LONG BEACH, Calif. — On Friday, Long Beach Pride announced that the city had cancelled Long Beach Pride Festival this weekend.
The City of Long Beach said in an email that the festival would not take place this year because “sufficient information to safely permit the event has not been made available by the event organizers.”
While the city manages and funds the parade, the Pride Festival remains an independently organized, ticketed event that requires the submission of detailed operational, construction and public safety plans to ensure the well-being of those attending.
The city claims it did not receive the required documentation needed to complete safety reviews and inspect critical event infrastructure, such as the stage, the electrical systems and tent, and emergency exit plans in compliance with public safety standards.
Long Beach Pride Festival organizers said in an email:
“We call on the City of Long Beach, Mayor Rex Richardson, the City Council, and public safety partners to engage in good faith with Long Beach Pride to identify a responsible path forward that preserves the festival, protects public safety, and honors the community this event was created to serve.”
The city said it was determined to find a solution alongside Long Beach Pride, but there wasn’t enough time to safely permit the festival this year. Additionally, any businesses that obtained a special business license and other necessary permits for the festival will receive a full refund.
“Long Beach Pride remains committed to visibility, advocacy, education, celebration, and community. At this critical moment, we need leadership, partnership, and a city that stands with Pride, not one that cancels it,” said Tonya Martin, president of Long Beach Pride, in a statement.
The Pride Parade on Sunday will still occur and feature 141 entries — the most in city history.