long-beach-pride

PINKPARTYTHIRDfbWith most of the attention surrounding the colorful and exuberant Long Beach Pride focused on the Pride Parade or main weekend festivities, attractions held before the main event seem to get lost in the crowd of entertainment.

Not to be outdone by the weekend’s jamborees, this year, in honor the the 33rd annual Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride month, The AIDS Food Store and LGBTQ Center of Long Beach will host a series of events on two days leading up to the annual festivities to help raise funds for the LGBTQ population.

A week before Pride, on Saturday, May 14, The AIDS Food Store will hosts Brad Shore’s Happy Hour Mixer at L’Opera (101 Pine Avenue) from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. With a donation of a non-perishable food item to the AIDS Food Store, guests can enjoy drink specials and appetizers.

Also on Saturday, May 14, North Long Beach will host its very own North Long Beach Pride at Uptown Bar and Grill (2421 East Artesia Boulevard). The LGBTQ Center will be joined by Assemblymember Anthony Rendon and Councilmember Rex Richardson for $1 tacos, $2 beers, $3 margaritas, raffles, DJs and more.

A day before the main Pride festivities, on Friday, May 20, come out and join Cocktails for a Cause at Padre (525 East Broadway) benefiting The AIDS Food Store. This all-inclusive social event kicks  off Pride weekend and runs from 7:00PM to 10:00PM. By bringing a non-perishable food item for the Food Store, attendees can enjoy cocktails, special guests and delicious munchies.

And what would Pride be without the iconic Pink Party? Also held on Friday, May 20, this year’s Pink Party well feature Jesse Montana, DJ James Kennedy, cocktails, food trucks and signature pink decorating stations. The event will take place at the new WE Labs at the Packard (205 East Anaheim Street) from 7:00PM to 12:00AM. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.