(FOX40.COM) \u2014 June is Pride Month and the Sacramento LGBT Center is gearing up for its largest event of the year. Sacramento Pride Weekend is June 13-14, but hosts said set-up will be in full swing Friday.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be a big preparation time between now and Friday,\u201d said Priya Kumar, Sacramento LGBT Center\u2019s communications and marketing manager.<\/p>\n
Vendors, sponsors and hosts will gather at the Capitol Mall in preparation for the two-day festival, which features local and out-of-state talent, plenty of food and a whole lot of pride. According to hosts, the event draws in around 20,000 people each year and the center has already sold around 5,000 tickets.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a pretty big number considering that most people buy their tickets at the gate or the day of, or even on Sunday after the march when they\u2019re coming in to the festival,\u201d Kumar said.<\/p>\n
The march kicks off at 11 a.m. Sunday. Marchers will make their way from Southside Park to the Capitol. Organizers said this festival has been a local tradition for decades. They added that it\u2019s a weekend of fun and celebration, but also empowerment \u2014 with a deeper meaning and purpose.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith all the attacks happening at the federal level and all of the various LGBTQ+ [attacks], attacks on DEI and just things like that, it\u2019s been really hard to navigate through all that,\u201d Kumar said. \u201cI think Pride is really important because it provides a safe space for our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
The center announced they are recognizing the late Alvin Prasad<\/a> as a Grand Marshal this year alongside other honorees \u2014 community members who\u2019ve impacted the community through leadership and advocacy. Kumar said the weekend is about unity and bringing people together.<\/p>\n \u201cAs long as you\u2019re a part of this community, you are a part of our family,\u201d Kumar said.<\/p>\n Hosts emphasized that Sacramento\u2019s anticipated high temperatures aren\u2019t dimming any of the fun. Kumar confirmed her team is planning ahead for the heat by providing sunscreen, water and shade structures for attendees.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll have our first aid tent, medical staff, on-site so they can be there to help anyone who needs it,\u201d Kumar said.<\/p>\n Tickets are available online or at the gate. For more information about the weekend\u2019s schedule, how to get tickets, volunteer or to take a look at the festival map, you can visit the event\u2019s webpage<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just a really beautiful time to be together and celebrate,\u201d Kumar said.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n