Sonoma County Pride 2025: lineup & parade route

Sonoma County Pride 2025 invites you to a “Ruby Celebration of Pride." It’s the 40th anniversary of Pride in this Northern California community, and they’re going all out!

Taking place May 30 – June 1, 2025, in Santa Rosa, the festivities span a full weekend with rallies, parties, a parade, and a festival all under the theme “40 & Fierce." Nestled in California’s wine country, Sonoma Pride offers a unique blend of small-town charm, progressive spirit, and of course, fabulous wine-fueled revelry.

Pride Kickoff with Transgender Rally

Friday, May 30, festivities begin with several key events:

Pride Flag Raising: An official flag ceremony kicks off Pride weekend at Santa Rosa’s Courthouse Square. City officials, drag queens, and community members hoist the rainbow flag, honoring decades of progress.

Transgender Rally “For Our Rights!”: New in 2025, a Trans Rally on Friday highlights trans voices and issues, signaling Sonoma Pride’s commitment to the T in LGBTQ. Expect heartfelt speeches and calls to action at Courthouse Square.

Kickoff Party “Shady, Sassy & Scarlet”: On Friday night, 9 PM onward, a 21+ Pride Kickoff Party at Shady Oak Barrel House downtown sets the tone. Dubbed “Shady, Sassy & Scarlet,” this dance party encourages wearing scarlet red (the ruby theme) and features drag performances and DJs until late.

The Ruby Anniversary Parade

Pride usually involves all the colors of the rainbow, but for Sonoma County's 40th Pride celebrations, ruby red is the star. Downtown Santa Rosa erupts in color for the “Ruby Anniversary Parade”.

The route runs down Fourth Street starting at Courthouse Square, with step-off at 11 AM. As floats, marching contingents, and classic cars roll through, spectators are encouraged to wear ruby red outfits, turning the city into a sea of red glitter and rainbows! This year’s parade will pay tribute to trailblazers from Sonoma’s first Pride. The parade emphasizes inclusivity: you’ll see PFLAG families, LGBTQ winery groups, two-stepping cowboys, and maybe even LGBTQ winemakers with a float serving grape juice (wine later, folks!). It’s joyful and community-centric, with thousands watching and cheering.

Immediately after the parade, Old Courthouse Square (the heart of downtown Santa Rosa) transforms into the “Love in the Square” community festival.

Here’s what to expect at this free daytime festival:

Marketplace: Stroll among booths of local vendors and artisans, from LGBTQ crafts to Pride gear. Nonprofits and companies share info and freebies. Sonoma’s sustainability ethos is present: learn about water conservation and recycling at educational booths integrated into Pride.

Food & Drink: Delicious bites from food trucks and local eateries around the square. Being wine country, yes, there will be wine/beer gardens where you can sip local vintages or craft beer. Don’t miss trying the “Pride Pinot” or a glass of Sonoma Chardonnay as you toast to 40 years of Pride.

Main Stage Entertainment: The festival stage rocks with live performances. 2025’s headliner is pop star Betty Who. She’ll deliver an electrifying set of her hits (“Somebody Loves You” will have the crowd singing along). Supporting acts include David Hernandez, an American Idol alum with soulful vocals, and gloomy june, a rising queer indie band from San Francisco bringing dancey vibes.

Local drag performer Ruby Red Munro doubles as MC and performer, ensuring the crowd’s energy stays high between acts. You’ll also witness the acrobatic cheer squad Cheer SF flipping across the stage in a high-energy routine.

Ruby Ripple Pool Party

To cap off the weekend, Sunday afternoon brings the “Ruby Ripple Pool Party”. Often held at a partnering hotel or Spring Lake Park, it’s an all-ages pool party with DJs and a chill vibe. Sunbathe, swim, and socialize. It's a relaxing, fun recovery day. Tickets may be required if it’s at a resort pool. Check out Sonoma County Pride's website or social media pages for more information.

Where to Stay for Sonoma County Pride?

Sonoma County Pride emphasizes creating an inclusive and accessible event for all, including individuals with disabilities, and ensures a safe and secure environment for everyone attending.

Check out our guide to the best hotels in Napa and Sonoma.