Drag Queen Storytime, Musical Performances to Honor LGBTQ+ Community
The annual SaMo Pride celebration is set to paint the city of Santa Monica in rainbow colors this June, honoring and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community while promoting inclusivity and acceptance. SaMo Pride is a collaborative effort between Santa Monica Place, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.), Santa Monica Pier, the City of Santa Monica, and Santa Monica Travel and Tourism.
Kicking off the festivities is the Santa Monica Pride Proclamation on May 28. The next events will be Fierce Fables: Drag Queen Pride Family-Edition on June 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Santa Monica Pier. Hosted in partnership with The Crow Comedy Club, this event invites families to enjoy drag queen and king storytelling, face painting, and captivating dance performances by Pickle Drag Queen, Pandora Boxx, and Johnny Gentleman.
Next, Pride on the Promenade, hosted by DTSM, Inc., on Saturday, June 22, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Third Street Promenade will transform into a lively block party featuring musical performances curated by OUTLOUD, giveaways, games, and a retail pop-up marketplace highlighting local LGBTQ+ businesses. This inclusive event welcomes individuals of all ages to come together and celebrate diversity. Alongside the festivities, local service providers and community groups will offer support and resources for the LGBTQ+ community. For those interested in participating or sponsoring the event, visit downtownsm.com/pride-on-the-promenade.
Santa Monica Place will join in the celebration on the same day with Sounds of Santa Monica: Pride Edition, running from noon to 6:00 p.m. Families can enjoy live musical entertainment by LGBTQ+ performers in Center Plaza under the colorful Lanterns of Love installation. The festive atmosphere will be further enhanced by vibrant overhead lights spanning from Third Street Promenade to Santa Monica Place.
Additionally, the Santa Monica Place Kid Zone will offer kid-friendly Pride programming and activities, providing educational and entertaining experiences for children. More details about Sounds of Santa Monica: Pride Edition can be found at santamonicaplace.com. Community events throughout June include an AIDS LifeCycle Finish Line Festival on June 8, Rainbow Family Storytime at the Santa Monica Public Library on June 11, Family Pride Drag Queen Storytime with Pickle on June 14, Pride sunset swim at the Annenberg Community Beach House on June 21, and much more.
The City of Santa Monica is committed to increasing visibility and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community, with Pride month-long festivities including the lighting of City Hall in rainbow colors and a series of educational events.
