Sunlight illuminated the glitz and glamour of the Pacific Pride Festival on Saturday, creating the perfect atmosphere for the annual celebration of Santa Barbara’s LGBTQ+ community.

Chase Palm Park was transformed into a vibrant melting pot of happy visitors for a day, as people proudly showed off their unique styles and surgical scars and danced with their partners and families to the backing tracks of drag queens and songs by Chappell Roan (Generation Z’s Lady Gaga).

In his opening speech, the new Executive Director of the Pacific Pride Foundation (PPF), Julio Roman, reminded the crowd of this year’s festival theme: “United in Pride.” It was about coming together to celebrate diversity, inclusivity and the power of community. This year’s festival also promoted accessibility, with ASL and Spanish interpreters and an elevated stage for those with limited mobility.

Roman expressed many sweet sentiments and inspirational sayings, culminating in his promise: “Together we will stand, we will rise, we will see a new day.” The great significance of these celebrations – especially in light of a potentially human rights-threatening presidency in 2025 – was clearly felt, but did not spoil the fun.

After Roman’s warm welcome, the proud pups came out to play in the event’s first-ever Pride Pet Parade – a heartwarming march of furry friends decked out in rainbows and glitter.

Bubbles sparkling in the sunlight set the scene for people of all ages wearing cat ears, cowgirl hats and colorful clothing dancing, creating art, putting on makeup, playing games and enjoying performances by Santa Barbara’s most popular drag queens and other artists before the two headliners: The Gurls, a sensational trans pop group, and Jessica Wild, a wild queen from RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Many of the excited audience members, from young children to the elderly, became the Queens’ surprise backing dancers, doing cartwheels and pirouettes to the music.

More than 70 community vendors filled the park, from environmental and social organizations to church groups to neighborhood clinics offering free health and STI screenings.

“This festival is a celebration of every generation and every identity within the LGBTQ+ community,” said Roman. “I am thrilled to join the PPF team and celebrate with everyone as we continue our commitment to creating safe spaces and promoting health equity and social justice initiatives for the LGBTQ+ community in Santa Barbara County.”