Downey Pride, in its third year, will take place Saturday in downtown wth free admission and parking. It’s an all-ages, family-orientated festival. Photo: LPETTET/iStock
Downey Pride Festival returns Saturday with two stages of entertainment, a petting zoo, face painting, vendor booths, beer garden, a DJ, food trucks, and more than 40 vendors.
The festival will be an all-ages event and family-oriented event with a focus on LGBTQ+ youth, organizers said.
“Downey Pride recognizes the critical importance of supporting and empowering LGBTQIA+ youth, who often face unique challenges and vulnerabilities,” organizers said in a statement. “Tragically, suicide rates among LGBTQIA+ youth remain disproportionately high, underscoring the urgency of providing a supportive community that can help combat feelings of isolation and distress,” the statement said.
The festival will take place downtown on Downey Avenue between Second and Fourth streets from 3-10 p.m.
Admission is free.
Free parking will be available at 8201 Second St.
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Three people in the LGBTQ+ community will be recognized at the festival:
- Rep. Robert Garcia
- Lucas Hallare, a trans youth from Downey who was selected as the Downey Pride Prince for raising awareness about the issues faced by trans children
- Mario Aguilar, a comedian and social media influencer who uses his platform to spread positivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community
The official after party will take place from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Muevelo inside Epic Lounge.
Muevelo Stage schedule
3 p.m.: DJ Grecko
4 p.m.: Warren High School dance team
4:20 p.m.: Thalia by Jessy Cruz
4:35 p.m.: Monica Naranjo by Angie Galan
4:50 p.m.: Selena by Vicky Chavarria
5:30 p.m.: Rep. Robert Garcia
6 p.m.: Zoey Luna, Downey Pride Princess 2021
6:15 p.m.: Dunka Shay Monroe, Downey Pride Princess 2022
6:30 p.m.: Lucas Hallare, Downey Pride Princess 2023
7 p.m.: Laura Leon by Angie Galan
7:15 p.m.: Karlo G by Jessy Cruz
7:30 p.m.: Beyonce by Vicky Chavarria
7:45 p.m.: Alejandra Guzman by Brenda Guzman
8:30 p.m.: Mario Aguilar, 2023 Downey Pride grand marshall
9 p.m.: Jenni Rivera by Gracie
