A City in Full Color
Photo by Unsplash
Stockton’s 14th Pride Fest brought together students, families, and allies for a day of celebration.
The streets of Yosemite Street Village came alive on Saturday, October 4, as hundreds gathered for Stockton’s 14th Annual Pride Fest in a celebration of community, visibility, and LGBTQ+ Pride. Organized by the San Joaquin Pride Center, the all-day festival ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and featured live entertainment, food trucks, and rows of local vendors and community organizations. A suggested $5 donation went towards helping fund programs that support Stockton’s LGBTQ+ community.
This year’s event also marked a milestone for the Pride Center, which announced plans to relocate from its longtime space at 937 N. Yosemite Street later in October to 145 East Weber Avenue, inside the historic Stockton Hotel. The move, organizers said, symbolizes growth and a “bold new era” for the center’s outreach efforts.
Festivalgoers filled the downtown streets with rainbow flags, music, and laughter as performers took the stage throughout the afternoon. The lineup included live bands, drag shows, and spoken word performances celebrating diversity and resilience. Vendors offered handmade crafts, pride merchandise, and informational resources from community organizations. Families with children were also a visible presence, reinforcing Pride Fest’s inclusive and family-friendly atmosphere.
More than just a street fair, the event also served as a hub for connection between Stockton’s LGBTQ+ residents, allies, and local students. Dozens of university and college students from the area attended, many representing campus LGBTQ+ alliances and cultural organizations. For many, the festival underscored the importance of bridging campus and community. Faculty and students alike described the day as an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and promote visibility beyond university grounds.
As the sun set over Yosemite Street, Pride Fest concluded with cheers, music, and a renewed sense of solidarity — a reminder that Stockton’s pride, like its community, continues to grow stronger each year.