40 Days of WeHo Pride: Celebrate West Hollywood’s Rich LGBTQ+ History
West Hollywood’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community, inclusive atmosphere and rich queer-rights history make it the perfect location for WeHo Pride.
This 40-day Pride celebration is a beautiful expression of identity, freedom, solidarity and equality. Kicking off on Harvey Milk Day, WeHo Pride 2025 begins Thursday, May 22 and lasts through Monday, June 30, with plenty of festive community events and programming throughout this time. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of WeHo Pride 2025.
But first, a brief LGBTQ+ history of West Hollywood…
The area now known as West Hollywood became a hub for film stars with the rise of the entertainment industry in the early 20th century. When Sunset Boulevard connected Beverly Hills and Hollywood in the 1920s, WeHo garnered a fun reputation and welcomed an influx of creatives, performers and LGBTQ+ folks seeking refuge from legal persecution and the camera’s eye. Incorporated as a city in 1984, West Hollywood made history with the nation’s first majority openly gay city council. Ever since, WeHo has remained a bastion of progress, keeping the interests of its gay community at its heart.
Ready to celebrate? Here’s your guide!
Harvey Milk Day
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Kick off WeHo Pride by honoring the impacts of two LGBTQ+ political figures. The legacy of Harvey Milk, California’s first openly gay political office-holder, lives on in West Hollywood — the first city in America to declare Harvey Milk Day a public holiday. José Julio Sarria (aka Absolute Empress and The Widow Norton) was the first openly gay man to run for U.S. office, helping to pave the way for Milk’s success. At this year’s Harvey Milk Day festivities, the third-annual José Julio Sarria Drag Pageant will dazzle you with lively performances, elaborate costumes and immaculate makeup.
WeHo Pride Arts Festival
Friday, May 23–Sunday, May 25, 2025
Immerse yourself in art representing the gay experience from members of the LA community and beyond. From visual art to performances of many kinds, the WeHo Pride Arts Festival is a unique and inclusive cultural experience you won’t want to miss.
Friday Night at OUTLOUD
Friday, May 30, 2025
Friday Night at OUTLOUD is a free concert in West Hollywood Park full of high-energy acts to help set the celebratory mood for the following weeks. This year’s lineup is coming soon, but past performers include Kesha, Adam Lambert, Monét X Change, Laganja Estranja & Morphine Love Dion, Niña Dioz, Jessica Betts, Owenn and Venessa Michaels. OUTLOUD encourages all attendees to express themselves proudly and loudly, so scream along with the music, flaunt your fabulous moves or snap some Insta-worthy photos. RSVP is required to attend.
Women’s Freedom Festival
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Start WeHo Pride Weekend off on the right foot with the Women’s Freedom Festival. This party boasts music acts, comedy shows, moving poetry readings and inspirational speeches from emerging LGBTQ+, BIPOC and non-binary performers. Rejoice in women’s sexual, political and individual freedom at this fun event co-sponsored and organized by The L-Project Los Angeles.
Dyke March
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Once you hear the crowd cheering and motors roaring, you’ll know the Dyke March is in full swing. Following the Women’s Freedom Festival, the march features LGBTQ+ women and allies rolling on motorcycles up Santa Monica Boulevard, their colorful flags waving high and strong in the West Hollywood sky.
WeHo Pride Street Fair
Saturday, May 31–Sunday, June 1, 2025
Strike a pose with friends or family in front of glimmering signs, check out booths lining Santa Monica Boulevard or jam out to live music by the community stage. There are seemingly endless ways to support and get involved with LGBTQ+ visibility at the WeHo Pride Street Fair.
OUTLOUD at WeHo Pride
Saturday, May 31–Sunday, June 1, 2025
Following Friday’s free festivities, bop your head along to live beats at the ticketed OUTLOUD at WeHo Pride, a thrilling affair of art and music that advocates for queer artists and amplifies their voices. This year’s festival headliners Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Honey Dijon, Paris Hilton and Kim Petras are sure to bring the energy — so bring yours, too! The stellar lineup for 2025 also includes queer and ally entertainers and artists like Pabllo Vittar, Rebecca Black, Shygirl Presents: Club Shy, Tommy Genesis, Empress Of, Horse Meat Disco, Sasha Colby and many more.
In addition to weekend passes (some with VIP perks like a dedicated viewing section at the Main Stage, a merch-filled swag bag and access to an exclusive lounge), there are travel packages available that bundle passes for two people with hotel stays. Each offers three nights at Hotel Ziggy, Le Parc at Melrose or the Mondrian Los Angeles as well as special amenities, depending on the package you choose.
WeHo Pride Parade
Sunday, June 1, 2025
Don your rainbow gear and show off your proud spirit at the family-friendly WeHo Pride Parade. Extravagant floats, live music, fierce dancers and special guests keep this iconic event extra special year after year. Let your Pride flag fly at this display of queer joy that continues to make history in West Hollywood.
Places to Stay During WeHo Pride
Whether you’re traveling with a partner, your family or a group of friends, stay at the center of all the Pride-month action at these fab West Hollywood hotels.
All images courtesy of The City of West Hollywood.