For decades, Orange County’s queer history has had a few well-known centers of gravity. Laguna Beach drew a mid-century queer community to its seaside cliffs. Garden Grove was home to a beloved network of legacy bars. Santa Ana proudly hosted OC Pride for years.
Now, a new chapter is unfolding in Costa Mesa, one of Southern California’s most dynamic small cities, where creativity, food, nightlife, and community collide. Already known as the “City of the Arts,” Costa Mesa is also home to a growing network of queer-owned businesses and inclusive spaces. In 2025, it becomes the official home of OC Pride, cementing its place as the most queer-friendly destination in Orange County.
OC Pride Comes to Costa Mesa
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, the OC Fair & Event Center will host the county’s largest LGBTQIA+ celebration yet. The theme, Revolutionary, is a reminder that living authentically remains a radical act — and Pride is louder and prouder than ever.
Attendees can expect a parade through Costa Mesa’s streets followed by a day-long festival featuring live music, drag performances, art, speakers, and family-friendly activities. New additions this year, like the Zero Proof sober space and the Pride Family Camp designed for LGBTQ parents and kids, expand the festival’s inclusivity in ways that reflect the community’s evolving needs.
Rather than listing every performance and attraction here, we recommend checking the official OC Pride page for the most up-to-date schedule. What matters most is this: Pride’s relocation isn’t just about logistics. It’s a recognition that Costa Mesa has become a welcoming, dynamic, and central hub for queer life in Orange County.
A Creative City with Queer Roots
Costa Mesa has long carried a reputation as Orange County’s “City of the Arts,” thanks to institutions like South Coast Repertory and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. That creative DNA has also nurtured a new wave of LGBTQ-owned businesses and inclusive spaces.
During my own visit, I was struck by how woven into the city’s fabric these queer-owned businesses are. Pop Pie Co. brings comfort food to the table in playful, delicious ways, while Stella Jean’s Ice Cream offers inventive flavors that keep lines long and locals loyal. House of Intuition, a metaphysical shop run with deep roots in queer spirituality, feels like both a store and a sanctuary. And of course, Tin Lizzie Saloon, one of Costa Mesa’s most beloved bars, has cemented itself as a cornerstone of queer nightlife.
These spots aren’t tucked away on the margins — they’re thriving in the center of the city, inviting both locals and visitors to experience Costa Mesa’s inclusive spirit. (You can dive deeper into the city’s queer-owned businesses with our full Costa Mesa LGBTQ itinerary .)
Where the Party Happens
Ask anyone where to go out in Costa Mesa, and you’ll probably be pointed straight to Tin Lizzie Saloon. It’s the heartbeat of the city’s LGBTQ nightlife — a space where you can catch a drag show, dance shoulder-to-shoulder, and find community any night of the week.
And also, Strut Bar & Club brings big-energy club nights and themed events that draw a wide audience from across Southern California. Together, these venues represent the shift in Orange County’s queer nightlife from historic hubs in Santa Ana and Garden Grove to Costa Mesa and its surroundings.
The result? Visitors can now build an entire night (or weekend) around queer-friendly spaces without leaving the area.
A Foodie Haven with Flavor and Pride
Costa Mesa isn’t just about bars and nightlife, it’s also a food lover’s dream. The city’s dining scene punches well above its weight, mixing fine dining with innovative casual spots that are redefining what Orange County cuisine looks like.
For queer travelers, this means that celebrating Pride or a night out doesn’t have to end when the lights go up at the bar. Grab a slice at Pop Pie Co., indulge in vegan-friendly flavors at Stella Jean’s, or explore the city’s growing roster of globally inspired restaurants. It’s no wonder Costa Mesa has earned a reputation as one of the best foodie destinations in Southern California. (You can read more in our Costa Mesa restaurant guide.)
More Than Just Pride
The arrival of OC Pride is a milestone, but Costa Mesa’s queer-friendly energy goes beyond a single weekend in September. From its LGBTQ-owned businesses to its welcoming nightlife, the city is proving that inclusivity isn’t an afterthought; it’s part of the identity.
For travelers, that makes Costa Mesa not only the host of Orange County’s biggest celebration, but also the ideal base for exploring the region. Laguna Beach is a short drive away, Newport Beach’s coastline is within reach, and Disneyland is just up the freeway. But more and more, visitors are choosing to stay in Costa Mesa itself, because here, queer travelers don’t just find events, they find community.
The Future of Queer Orange County
Every shift in Orange County’s queer geography tells a story. Laguna Beach represented a haven in a time when visibility was scarce. Garden Grove’s bar scene carried the community through decades of change. Santa Ana made Pride its own, building momentum year after year.
Now, Costa Mesa is stepping forward, not to erase that history, but to carry it into a new chapter — one defined by creativity, inclusivity, and pride that is both revolutionary and rooted.
Whether you’re marching in the parade, grabbing ice cream after a night at Tin Lizzie’s, or simply exploring the city’s neighborhoods, Costa Mesa invites you to be part of its story. And this year, that story is louder, prouder, and more welcoming than ever.
