While June is officially National Pride Month, the Santa Barbara South Coast is proud to observe it all year long. From special events and offerings to limited edition wares, The American Riviera® sure knows how to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. No matter how you participate in this year’s festivities, there’s an event for you on this list.
Pride Events and Activities
Though many Pride events are celebrated during June in Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara’s official Pride Week takes place every August and features a variety of events, including comedy, dancing, an annual festival and more. This year’s pride week will be held Aug. 20-27 culminating in the signature Pride at the Beach festival on Aug. 26.
Santa Barbara Pride Comedy Festival, Now through June 9
Start your summer laughing at the inaugural Santa Barbara Pride Comedy Festival at The Red Piano! This four-day festival is dedicated to creating peace and uniting people through laughter. The event will bring a diverse range of outstanding comedic voices to share their hilarious views of the world.
Cost: $35-$50/person
Pride Paint & Sip at Art Spot on Wheels, June 16 from 6-8 p.m.
Art Spot on Wheels invites you to to paint and style the ultimate Queen! Using paints, glitters, sequins and more you will accessories and glamorize the night night away–in honor of Pride Month. This event will include a complimentary glass of wine, but as always, you may also bring your own beverages of choice. All proceeds of this incredible night will be donated to support Rainbow House Inc.
Cost: $85/person
Paint & Sip Tea Party at Pura Luna Apothecary, June 17 from 3-5 p.m.
Pura Luna Apothecary welcomes Danielle Renee Art to host a creative painting workshop, using plants as your medium. Create a beautiful Chromatic Gate painting using select herbs from Pura Luna Apothecary to make watercolor pigments. A template pre-printed on watercolor paper and all supplies, herbal refreshments and a travel tote bag for your artwork are provided. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Pacific Pride Foundation.
Cost: $45/person
Support Pacific Pride Foundation at Bettina, Now through June 30
In honor of Pride Month, beloved pizzeria Bettina is donating $1 from each purchase of a delicious Creamed Nettle pizza to the Pacific Pride Foundation.
Cost: $23/pizza
Celebrate Pride Month at The Manor Bar, Now through June 30
The Manor Bar, located inside Rosewood Miramar Beach, is proud to support Santa Barbara’s LGBTQ+ community and celebrate its many contributions to history, society and culture. To promote positive change, a portion of the proceeds for each Anne Lister’s Diaries cocktail sold during June will be donated to the Pacific Pride Foundation.
Cost: $26/drink
Love is Love with Acme Hospitality, Now through June 30
Anytime you dine out this month at any Acme Hospitality location, treat yourself to a Love is Love specialty cocktail! $1 for each drink sold will be donated to the Pacific Pride Foundation.
Drink List (by property):
The Lark: Love & Valor
Loquita: De La Tierra
La Paloma Café: Bird of Paradise
Lucky Penny: Frosé
Pearl Social: I’ve to a Marvelous Party
Santa Barbara Wine Collective: “Love You Bunches” Rosé
Cost: Varies by drink
Pacific Pride Festival, Aug. 26 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Join the community for an unforgettable celebration of love, diversity, and inclusivity at Pacific Pride Festival in Santa Barbara! This free, all-day event will feature a variety of local vendors, entertainment, food and libations benefiting the Pacific Pride Foundation. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or an ally, Pride at the Beach in Santa Barbara is an opportunity to stand together and celebrate the community’s shared commitment to love, respect and celebration. This event is a part of Santa Barbara Pride Week.
Sunset at the Kimpton Canary Hotel, Now through Sept. 20
In collaboration with the Pacific Pride Foundation, Sunset at the Canary is back for another summer of music, dancing and drinks at dusk. June 14, July 12, Aug. 23 and Sept. 20, boogie up to the Kimpton Canary Hotel rooftop for this free event. This event is a part of Santa Barbara Pride Week.
Glitter Brunch at Wildcat Lounge, Every Sunday at 11 a.m.
Offered year-round, what better way to kick off a Sunday in Santa Barbara with a drag, glitter brunch at Wildcat Lounge? The weekly event is hosted by Vivian Storm and Angel D’mon at 11 a.m. This event is a part of Santa Barbara Pride week.
Cost: $10 at the door, plus the cost of dining. Reservations are recommended.
The Crafter’s Library
A dedicated co-working space for all types of crafts, The Crafter’s Library opened in 2021, with the motto, “anyone can craft,” in mind. The space is dedicated to the idea that no matter who you are or your perceived skill level, you can create something extraordinary by purchasing a day or annual pass. Owner Andrew Rawls, who identifies as a gay man, says the goal was to create a bright and cheery community space, citing the need for a safe, BIPOC and LGBTQIA-friendly creative location, with both daytime and evening activities.
Pura Luna Apothecary
Owned by wife duo Ashe and Christin, this boutique has everything from hair care, teas, jewelry and perfumes. It’s the ultimate one-stop-shop for all things related to self-care and wellness and a wonderful business to support outside of just Pride Month.