Thousands of people flocked to the 41st annual Long Beach Pride Festival on Saturday for the first day of the weekend-long celebration of the LGBTQ community.
The event is one of the largest festivities in the United States, with this year’s festivities including a long list of performers, arts and crafts vendors, dance and drag shows.
Among those who will perform throughout the weekend are musicians Ivy Queen, Saucy Santana and Valentina from “Ru Pauls’ Drag Race.” Jewels, a renowned drag queen from Long Beach, will perform both days.
The festival kicked off Friday evening with their Teen Pride celebration and will take place both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Rainbow Lagoon, located at 385 E. Shoreline Drive.
General admission tickets cost $40 per day. VIP tickets, which include access to luxury restrooms, bars and a lounge area, cost $125 per day.
Sunday’s parade starts at 10 a.m. and runs until noon, starting on Ocean Boulevard between Lindero Avenue and Alamitos Avenue.
The festival comes just days after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a global safety alert to warn of “potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent acts against U.S. citizens and interests,” specifically regarding Pride events.
According to CBS News sources, the warning was issued due to threats from ISIS.
Long Beach Police released a statement regarding the alert and their preparations for the event.
“The LBPD is prepared and ready to ensure everyone has a safe weekend,” the statement said. “We will have an increased police presence across the city throughout the weekend.”
More information about the festival can be found here.
