Pacific Pride Festival

The Pacific Pride Festival returns to Santa Barbara’s waterfront for another powerful day of community, celebration, and collective movement.

This year’s theme, “Out. Proud. Unstoppable.”, honors the strength of showing up fully, the joy of living authentically, and the momentum we create when we move together.

Inspired by the rhythm of the coast, this year invites us to see our voices as waves—individually powerful, and unstoppable when united.

While we build toward 2026, we carry forward the energy of last year’s incredible gathering—where thousands came together to celebrate identity, expression, and belonging in a vibrant, intergenerational space.

The Pacific Pride Festival returns to Santa Barbara’s waterfront for another powerful day of community, celebration, and collective movement.

This year’s theme, “Out. Proud. Unstoppable.”, honors the strength of showing up fully, the joy of living authentically, and the momentum we create when we move together.

Inspired by the rhythm of the coast, this year invites us to see our voices as waves—individually powerful, and unstoppable when united.

While we build toward 2026, we carry forward the energy of last year’s incredible gathering—where thousands came together to celebrate identity, expression, and belonging in a vibrant, intergenerational space.

 More details on programming, performers, and experiences will be announced soon!

Get Involved

We’re currently building the 2026 festival—and there are many ways to be part of it.

• CALL FOR VENDORS
• FOOD TRUCK VENDORS
• VOLUNTEER AT THE FESTIVAL!

Last year’s festival brought thousands together for an unforgettable day filled with music, art, and connection.

From dynamic main stage performances to moments of reflection and community recognition, the festival created space for joy, visibility, and belonging across generations.

As we look ahead to 2026, we build on that foundation—expanding the experience while staying grounded in what makes this gathering so meaningful: community, authenticity, and collective pride.

Festival Vibe

From the bustling vendor village to a packed Family Zone, the energy never dipped. DJ Darla Bea kept families dancing, the Kids Stage overflowed with laughter, and the petting zoo delighted kids and grown-ups alike. Our 21+ Beer Garden gave guests a lively spot to raise a glass, and the Pride Pet Parade turned the walkway into the cutest, most fashionable runway in town.

Main Stage Magic

Hosts Vivian Storm and Jackette Knightley set the tone with humor and heart, welcoming 25+ performances across drag, bands, and dance crews. Jessica Wild headlined with star power and charisma that brought the crowd to its feet—and our incredible local drag performers left it all on the stage. Standout sets included Mariachi Arcoíris de Los Angeles, Grupo Folklórico Fusión Mexicana, Brasscals, East Valley Road, Sammulous, and the Santa Barbara Gay Men’s Chorus, with DJ Suz driving the momentum between acts from start to finish.

Art & Reflection

The grounds also held space to remember and reflect. More than 30 panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, presented by Quilt Project Gold Coast, created a moving tribute to lives lost and love enduring. A community butterfly installation in collaboration with the Santa Barbara Museum of Art invited everyone to add their voice, and offered an immersive experience of memory, transformation, and resilience.

A Moment of Extraordinary

Generosity In one unforgettable moment, Claude Raffin, honoring the life of his partner Jon Gathercole, presented two $50,000 checks to Pacific Pride Foundation. The park erupted in applause—a wave of gratitude that will carry our programs forward across the Central Coast.

Honoring Community Leadership

This milestone year also lifted up those who built the foundation we stand on and those leading us forward.