Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles will transform into a three-day queer extravaganza this week for DTLA Proud 2021.
In its fifth year, the event will take place Friday, Saturday, and Sunday include food trucks, community booths, a queer marketplace, LGBTQ history exhibit, a water playground, live performances, art installations, and interactive exhibits.
DTLA Proud will be a vaccine-only event this year for individuals 12 years and older.
Bring a digital or physical vaccination card and matching ID.
Exceptions will be made for children between 3-11 years old and for medical reasons, in which case a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the event is still required for entry.
The festival is organized and produced by the non-profit group DTLA Proud. The organization was founded by a grassroots group of local residents, business owners, community leaders, and nightlife promoters with the goal of creating a community that represents the diverse LGBTQ population that lives, works, and plays in downtown Los Angeles.
Here’s everything you need to know about DTLA Proud 2021.
Location
Pershing Square Park. The entrance is at the corner of 5th and Hill streets.
Hours and ticket prices
Friday, from 4 to 10 p.m., is free, all ages, and family friendly. A preview of the documentary “Proud in a Pandemic” will be shown.
Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m., 21 and over only. Tickets $10 at the gate. Purchases will be cashless. Online ticket sales include service fees.
Prohibited items
- Weapons ( including permitted weapons) knives, chains pepper spray/mace, flares, fireworks
- Food, beverages, alcohol, cans, bottles, flasks, coolers, drugs, illegal substances
- Pamphlets, product samples
- Skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, helmets, chairs, (soft, low-back beach chairs allowed), beach balls
- Laptop/tablet computers, 2-way radios, laser pointers, flashlights
- Permanent markers, spray paint
- Noise making devices such as air horns, drums, whistles
- Photo, audio, or video equipment
- Suitcases, luggage
- Signs, flags, banners, posters
Road closure
Hill Street between 6th and 5th streets will be closed from 8 p.m. Friday to 11 p.m. Sunday.
Summertramp
The south end of Pershing Square on Saturday and Sunday will become a 20,000 square-foot waterpark with slides, pools, water guns, and live local DJs.
LGBTQ band Mariachi Arcoiris partners with Estrella Jalisco to increase inclusivity
The Marketplace
An LGBTQ shopping experience showcasing 20 queer entrepreneurs, showing vintage and boutique clothing, handmade jewelry, drag and beauty makeup, art, and more.
Queer history
The location for DTLA Proud is rooted in queer history. From the 1920s to the 1960s, Pershing Square was the center of “The Run,” a large collection of gay friendly cafes, bars, and cruising areas along the Fifth Street corridor, stretching from the Los Angeles Central Library to Los Angeles Street. The Fifth Street area had so many queer businesses and spaces that during World War II, the U.S. Army and Navy gave military personnel a list of more than 24 LGBTQ places that they were not allowed to visit.
A tribute to Los Angeles’ queer history, which dates decades before Stonewall, will be displayed at the festival.
Main stage entertainment
Numerous local queer performers will be featured, including Sam Sparro, Pinche Queen, Hearththrob Rob, Rubella Spreads, Boi Band, and Manny Martinez, and Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles. Bri Giger will host the stage.
Parking
If you will be driving, here’s a link parking information
Public transportation
Taking the Metro? For directions from your location, Metro’s trip planner can help.
