Monterey Peninsula Pride creates celebratory and safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ expression and allyship across the Monterey Peninsula.
Monterey Peninsula Pride has been a cornerstone of visibility and connection for the LGBTQIA+ community since our founding in 2017. Each year, more than 5,000 people from across the Monterey Peninsula gather in historic downtown Monterey for Monterey Pride – our annual, free, all-ages parade and celebration. Entirely volunteer-led, Monterey Pride features performances by local drag artists, LGBTQIA+ creatives, and appearances by elected leaders, along with booths and resources from educators, healthcare providers, and community organizations. The event also includes a scholarship ceremony honoring local queer youth. But our work doesn’t stop there – Monterey Pride is active year-round, hosting events and building partnerships with schools, faith groups, and nonprofits to expand support for our diverse community. Pride weekend is the culmination of these efforts, with music, food, art, and over 60 booths. In a county where affirming spaces are still rare, Monterey Pride offers joyful visibility, solidarity, and hope.
Monterey Peninsula Pride exists to center, celebrate, and support the LGBTQIA+ community across the Peninsula – from Marina to Carmel – while welcoming people of all identities, ages, and backgrounds, including tourists and passersby. Our annual, free, all-ages Pride celebration in downtown Monterey now draws over 5,000 attendees and serves as a joyful, event where LGBTQIA+ individuals feel seen, valued, and safe. While Pride is the heart of our work, our efforts extend year-round through partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, faith communities, and local organizations. We also collaborate with regional LGBTQ+ groups to expand our collective reach and impact. Our organizational goals are to increase visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community, provide inclusive education and outreach, and strengthen the infrastructure of Monterey Peninsula Pride. We believe that when queer people are supported and celebrated, the whole community benefits, and we are committed to making that vision a reality across the Peninsula.
After four years, I still find this to be one of my favorite experiences in Monterey. Seeing over 1,200 people in the parade this year—kicked off by our local roller derby team, followed by wave after wave of rainbow costumes, flags, families, and floats—was emotional in the best way! It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to be visibly supported, especially now, when so much of the world feels hostile to our existence. To see local officials, community leaders, and small businesses all showing up and leaning into the theme ‘Be Queer Here’ made me feel safe, proud, and deeply seen. Watching Custom House Plaza fill with people dancing, cheering, and celebrating who we are—it reminds me exactly why I volunteer and why having Pride here matters.
- Mandy Owen, Monterey
