Your Guide to Central Coast Pride 2025
San Luis Obispo is a city that thrives on community, creativity, and connection—and nowhere is that more beautifully expressed than during Pride Month. This year’s theme, Then, Now, Forever, honors the journey of the Central Coast LGBTQ+ community while celebrating the joy, resilience, and magic of who we are today.
Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting for the weekend, Pride in SLO has something for everyone—from lively celebrations to quiet moments of reflection. Here’s how to soak it all in.
Pride Weekend: May 31 – June 1, 2025
Pride Weekend in SLO is a full-slate, full-heart experience.
Saturday, May 31 – Pride in the Plaza
This is the main event and the heart of our Pride celebration. For nearly 30 years, this event has transformed Mission Plaza into a joyful, rainbow-filled hub with live music, drag performances, local vendors, food trucks, and community booths. It’s free, family-friendly, and packed with love. Bring your friends, your kids, your parents, your dog—everyone’s welcome.
Sunday, June 1 – Trans Pride in the Park
Join us at Meadow Park for an affirming afternoon filled with lawn games, a clothing exchange, affirming hair stylists, a beer garden, and community joy. This event centers trans and nonbinary folks but welcomes all allies with open arms. Vendors, resources, giveaways and more!
More Pride Fun All Month Long
Pride in SLO is more than just a weekend party. It’s a full month of art, movement, poetry, history, and joy. Whether you’re an art lover, a poetry nerd, a fitness fan, a history buff, or just looking to connect with community, there’s something for you to enjoy and explore.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the events we’re hosting with local partners and collaborators:
Opening May 31 – “Then, Now, Forever: A History of Queer Life on the Central Coast”
History Center of San Luis Obispo | 11am
Created in collaboration with the History Center of San Luis Obispo, Queer Archive Project and SLOMA, this exhibit is a celebration of local LGBTQ+ history across decades. You’ll find it featured prominently at Pride in the Plaza on May 31. Curated by SLOMA curator Mac Wilkinson in collaboration with Daniel Montoya, this exhibit will feature vintage pride photo and archival interviews with local LGBTQ+ residents, interactive displays and reflections on how queer folks have shaped life here in SLO County. This is more than a recitation of history, it’s a living tribute to our community’s roots, dreams, and future. The exhibit will remain on view throughout the month of June.
June 6 – Return to Art After Dark, Featuring A Klass
Gala Pride and Diversity Center | 5–8 PM
We’re thrilled to rejoin Art After Dark, the beloved monthly art walk in downtown SLO, with a stunning new exhibit by nationally recognized and celebrated trans photographer A Klass (aka @transnormativity). The evening will also feature a Q&A with the artist which will also be livestreamed! Come enjoy light bites, some bubbly and good conversation! Can’t make it that night? A’s work will be on display at the Gala center until the end of June. Plenty of time to take it in!
June 7 – Paddling with Pride!
Coleman Park Beach, Morro Bay | 11am – 2:30pm
Join Gala and Paddling Paws, a slocal community animal rescue for a beautiful and colorful day out on the water. We’ll be paddling out in the Bay with our dogs! Bring your crew, your sunscreen, your pup and your sense of adventure. No experience necessary—just good vibes and a splash of courage. (There will be limited paddle boards and lifejackets for people and pups available to rent, bring your own if you have them!)
June 11 – Queer Poetry Workshop with Caleb Nichols
Gala Pride and Diversity Center | 6 PM
Join SLO County Poet Laureate Caleb Nichols for a deep, generative dive into queer nature, identity, and expression. This free workshop is for all levels and will feature close reading, writing prompts and opportunities to share. BYO notebook and your sense of curiosity!
June 13 – Donation-Based Workout at Kismet Fitness
Kismet Fitness | 6 PM
Ready to sweat with Pride? Join Kismet Fitness for a free, donation-based “girliepop” workout that’s rooted in joy and science. Kismet Fitness is a new fitness center specifically serving women and nonbinary folks. Access to fitness can be tough—and this class is all about making movement joyful, safe, and community-driven. While the class is free to attend, any donations we collect will be donated to the Gala Pride and Diversity Center, supporting programs and groups all year long!
Find Your Place in Pride: Events for Every Vibe
These are just a few of the events Gala and our partners are putting on. There’s a full calendar of community events on our website—including:
- Plays and performances
- Movie Screenings
- Craft nights
- Giveaways
- And so much more!
Visit galacc.org (or follow us @thegalacenter and @centralcoastpride) to see the full schedule.
No matter your vibe, identity, or age—there’s a space for you here. Pride in SLO isn’t just a party. It’s a community. Come find your place in it!
