Pride Events All Year Long

SC Pride hosts free and paid events. The parade and festival are always free, while events leading up to the parade may include a cost to cover expenses.

2026: Parade Registration Open
Feb
26
to May 1

2026: Parade Registration Open

Parade Registration Form

All are welcome to be part of our Pride 2026. The parade will kick off at 11am in downtown Santa Cruz at the corner of Pacific and Cathcart and proceed down Pacific and exit on Church Street. We ask Parade Volunteers, Parade Monitors and Contingent leads to arrive onsite at 9:15 am for safety meeting.

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served process. Submitting an application does not guarantee placement within the parade. All applications submitted by Friday, May 1, 2026 at 11:59pm will be reviewed. Those submitted after this date may be placed on a waitlist or may not reviewed.

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Lavender Reader and Local Queer History Panel
Jul
29

Lavender Reader and Local Queer History Panel

Learn more about local queer history at the Santa Cruz Public Library with Scotty Brookie, Jo Kenny and Sarah-Hope Parmeter who will discuss their involvement with the publication, Lavender Reader, that was published in Santa Cruz beginning in 1987 and continued for 10 years. Queer life and culture in Santa Cruz County will be discussed. Panel discussion moderated by library director Christopher Platt. Refreshments served. Downtown Santa Cruz Library, 224 Church St.

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No Kings Protest
Jun
14

No Kings Protest

No Kings! Mass Peaceful Protest. June 14 * 10am. San Lorenzo Park

We have watched our California Senator Alex Padilla be handcuffed for asking questions. 

We have watched the federal government try to erase LGBTQ+ people from their websites and national parks. 

We have watched our neighbors be arrested.

NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization against the increased authoritarian actions by the federal government. 

There is NO GOING BACK. 

Sponsored by Indivisible Santa Cruz County.   

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Pride Week: Celebrate Yourself Youth Pride
Jun
1

Pride Week: Celebrate Yourself Youth Pride

Celebrate Yourself at the 50th Anniversary of Santa Cruz Pride! Join other middle, high school and college youth for a fun Youth Pride event designed just for YOU! Whether you're looking to connect with others, express yourself, or just have a blast, this is the space to be. Expect food, music, art, fun activities, drag shows, and a whole lot of love and support. It's your time to shine and show the world your true colors. June 1 from 2-4pm at the 418 Project in Downtown Santa Cruz. Let's make this Pride unforgettable! #YouthPride #CelebrateYourself #50YearsofSantaCruzPride

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Human Resist Banner
May
31

Human Resist Banner

Join Us to Spell “RESIST!!” on the Beach – May 31st.

We’re creating a human banner on the beach, spelling out the word RESIST!, with each letter represented by a different rainbow color and outlining it with a ring of people. Once everyone is in place, we’ll take aerial photographs of the banner that we'll spread far and wide! This is a fun, family-friendly event and an impactful way to protest - invite your friends!

Main beach in front of the Big Dipper area.

How to Participate:

Volunteers forming the letters will wear the designated color for their letter.

Everyone else is encouraged to dress however they like — this is Santa Cruz, so bring the tie-dye!

Sign up to wear a specific color under a letter here: http://bit.ly/4iSUb2S

Sponsored by Indivisible Santa Cruz County

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