{"id":11525,"date":"2025-08-27T13:37:14","date_gmt":"2025-08-27T21:37:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/?p=11525"},"modified":"2026-02-10T15:35:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T23:35:19","slug":"pride-is-more-than-a-parade-in-costa-mesa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelcostamesa.com\/blog\/pride-is-more-than-a-parade-in-costa-mesa","title":{"rendered":"Pride Is More Than a Parade in Costa Mesa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Pride isn\u2019t just a parade; it\u2019s a celebration, yes, but it\u2019s also a commitment to a community that\u2019s still in need of recognition. OC Pride<\/a> takes place in Costa Mesa at the OC Fair & Event Center on September 27th, 2025\u2014well after most cities have rolled up their rainbow sidewalks. We love an excuse to drag out summer (since it officially and sadly ends on September 22nd) or to simply drag<\/em> out brunch. But what\u2019s truly special is how Costa Mesa celebrates inclusivity year-round, from queer-owned businesses and arts spaces to community organizations that keep pushing for progress. Authenticity, acceptance, and joy are always in season here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a Southern California native, Costa Mesa is an easy trip: it\u2019s located right between L.A. to the north and San Diego to the south. If you\u2019re an out-of-towner (or out-of-stater) looking to experience Pride the OC way, hop on a plane and land at John Wayne Airport<\/a> (SNA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Make the Most of OC Pride 2025 in Costa Mesa<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If it\u2019s your first time at OC Pride, we\u2019ve got the info you need to show up, feel seen, and have a good time. This year\u2019s theme is Revolutionary, and the activities show the care OC Pride has put into creating safe spaces. From the free parade to the Zero Proof Sober Space for alcohol-free fun, and the return of the Pride Market Place, there\u2019s no shortage of things to do or get involved in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More of a partier? Check out the Pride Stage and the WTF Splash Zone with plenty of DJs and lasers to keep things going well into the night. Into a family-friendly vibe? Check out Pride Family Camp or Teen Pride. Trans folks have their own affirming space with Trans Central as well. You can even connect with Orange County city pride orgs, or hear stories and performances, as well as TED Talk\u2013style speeches, at Pride Speaks. Basically, OC Pride wants to make sure everyone in the acronym is welcome and has a place to connect with their community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The OC Pride 2025 Parade and Block Party in Costa Mesa kick off the day at 11:00 a.m., making it one of the biggest LGBTQ+ events in Orange County. (And don\u2019t forget: the parade is free!) At noon, the Revolutionary Festival kicks off; you do need tickets for the festival (unless you\u2019re under 15 or over 65, in which case you get free entry); grab some tickets here<\/a>. There\u2019s a send-off at 10:00 p.m., and the entire event is over at 11:00 p.m. It\u2019s a long, exciting day, so don\u2019t forget to hydrate and bring your sunscreen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n