An Unforgettable 50th Anniversary Pride Parade and Festival on June 1, 2025
Over 7,000 people gathered to watch the parade while another 2,000 were in the parade. Everyone enjoyed the festival and entertainment following the parade in downtown Santa Cruz with performances by Robbie Fitzsimmons, SambaDa, Cheer SF and many local drag performers.
From the Santa Cruz Sentinel (June 1, 2025): “SANTA CRUZ — Sunday marked the official start of Pride Month, which commemorates the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirms their commitment to being themselves. However, Santa Cruz Pride did not have to wait until June for Pride festivities to get underway, as June 1 marked the culmination of a week of activities that ended with its annual parade down Pacific Avenue and festival with performers and more than 100 vendor booths. The organization was planning events even well before last week because this was not just any other year for Santa Cruz Pride but the 50th anniversary of the original Pride festival in Santa Cruz.”
From Lookout (June 1, 2025): “A sea of rainbow flags and chants of “No Going Back” infused the streets of downtown Santa Cruz with a vibrant energy Sunday as Santa Cruz Pride capped off its 50th-anniversary celebration with a parade down Pacific Avenue. Hundreds of Santa Cruz residents showed up to the gathering decked out in rainbow-colored outfits, proudly waving gay and transgender Pride flags as participants passed out plastic beads necklaces, flags and stickers to attendees while marching along Pacific Avenue. “
From NPR KAZU (June 2, 2025): “In today's newscast, Sunday marked the 50th anniversary of Pride in the City of Santa Cruz. For many, it's a protest as much as a celebration.”
From Good Times (June 1, 2025): A bunch of photos from the event.
From the Bay Area Reporter (May 28, 2025): “Santa Cruz Pride will hold its 50th annual parade and festival Sunday, June 1. It’s just one of many smaller parades, festivals, and other events that will usher in Pride Month.”