Samo Pride returns with a month of fun, inclusive events
May 26, 2026 4:26 PM
by Jenny Rogers
*Updated May 27, 2026*
SaMo Pride is back this June with a month full of programming designed to celebrate, honor and support the LGBTQ+ community and love in every color.
The month kicks off with a Proclamation at the Santa Monica City Council meeting on May 26, written and designed by rafa esparza. Read the full proclamation here.
Pride on the Promenade will return on June 13. Last year’s event kicked off Third Street Promenade’s Entertainment Zone, which will feature again this year, with the special addition of an evening Block Party and activations throughout the Promenade.
Learn more at smpride.com, and see below for a list of featured events. Be sure to check back, as dates and times could change.
Storyectomy Family Pride
Wednesday, June 3, 8 p.m. | The Crow
Returning for a third season, Storyectomy Family Pride uses the art of storytelling and comedy to bring light, love and healing to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Fabulous Fables
Sunday, June 7, 10 a.m.-Noon | Santa Monica Pier
Gather the little ones and head to the heart of the Santa Monica Pier for a free, joy-filled celebration created especially for families with kids 10 and under.
Gay Interrupted: Comedy Show
Friday, June 12, 8 p.m. | The Crow
The Crow hosts a gay comedy show, which is interrupted by a token straight. Recommended for 18 + (material is mature and can be compared to content seen in rated R films).
Pride on the Promenade
Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Third Street Promenade
Pride takes over the Promenade with a drag brunch, community booths, games, a Santa Monica Public Library pop-up and Rainbow Storytime (Noon – 4 p.m.; Storytime starts at 12:30 p.m.) and much, much more.
Santa Monica Block Fest
Saturday, June 13, 5 p.m. - Midnight | Third Street Promenade
After the annual Pride on the Promenade celebration, Santa Monica Block Fest will keep the party going with a free, family-friendly Pride and World Cup-themed music festival.
What started as a single-block community event is now a city co-produced, multi-stage, full scale production in the Entertainment Zone with pop-up bars, local vendors, and VIP gardens all across three iconic blocks of Third Street Promenade. This volume of Block Fest marks the festival’s first integration of a night market, bringing more than 20 top-tier food and merch vendors into the movement.
19th Street Community Farm Block Party
Sunday, June 14, 1-5 p.m. | 2018 19th Street
Visit the Pride table at the 19th Street Community Farm Block Party, celebrating the opening of the 19th Street Community Farm and Wellness Garden. This free street party features music, garden activities, crafts, food trucks and more.
PRIDE Month YA Author Panel
Thursday, June 18, 6:30-7:45 p.m. | Ocean Park Branch Library
Young adult books with central or prominent LGBTQIA+ characters are among the most banned books in school and public libraries across the US. Meet a few of the authors proudly pushing against that tide, including Rex Ogle, C.B. Lee and Georgia K. Boone. A book sale and signing follow.
Cabaret at The Crow
Saturday, June 20, 8 p.m. | The Crow
Live theater with singers, magicians, drag and comics. Broadway show tunes meets stand-up comedy. Recommended for 16 + (material is mature and can be compared to content seen in rated R films).
PRIDE Sunset Swim
Friday, June 26, 6-9 p.m., | Annenberg Community Beach House
Enjoy a fun and welcoming night swim in the historic and heated pool with music, pool floaties, complimentary s’mores while supplies last and hands-on crafts like zine making and bead bracelet making with Lavender Art Club. Whether you want to swim, make art, connect with community or simply relax by the water, PRIDE Sunset Swim offers a queer, accessible and judgment-free space for every and all bodies.
And all month long, enjoy Pride reading lists compiled by Santa Monica Public Library staff for general audiences, kids, and young adults.
See the full list of city-sponsored Pride Month events or visit smpride.com.
Authored By
Jenny Rogers
Director of Recreation and Arts