Here are some things you may not already know about Long Beach: This city in southern Los Angeles County (just 20 miles south of L.A. proper) has a population of nearly 470,000, making it the 35th-largest city in the nation (bigger than Cleveland, Minnapolis, Tampa, and many others), and the fifth-largest in California (putting it ahead of Fresno, Sacramento, and Oakland). It's also home to a sizable, dynamic gay and lesbian population, and in 2009 (on the weekend of May 16 and 17), the city celebrates the 26th Long Beach Gay and Lesbian Pride. Organizers claim this two-day event, with its draw of some 80,000 participants and 200 floats in its parade, has become the third-largest such event in America. In other words, GLBT Pride in Long Beach is one of the biggies, and it's a terrific time to acquaint yourself with a gay-friendly that city that, frankly, doesn't get as much press as it deserves.
With that in mind, here's a look at some of the key activities that are planned for Long Beach Pride in 2009:
The Long Beach Gay Pride Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17, from 11 am to 10 pm, along East Shoreline Drive near the excellent Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific - it's right at the city's Rainbow Lagoon Park.
The entertainment lined up for Pride in Long Beach is astounding - a main stage features numerous musicians (including Sara Bareilles, Kat DeLuna, Smash Mouth, Ari Gold, Jazmine Sullivan, Guy B, ), and additional stages are themed according to different interests and GLBT groups, from Latin music to country-western dancing. Tickets to the festival cost $20 and are available online; you can also buy guaranteed reserve parking for $6, with reservations also available online.
The Long Beach Pride Parade takes place on Sunday at 10:30 am at the corner of East Ocean Boulevard and Temple Avenue. There's also entertainment and pre-parade fun beginning ahead of time, at 9:30, during Parade Central, on Cherry Avenue and Ocean Boulevard, right by Bixby Park. The entertainment at Parade Central includes DJ iPaz, comedian Carlease Burke, and local community supporter Steve Eng, plus dancers from Disneyland and a pep rally by Cheer LA. The parade itself is led by a few grand marshals, among them Robin Tyler and Dianne Olson, and San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom.
Of course, additionally, numerous gay bars as well as gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties throughout Pride Weekend. Check local gay papers, such as IN Magazine and the Orange County and Long Beach Blade as well as the Long Beach Community Business Network/Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, for details.
Search for the best deals on hotels during Long Beach Gay Pride weekend.
