Live entertainment, march, DJs, beer garden and more to honor LGBTQ+
community
Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority (formerly the Chamber of Commerce) this week announced an expanded Catalina Pride celebration set for June 18. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festivities will include live entertainment, music and a Pride March in support of the LGBTQ+ community.
“It is an honor to bring the first large scale Catalina Pride event to the island,” said Jim Luttjohann, president and CEO of Love Catalina Island. “LGBTQ+ equality is an important issue that we as a tourism organization and community feel strongly about, and wholeheartedly support. We are thrilled to be partnering with such incredible talent and invite all LGBTQ+ community members and allies to join us for a fun-filled day in celebration of love.”
Catalina Pride events and happenings on June 18 include:
• Pride march: Beginning in the center of Avalon at Wrigley Stage at noon, visitors and locals are invited to don their rainbow attire and to join in a festive march that will continue along the boardwalk to the iconic Casino Point.
• Live entertainment: Coordinated by the Jeanseau Group in conjunction with Xceptional Music Company, this year’s lineup features DJ Asha, a six-time host for LA Pride and DJ Groovesection, a three-time DJ for Long Beach Pride. Wrigley Stage will also feature a sneak preview of the upcoming YouTube show “Mugs” hosted by drag queens Miss Patty and Anita Diemund along with performances from the Long Beach Cheer squad, roller skaters and more!
• Beer garden: Visitors can enjoy free admission to a beer garden from noon to 7 p.m. The beer garden will offer a variety of beers along with the special edition Bud Light Pride Rainbow beer bottles, which will also be served at participating restaurants throughout the weekend.
In addition, the historic Catalina Island Casino will be lit in vibrant rainbow colors to showcase Catalina’s love and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Limited edition merchandise including Love Catalina Pride t-shirts and sweatshirts emblazoned with the special LGBTQ+ Pride Love Catalina burgee flag logo on the front are available to order online, along with custom Catalina Pride burgee flag pennants, which can be purchased at the Catalina Island Visitor Center at 1 Green Pleasure Pier.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will have a booth near Wrigley Stage set up all day where they will offer support and provide informational materials. Representatives from AFSP chapters in Southern California are skilled allies who work closely with members of the LGBTQ+ community in need.
The expanded Catalina Pride event is made possible through the support and sponsorship of Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn along with Long Beach Community College.
In addition to LGBTQ+ representation among its board and staff members, the Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority is a proud member of the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association. For more information about Love Catalina Island, visit www.lovecatalina.com.
About Love Catalina Island
Love Catalina Island Tourism Authority is the Island’s official source of visitor information. Originally founded in 1949, the nonprofit is comprised of approximately 230 member organizations, working closely with city officials, local businesses and the community at large to attract visitors and support the local economy. Love Catalina Island is governed by an elected board of directors and is funded in part through the collection of Transient Occupancy Taxes. For more information, please visit www.lovecatalina.com. Travelers can also join the conversation on Facebook (www.facebook.com/lovecatalinaisland) Instagram (@LoveCatalinaIsland) and Twitter (@LoveCatalina_).
