Friday Night @ OUTLOUD is a free concert in West Hollywood Park full of high-energy acts to help set the celebratory mood for the following weeks. OUTLOUD encourages all attendees to express themselves proudly and loudly, so scream along with the music, flaunt your fabulous moves or snap some Insta-worthy photos. RSVP is required to attend.
Women’s Freedom Festival
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Start WeHo Pride Weekend off on the right foot with the Women’s Freedom Festival. This party boasts music acts, comedy shows, moving poetry readings and inspirational speeches from emerging LGBTQ+, BIPOC and non-binary performers. Rejoice in women’s sexual, political and individual freedom at this fun event co-sponsored and organized by The L-Project Los Angeles.
Dyke March
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Once you hear cheering and motors roaring, you’ll know the Dyke March is in full swing. Following the Women’s Freedom Festival on Santa Monica Boulevard, the march features LGBTQ+ women and allies rolling on motorcycles, their colorful flags waving high and strong in the West Hollywood sky.
WeHo Pride Street Fair
Saturday, June 1–Sunday, June 2, 2024
Strike a pose with friends or family in front of glimmering signs, check out booths lining Santa Monica Boulevard or jam out to live music by the community stage. There are seemingly endless ways to support and get involved with LGBTQ+ visibility at the WeHo Pride Street Fair.
OUTLOUD @ WeHo Pride
Saturday, June 1–Sunday, June 2, 2024
Following Friday’s festivities, bop your head along to live beats at OUTLOUD @ WeHo Pride, a thrilling affair of art and music that advocates for queer artists and amplifies their voices. Festival headliners Kylie Minogue, Janelle Monáe and Diplo are sure to bring the energy — so bring yours, too!
WeHo Pride Parade
Saturday, June 2, 2024
Throw on your rainbow gear and show off your proud spirit at the family-friendly WeHo Pride Parade. Extravagant floats, live music, fierce dancers and special guests keep this iconic event extra special year after year. Let your Pride flag fly at this display of LGBTQ+ joy that continues to make history in West Hollywood.
WeHo Pride Arts Festival
Friday, June 14–Sunday, June 16, 2024
Immerse yourself in art representing the gay experience from members of the LA community and beyond. From visual art to performances of many kinds, this Pride wrap-up is an inclusive and unique cultural experience you won’t want to miss.
Places to Stay During WeHo Pride
Whether you’re traveling with a partner, your family or a group of friends, stay at the center of all the Pride-month action at these fab West Hollywood hotels.