Pride Parade

Annual Parade

The 51st Anniversary Parade is June 7, 2026 at 11am in downtown Santa Cruz Along Pacific Ave.

2026 Pride Parade Route

Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 11am
Starting at Cathcart St. and Pacific Ave.

Parade Logistics.

Cheer on our Grand Marshals, watch cheerleaders, listen to bands and view a wide variety of contingents making up the largest LGBTQ+ Pride parade on the Central Coast. We thank the “NorCal Pride Band” made up of high school musicians from throughout Santa Cruz County and Santa Cruz High School Band Director Christy Latham for making this happen.

The Santa Cruz Pride parade and festival celebrates the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning Plus) community in Santa Cruz County. The parade and festival is a safe and inclusive space for the queer community and their allies. You are welcome to be who you are and join the organizations, allies, supportive groups, churches, candidates, ensembles, performers, parents, children to show your pride, activism, enthusiasm and love.

Join us!

The parade starts at 11am at the intersection of Cathcart St. and Pacific Ave. We will then travel down Pacific Ave., into downtown to Church Street. Following the parade, join us at the Festival takes over downtown on Cooper Street, Pacific Ave., Front St., Abbott Square and in the MAH (free admission, art project for youth and the young at heart). Visit our festival page for a full line up of booths and entertainment. All FREE until 4pm!!

Where to Watch the Parade

Parking Locations

Free Parking on Sundays

  • County Building / Courthouse, 701 Ocean Street (half mile walk to parade or festival)

  • City of Santa Cruz, Corner of Church and Chestnut (quarter mile walk to parade or festival)

Fee Based Parking Areas ($16 per day)

Restroom Areas:

  • Portable Restrooms: Locust Street
    near Plaza Lane

  • Some Parking Garages

  • Abbott Square

Parade Registration and Parade Monitor Info

** Parade Questions: paradescpride@gmail.com

All contingents are asked to provide monitors. Without monitors we would not be able to have a parade. The City of Santa Cruz is very supportive of our presence, and we want to reciprocate it by meeting all permit terms - including  providing safety monitors at intersections and along the Parade route.

Monitor Training is REQUIRED and will be provided during our orientation sessions! More information: paradescpride@gmail.com

Donate to Santa Cruz Pride

Santa Cruz Pride, the largest LGBTQ+ event on the Central Coast and California's third oldest annual Pride Parade and Festival, attracts over 7,000 participants. Sponsoring Santa Cruz Pride connects your business with a diverse LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+-friendly audience in Santa Cruz County.

Ride the Wave With Us!