It’s officially time for Pride — with the 43rd annual Long Beach Pride Parade and Festival kicking off this weekend, from Friday, May 15 to Sunday, May 17.
While the official celebrations offer plenty to do, many businesses around Long Beach will be offering their own libations to pay tribute to the LGBTQ+ community this weekend.
Here are a few places to check out.
HALO, the rooftop bar at the Fairmont Breakers hotel, will be hosting a post-parade Pride Party on Sunday, May 17.
The event will feature a set from DJ Bella, Pride-inspired cocktails, and Loquat Oysters.
The hotel is also offering a special Pride Escape special for those spending the night. The package includes a welcome cocktail for two at HALO and a $100 dining credit to experience the hotel throughout your stay.
For details, go to shorturl.at/sDRPe.
The Downtown Long Beach Alliance will also be hosting a post-Pride parade afterparty at the Current Plaza, 777 E. Ocean Blvd., on Sunday.
Cheer LA participates in the 42nd annual Long Beach Pride Parade down Ocean Boulevard on Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
A local kickball team said they were excited to attend the Long Beach Pride Parade on Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Attendees check out a photo exhibit at the Long Beach Pride Festival on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Marina Green Park. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
Youngsters play in a family area at the Long Beach Pride Festival on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Marina Green Park. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer)
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Cheer LA participates in the 42nd annual Long Beach Pride Parade down Ocean Boulevard on Sunday, May 18, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
That event will kick off at 11 a.m. and run until 3 p.m., featuring live music with DJ Malcom Alexander, dancing, entertainment, and more.
“Come dance, celebrate, and kick off Pride season Fearless and Free,” the event website said.
The Falcon North, at 2025 E. Artesia Blvd., will be hosting its second annual Pride kick-off party on Friday, May 15. The party is video game-themed, and attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite character consumers for a chance at a $100 cash prize.
Tickets cost $10 in advance and $15 at the door, and 10% of all advanced ticket sales will be donated to the Heart Failure Research Foundation. For advanced tickets, go to shorturl.at/IKXXk.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe, Alex’s Bar will be hosting a Long Beach Pride Market and Show, featuring various musical acts, art, drag performances, food vendors, and more, on Sunday, May 17 at 8 p.m.
That event is free and will get underway at 2913 E. Anaheim St. For details, go to alexsbar.com.
Business openings
South of Nick’s, located at 5354 E. Second St., is expected to open at the end of June.
It will be the fourth location for the Mexican restaurant.
The restaurant’s entryway is graced with beautiful tiles, a design feature that is a signature fixture of each South of Nick’s location.
The tiles are the same design found in the first South of Nick’s restaurant, located in an historic building in San Clemente, according to spokesperson Haley Cox.
Zarape’ Cocina & Cantina recently opened, with menu items made from a 100% scratch kitchen and all natural, raw, and fresh ingredients.
The interior of Zarape’ Cocina & Cantina in Long Beach. (Photo by Jo Murray/SCNG).
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The interior of Zarape’ Cocina & Cantina in Long Beach. (Photo by Jo Murray/SCNG).
The restaurant has a happy hour menu served daily from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. It includes Mexican street corn for $6, three taquitos for $10, nachos for $8 and Margaritas for $9.
A new ice cream shop, Sorry Not Sorry, also recently opened just across the street — and is a perfect place for dessert afterwards.
Brodard, serving traditional Vietnamese dishes, is expected to open at the 2ND & PCH shopping center sometime this summer.
The company has operated in Orange County for more than 25 years, with restaurants in Garden Grove and Fountain Valley. Brodard offers creative dishes including ribeye rolls and wild king salmon egg rolls — and Long Beach diners are excited for the new addition to the dining scene here in town.
“We anticipate opening sometime around mid-July, although the date is still tentative as we continue working through the final stages of construction and preparation,” spokesperson Lisa Dang said. “We’re very excited to bring Brodard to Long Beach and look forward to sharing more updates soon.”
Long Beach residents can also look forward to a new Lucky Strike bowling alley at the Long Beach Exchange, though details about when it may open are scant at this time.
“At this time, construction timelines and an official opening date for our new Lucky Strike location have not yet been announced,” said spokesperson Ana Maria Marquez. “That said, we are incredibly excited to be joining the Long Beach Exchange community and can’t wait to bring the Lucky Strike experience to the area.”
Lucky Strike is a modern version of a bowling alley. The establishment blends the nostalgia of bowling with modern menus, cool lighting, and hip music.
LBBC
Long Beach’s newest professional baseball team, the Long Beach Coast, have announced the selection of its official concessionaire just ahead of its inaugural season at Blair Field.
Trademark Brewing, the local brewery and taproom owned by husband-and-wife team Sterling and Ilana Steffen, will oversee all ballpark food and beverage operations, according to a recent announcement from the Long Beach Coast.
“Fans can expect a lineup of signature menu items created exclusively for the season, including the 9th Inning Smash Burger, Elote Street Corn Cup, and “The Regulator” loaded hot dog, alongside a curated selection of Trademark Brewing craft beers available throughout the stadium,” according to the announcement.
The city’s craft beer scene will also be spotlighted through the partnership through a rotating tap program, which will offer Long Beach Coast game attendees the chance to try various local breweries and tap rooms, the announcement said.
“We’ve always believed great beer and food bring people together, and baseball does the same thing,” Sterling Steffen said in the news release. “Partnering with the Long Beach Coast gives us an opportunity to create something uniquely Long Beach — a place where families and fans can come together to enjoy a great night out without leaving the city.”
Trademark Brewing will also host a watch party for the Long Beach Coast’s first game on May 19. The event will begin at 6 p.m., and RSVPs can be online at tinyurl.com/lbcoastbb.