This story is brought to you by our partners at Visit West Hollywood.
Get ready to sashay down memory lane as we celebrate West Hollywood's 40th anniversary as a city! It's time to pop the bubbly, throw some sparkle, and strut your stuff because this milestone calls for a celebration like no other. WeHo Pride is THE mainstage for Pride events in Los Angeles: with events centered in the middle of West Hollywood’s Rainbow District, it’s a legendary way to celebrate your pride in the heart of California’s most walkable city.
WeHo’s 2024 “Pride Starts Here” is gearing up for an epic kickoff on Harvey Milk Day (May 22), launching into a whirlwind of festivities that will run through June 30th for “40-days of Pride.” From the iconic WeHo Pride Weekend & Parade to the vibrant Dyke March and the electrifying WeHo Pride Arts Festival, this year’s Pride celebrations promise to be extra special, marking a significant moment in West Hollywood's history and the LGBTQ+ community.
WeHo Pride Parade 2023Courtesy City of West Hollywood. Photo: Jon Viscott
But before we dive into the fabulous festivities, let's rewind the tapestry of West Hollywood's history. Picture it: 1984. The year when West Hollywood officially became the 84th city in Los Angeles County. But oh mama, its story goes way back over 300 years of glamor, glitz, and a sprinkle of scandal. Originally named Sherman, this jewel of a neighborhood decided to jazz up its image in 1925, renaming itself West Hollywood to cozy up to its glamorous neighbor. However, it remained unincorporated, living its best life with the best parties. And boy, did it party! The Sunset Strip became a playground for night owls, with clubs, hotels, and restaurants popping up all over like a Ru Girl’s PrEP commercial.
WeHo Pride Parade 2023Courtesy City of West Hollywood. Photo: Jon Viscott
Fast forward to the swinging '60s and '70s, when West Hollywood became the playground for counterculture darlings. Hippies, artists, and musicians flocked to the streets, creating an atmosphere of freedom and self-expression. But amidst the bohemian vibe, a more profound revolution was brewing. LGBTQ+ folks, seeking refuge from discrimination elsewhere, found solace and solidarity in West Hollywood's welcoming embrace.
WeHo Pride Street Fair 2023Courtesy City of West Hollywood. Photo: Jon Viscott
And then came the '80s, honey. Rent prices skyrocketed faster than a torso pic sliding into your Grindr DMs. But fear not, for when the going gets tough, the tough get mobilized! In 1984, a coalition of LGBTQ+ pioneers, émigrés from the former USSR, and wise elders banded together to incorporate West Hollywood as a city. With an openly gay majority on the city council, they passed rent control measures faster than you can say "werk it, mother!"
WeHo Pride Parade 2023Courtesy City of West Hollywood. Photo: Jon Viscott
Since then, West Hollywood has been strutting its stuff on the global stage as a beacon of progress and acceptance. And what better way to celebrate than with WeHo Pride 2024? Brace yourselves, kitty girls, because this year's “Pride Starts Here” is going to be extra fierce!
OUTLOUD Music Festival 2023Courtesy City of West Hollywood. Photo: Jon Viscott
Friday night, May 31st, kicks off with the electrifying ‘Friday Night at OUTLOUD Music Festival,’ a free outdoor concert at West Hollywood Park (requires sign up to attend). This marks the beginning of OUTLOUD’s three-day queer music extravaganza, featuring headliners Kylie Minogue, Janelle Monáe, and Diplo, alongside special guests Doechii, Ashnikko, Noah Cyrus, Trixie Mattel, Keke Palmer, and many others. Stay tuned for the grand reveal of Friday night's OUTLOUD headliner, but until then, check out the full lineup and get your tickets today!
OUTLOUD Music Festival 2023Courtesy City of West Hollywood. Photo: Jon Viscott
Saturday, June 1st, and Sunday, June 2nd, are packed with excitement as well! Don't miss the WeHo Pride Street Fair along Santa Monica Boulevard, featuring a wide variety of exhibitors, live entertainment, and a community stage, all free and family-friendly. And be sure to catch the grand finale, the WeHo Pride Parade on June 2nd, showcasing amazing floats, dancing in the streets, and an abundance of creative pizzazz. In lieu of Grand Marshals, this year's parade will have "Icons," so stay tuned for the announcement, because this lineup is going to be legendary. And as always, everyone is welcome to join in the celebration of love and acceptance!
Jessica Betts & Niecy Nash-Betts at WeHo Pride Parade 2023Courtesy City of West Hollywood. Photo: Jon Viscott
So, whether you're a local legend or a first-time visitor, pack your padding, brush out your wig, and join us as we celebrate 40 years of West Hollywood fabulousness and LGBTQ+ pride! Let's paint the town and make memories that'll last a lifetime. Cheers to West Hollywood, darling. Here's to 40 more years of living out proud!
The Pool at The West Hollywood EDITIONCourtesy Visit West Hollywood. Credit: West Hollywood EDITION
Consider staying in the heart of L.A., in one of West Hollywood’s 20-fabulous hotel properties. Plus, stay up to date on West Hollywood’s 40th anniversary and get all the tea on WeHo Pride 2024.
