WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA — West Hollywood Pride Weekend will kick off Friday and continue through Sunday with concerts, community events, a street fair and the annual WeHo Pride Parade.
The three-day celebration begins Friday with a free-with-RSVP Friday Night at OUTLOUD Music Festival at WeHo Pride at West Hollywood Park, headlined by Ava Max.
“West Hollywood has long stood at the forefront of LGBTQ+ visibility and celebration, and WeHo Pride reflects the heart of our community,” City of West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman said in a statement. “Welcoming the OUTLOUD Music Festival back to West Hollywood Park, with a global lineup, reinforces our City’s role as an international destination for Pride.”
Major street closures will be in effect throughout the weekend along Santa Monica Boulevard, Robertson Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard, with additional closures Sunday for the WeHo Pride Parade route. Most restrictions will remain in place until Monday morning.
City officials urged attendees to plan ahead due to the street closures and parking restrictions. The city will operate a free “Pride Ride” shuttle service throughout the weekend. Information about street closures, parking and transportation options is available at https://www.wehopride.com.
Musical performances will continue throughout the weekend as part of the OUTLOUD festival, with Saturday’s lineup headlined by the Pussycat Dolls, making their only North American stop on their current world tour.
Additional performers scheduled throughout the weekend include Ashlee Simpson, Melanie C, JADE, Flo, Daya, MNEK and the Blue Man Group.
Saturday’s events include the free WeHo Pride Street Fair, featuring performances on two stages, and the Women’s Freedom Festival. The annual Dyke March is scheduled for 6 p.m.
On Sunday, the WeHo Pride Street Fair and OUTLOUD Music Festival will continue, while the WeHo Pride Parade steps off at noon from the corner of Crescent Heights and Santa Monica boulevards, proceeding west through the city.
The parade comes after organizers and Kathy Hilton jointly announced Thursday that she would no longer serve as the parade’s “Grand Marshal Icon.” Organizers said Hilton’s selection had generated differing views within the community and prompted discussions about the role and significance of Pride honorees.
“These conversations reflect the passion people have for WeHo Pride and underscore the importance of ensuring that WeHo Pride continues to honor the history, values, and diverse voices of the LGBTQ+ community,” organizers said.
After discussions among city officials, parade producers and Hilton, organizers decided the 2026 parade would not designate a Grand Marshal Icon honoree.
Hilton said she respected the conversations surrounding the issue and remained committed to supporting LGBTQ+ causes and organizations. She had previously been announced as the parade’s Grand Marshal Icon before questions arose regarding her ties to President Donald Trump and allegations that she had used a gay slur, which she has denied.
City News Service
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