Pride celebrations are nothing new in the North Bay.
Dating back to at least the 1960s, LGBTQ+ culture has thrived in Sonoma and Marin counties. As Pride Month approaches, long standing events and brand new celebrations will fill the month of June—and beyond. It’s almost time to get out for coming out at these celebrations of queer folk in our fantastic cultural bubble.
Sonoma County Pride, May 30–June 1
It is important to remember that Sonoma County’s history of LGBTQ+ includes the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic. Getting stronger through adversity is a lesson that the queer community knows well. The epidemic taught “us how to care for one another with profound compassion and resilience,” organizers remind on the fest’s website (sonomacountypride.org/festival).
To foster that mutual support now, Sonoma County Pride is presenting a full rainbow of events, including:
Transgender Rally for Our Rights. 4–6pm, Friday, May 30, Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa.
Shady Sassy Scarlet. 9pm–1am, Friday, May 30, Shady Oak Brewing Company, 420 1st St., Santa Rosa. $20 cover. Ages 18+.
Pride Parade and Festival. 40th year. Parade is followed by “Love in the Square” community festival. Performers include Betty Who and SF Cheer. 11am–5pm, Saturday May 31. Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa.
Crown Jewel Pride Festival, the official after-party of Sonoma County Pride. 9pm–1am, Saturday, May 31. Vintage Lounge at The Flamingo Resort, 2777 4th St., Santa Rosa. 21+
Ruby Ripple pool party featuring Deborak Cox and DJ Chris Cox along with Spencer Ludwig, DJ Bryan Noe and Ruby Red Munro. “A sun-soaked soundscape … where everyone is welcome … the largest gay pool party in NorCal,” according to organizers. 12–6pm, Sunday, June 1. Graton Resort & Casino Pool Deck, 288 Golf Course Dr. W, Rohnert Park. General Admission: $45 and up. 21+.
Pride Festival at the Sonoma Plaza, June 1
Sonoma Valley Pride is organizing the first-ever Pride Festival in Sonoma’s historic Plaza. All are invited to “come out, unite with the community, dance, march, and show your pride to all of Sonoma,” say the organizers. Live music and speakers start at the amphitheater at 2pm. Musicians include Lambert Moss. The organizers also say, “Pride is a protest, and we welcome Sonoma’s first-ever Pride festival and biggest celebration to date where we stand proud, queer and we unite with our beloved community.” 2–5pm, Sunday, June 1. Sonoma Plaza Amphitheater, 453 1st St. E, Sonoma.
Downtown San Rafael Pride Art Walk Puzzle, June 1–30
In a unique approach to celebrating Pride, the 2nd Annual Downtown San Rafael Pride Art Walk Puzzle has become a new tradition in Marin. Shops throughout downtown will be decorated for Pride—but wait. Each storefront display will include a hidden word. One may use the official map to piece together the secret message, a quote from Harvey Milk to inspire everyone to have Pride in themselves. Downtown San Rafael throughout June.
2025 Novato Pride Flag Raising Ceremony & Celebration, June 1
Visible signs of support are more important now than ever. In that spirit, and certainly against pressure to not do so, the City of Novato will officially raise the rainbow banner above its city hall for Pride Month. All are invited to a flag raising ceremony in celebration and recognition of Pride Month. 11am–12pm, Sunday, June 1. Novato City Hall, 901 Sherman Ave.
Mill Valley Pride, June 7
Throughout this list, many of the events are in their first or second year. That is because the need to support our vulnerable queer communities is more important now than it has been in a generation. Even smaller towns like Mill Valley are showing up big. “Kick off Pride Month with a day filled with joy, love, and celebration. Whether you’re coming with family, friends, or flying solo, there’s something for everyone,” say the organizers of Mill Valley Pride. Local vendors, live entertainment and DJ sets punctuate this “celebration of love, acceptance, and community.” 11am–3pm, Saturday, June 7. Mill Valley Depot Plaza, 87 Throckmorton Ave.
Healdsburg’s First Annual Pride, June 8
Speakers and performances are followed by a ticketed after-party and silent auction. In partnership with Healdsburg High School’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance, a portion of the proceeds will benefit LGBTQIA+ charities. 2–2:30pm, Sunday, June 8. Healdsburg City Hall, 401 Grove St. After-Party, 2:30–5:30pm, Sunday, June 8 at Healdsburg Bar and Grill, 245 Healdsburg Ave. Pre-purchased ticket required. Limit of 150 people.
Love Wins in Windsor Pride Festival, June 21
The name of this event says it all. Love will win. It does every time, because what else really matters if we take the time to love one another, and to let others love? With a lightning round opening ceremony (just 10 minutes), this afternoon festival gets straight (sic) to dance beats by DJ Walter followed by a full rocking set by Sonoma County’s own Ellie & the Electric Dreams. The music throughout the event is paired with speakers sharing their stories of LGBTQ+ trials and triumphs. 2–8pm, Saturday, June 21. Windsor Town Green, 701 McClelland Dr.
More to Follow
Russian River Pride Parade and Festival, Sept. 20
The origins of Sonoma County Gay and Lesbian Pride run right down the Russian River. From the 1970s draw of queer folk from the Bay Area to the recent tourist boom of Guernville, the LGBTQ+ community has long been engaged with the economic well-being of the area. “Russian River Pride is deeply committed to uplifting the community and supporting local businesses,” say organizers. By highlighting economic struggles of the river communities, Russian River Pride “strives … to foster a sense of pride that strengthens the fabric of our region.” 12pm til as long as one likes, Saturday, Sept. 20. Main Street, Guerneville.
Petaluma People’s Pride, Sept. 27
The brand new Petaluma People’s Pride is “an unapologetic and vibrant celebration of intersectionality, a queer smorgasbord” that “honors the spirit and power of Pride and protest,” explain the founders. One may join performances, dances and “radical joy” in September at a location yet to be announced. Saturday, Sept. 27, Petaluma. (See “A Queer Revolution” for more about the emergence of this new Pride collective.)
Petaluma Pride, Oct. 11
Organized on National Coming Out Day, Petaluma Pride will host its third festival on Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Petaluma Fairgrounds. Live music, food, drink, activities and networking opportunities will be available. 12–5pm, Saturday, Oct. 11. Petaluma Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Dr.
