Pride is alive: Drag queens, PCPA, dance, wine, brunch, and more celebrate the season

June means one thing for the LGBTQ-plus community across the Central Coast and beyond: It’s Pride Month! That translates to events in Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo that celebrate the season, including drag shows, concerts, and even plays. For our annual Pride issue, Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood talks to PCPA about Pride Nights and the themes that come with them, intern Katy Clark speaks with Central Coast drag queens about performing and why it’s important, and gayraoke at the Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez.

—Camillia Lanham

By Caleb Wiseblood

By Katy Clark

By Madison White

Celebrate Pride Prom in Buellton

By Madison White

This article appears in June 4 – June 11, 2026.

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