The 2021 Pride season is about to get underway in cities around California.
In the North Bay, Sonoma County Pride will have a drive-thru parade Saturday, June 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year's theme is "Beyond the Rainbow."
According to a news release, officials are moving to the new model due to COVID safety and social distancing guidelines.
Organizations and contingents will occupy defined spaces for their floats and celebrants, allowing attendees to drive through to experience the excitement and community of Pride in this unique, safe manner. A streaming soundtrack will be available to guide and entertain parade-goers as they make their way through the space.
The event will take place in the parking lot at Graton Resort and Casino, South Drive East (off Business Park Road) in Rohnert Park. The resort, overseen by gay Graton Rancheria Tribal Chairman Greg Sarris, is the title sponsor of the Pride celebration.
The focus for Sonoma County Pride 2021 is on the mental, physical, and emotional health and wellness of community members. On its website, Vice President Grace Villafuerte, Pride vice president, stated, "While some of us are reviving and thriving, some of us are still focused on surviving. Wherever we are on our journey, we hope Sonoma County Pride 2021 will offer each of us a feeling of community, pride, and peace. We strive to not only reach our unique rainbows — our dreams and inner strengths, but we look to go Beyond the Rainbow!"
For more information, click here.
San Mateo Pride week
On the Peninsula, the San Mateo County Pride Center will have a week of virtual activities June 6-12.
According to its website, events will include performances, workshops, trainings, and more. This year's theme is "Diverse As the Universe."
At press time, more detailed information was not available, but check out the website.
See Adam Lambert in LA
For those who want to get away, OUTLOUD: Raising Voices will present Adam Lambert live in concert at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, June 6.
Other performers who will appear that day include Angel Bonilla, Chely Wright, Kim Petras, Sam Sparro, Vincint featuring Parson James, Qveen Herby and Ty Sunderland, and Zhavia Ward.
The concert is part of a three-day June 4-6 LGBTQ+ PRIDE artist series. Headlining June 4 will be Sofi Tukker, while the main act June 5 will be Hayley Kiyoko.
According to the Los Angeles Blade, OUTLOUD: Raising Voices was created by the award-winning team of Jeff Consoletti and Artie Kenney and is billed as the Pride concert of the summer. Options include in-stadium seating, pod seating, and field cabanas. Tickets range from $30 to $250. For more information, click here.
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