Marking 50 years of Pride on the Central Coast, the Pacific Pride Festival returns to Chase Palm Park Field, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23.

This year’s theme, Rooted in Pride: Embracing Our Past – Empowering Our Future, honors the resilience and joy of the LGBTQ+ community while looking boldly toward what’s next, organizers said.

The free, all-ages event will feature more than 30 stage performances, immersive art installations, and a day of performances, including:

• Headline performance by drag superstar Jessica Wild (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”).


• Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles, the world’s first LGBTQ+ mariachi band, along with Samulous, East Valley Road, and Santa Barbara Gay Men’s Chorus.


• Live DJs, local and regional talent, and entertainment throughout the day.



Guide audiences through the day’s events will be hosts Santa Barbara’s Vivian Storm, and drag icon Jackette Knightly.

The Family Zone has been expanded, with a dedicated Kids Stage offering storytelling, karaoke and dancing.

Adults can enjoy in the 21+ Beer & Wine Garden and explore some 70 vendors, food trucks, and community resources.

Also on tap for attendees will be visual storytelling through art installations in collaboration with Quilt Project Gold Coast and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art.

“We are proud to celebrate half a century of Pride on the Central Coast,” said Julio Roman, executive director of Pacific Pride Foundation. “This festival is more than a party; it’s a declaration of visibility, unity, and love for our LGBTQ+ family and allies.”

To view updates, stage schedules, and get involved, visit www.pacificpridefoundation.org or follow @pacificpridefdn on social media.