Long Beach’s 42nd annual Pride Parade took to Ocean Boulevard Sunday as locals and visitors alike celebrated the city’s diverse LGBTQ+ community.

The parade was a little less crowded than recent years, but thousands of spectators still lined the 1.5-mile route that starts at Lindero Avenue and travels toward Downtown on Ocean and Alamitos Avenue.

“The Long Beach Pride Parade is more than just a celebration — it’s a cherished tradition that reflects the heart and soul of our city,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “It’s a vibrant expression of love, acceptance and unity, reminding us of the power of living authentically and standing together.”

This was the second year in a row that the city itself planned and funded the parade, taking over from the nonprofit Long Beach Pride, which asked for help. Long Beach Pride still handles the annual Pride Festival and plans to manage the parade again starting next year.

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson is on the mic as he rides a float in the Long Beach Pride Parade on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.
Jessica Morales, of Los Angeles, hugs a friend before the start of the Long Beach Pride Parade on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.
Poppy chills as he waits for the start of the Long Beach Pride Parade on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.
Zachary Tristen stands on stilts as he participates in this year’s Pride Parade in Long Beach on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.
KayLynn Britcliffe, of Las Vegas, comes prepared with her bubble gun as she attends the Long Beach Pride Parade on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Britcliffe is on a Pride Tour, having attended the Riverside Pride celebration last weekend, and she plans to go to the Pride celebrations in West Hollywood and Portland as well. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.
The Dykes on Bikes start off the Long Beach Pride Parade on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.
A participant at the Long Beach Pride Parade reflects Freddie Mercury in Long Beach on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.
Two ladies walk as the sun lights up a Pride umbrella at the Long Beach Pride Parade on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.
A window of a home on Ocean Boulevard reflects the Long Beach Pride Parade as participants lined up before the start of the event in Long Beach on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.
Eric Santamaria, of Long Beach, directs runners during the Pride Run before the Long Beach Pride Parade in Long Beach, Sunday, May 18, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.
Jose Gonzales, in the front, and Jose Perez proudly hold their flags while attending the Long Beach Pride Parade on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.
A member of Dykes on Bikes prepares to start the Long Beach Pride Parade on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.
Long Beach Councilmember Kristina Duggan waves to the crowd as she rides in the Long Beach Pride Parade in Long Beach, Sunday, May 18, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.