Local

What’s happening in SLO County for Pride? Check out free events & entertainment

Pridefest 2025 has arrived in San Luis Obispo County.

All throughout May and June, the Gala Pride & Diversity Center and Central Coast Pride are teaming up to host events celebrating LGBTQ+ communities across the county.

This year’s Pridefest theme is “then, now and forever” to honor the legacy and future of LGBTQ+ residents, event organizers said.

“From high-energy parties to family-friendly gatherings and moments of reflection, there’s something for everyone,” Gala said on its website. “Whether you’re a longtime activist or new to Pride, you belong here.”

Here are some of the free Pride events taking place around the Central Coast:

Pride in the Plaza

Pride in the Plaza is the largest LGBTQ+ event in the county, Pridefest organizers said.

Held in in the center of downtown San Luis Obispo, the all-ages event will feature more than 65 local vendors, live entertainment, drag performances, dancing, community resources and a variety of food and drink options.

“This is the can’t-miss event of Pridefest 2025,” the event flyer said, describing it as “free, family-friendly and full of love.”

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 31

Where: Mission Plaza, 989 Chorro St., San Luis Obispo

Trans Pride in the Park

Trans Pride in the Park aims to celebrate and empower transgender, nonbinary and gender-expansive community members in SLO County, event organizers said.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and spend an afternoon in the park watching live performances and uplifting speakers.

The event will include a vendor fair, clothing exchange, food trucks, a sensory break area and a craft station. People can also get gender affirming haircuts and nail art.

The celebration is family-friendly and open to all ages and gender identities, according to an event flier.

When: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 1

Where: Meadow Park, 2251 Meadow St., San Luis Obispo

The Gala Pride and Diversity Center hosted it’s largest ever Pride festival at Laguna Lake in 2022.
The Gala Pride and Diversity Center hosted it’s largest ever Pride festival at Laguna Lake in 2022. Courtesy of the Gala Pride and Diversity Center

Queerwood

Queerwood 2025 is a community-led Pride celebration taking place at Beerwood in Los Osos.

“Expect an afternoon of connection, celebration and queer joy in a relaxed, inclusive setting,” event organizers said.

The exact time of the event had yet to be decided as of Friday, May 30.

When: Saturday, June 7

Where: Beerwood, 690 Santa Maria Ave, Los Osos

Paddling with Pride

The Gala Pride & Diversity Center, Paddling Paws and Central Coast Pride are collaborating to host Paddling with Pride.

The group paddle board event in Morro Bay will feature games and puppies up for adoption, the event flier said.

“Suit up in your brightest Pride gear and help us turn the bay into a rainbow,” organizers said.

The event is free and family friendly.

Paddle boards and life jackets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

When: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 7

Where: Coleman Park Beach, 101 Coleman Drive, Morro Bay

Kids dance during the first-ever Paso Pride in downtown Paso Robles on June 24, 2022.
Kids dance during the first-ever Paso Pride in downtown Paso Robles on June 24, 2022. Chloe Jones cjones@thetribunenews.com

Atascadero Pride in the Park

The second annual Atascadero Pride in the Park is taking place on Saturday, June 14.

This year’s festival will include vendors, food trucks, DJ’s, dancing, prize drawings and arts and crafts, according to the event’s website.

There will also be roller skating with skate rentals and instruction available.

LGBTQ+ individuals looking to get married can have a wedding in the gazebo, provided they bring their marriage licenses.

“Everyone is welcome to join in a day filled with color, compassion, and connection,” event organizers said. “This free event is all about celebrating love in all its forms.”

When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 14

Where: Atascadero Lake Park, 9305 Pismo Ave., Atascadero

Related Stories from San Luis Obispo Tribune
Hannah Poukish
The Tribune
Hannah Poukish covers San Luis Obispo County as The Tribune’s government reporter. She previously reported and produced stories for The Sacramento Bee, CNN, Spectrum News and The Mercury News in San Jose. She graduated from Stanford University with a master’s degree in journalism. 
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER