Sonoma County Pride Weekend Kicks Off May 31
Kiesza headlines the Sonoma County Pride 2024 Festival Main StageGraton Resort & Casino‘s Sonoma County Pride is proud to return to Courthouse Square for the 39th Annual Pride Festival, presented by Keysight Technologies, Sonoma County Family YMCA and Deep Eddy Vodka. Join us in celebrating the 39th annual Pride Parade & Festival, paying tribute to our local “Queeroes.” This event is not only for members of the LGBTQ+ community but for allies and supporters alike. It’s a lively, joyous gathering that welcomes peoples from all walks of life as we honor the extraordinary contributions, resilience, and achievements of Queer individuals in our community. This year’s mainstage promises to be an unforgettable experience you don’t want to miss! KIESZAKiesza burst onto the music scene in 2014 with her passionate hit “Hideaway”, which has garnered over a billion streams and earned a spot on multiple best-of-decade lists. Her debut studio album, “Sound Of A Woman”, topped charts worldwide and sold over a million units. Recognized by top-tier musicians, Kiesza collaborated with artists such as Skrillex, Diplo, Duran Duran, and Joey Bada$$, solidifying her place in the industry. Not limited to music, Kiesza has also made her mark in the fashion world, representing esteemed brands like Fendi and Maison Birks. After a life-altering car accident forced her into a two-year hiatus, Kiesza returned as an independent artist, launching her own label, Zebra Spirit Tribe. With her 2020 sophomore album “Crave” receiving critical acclaim, Kiesza continues to collaborate with esteemed artists like deadmau5, Tommy Trash, and Lindsey Stirling. In 2024, she celebrates the 10-year anniversary of “Hideaway” with a new project titled “Dancing and Crying: Vol 1”, which blends her folk roots with captivating dance music. RêveRêve Montreal-born and Toronto-based singer-songwriter Briannah Donolo, known as Rêve, gained attention after her performance of the national anthem at a Canadiens de Montréal game went viral. Despite offers to transform her into the perfect pop star, she embraced her imperfections, adopting the moniker “Rêve” and delving into the club scene. Inspired by her nights dancing to dance music, Rêve began crafting honest songs that combined playful pop and R&B elements with 90s Euro sound. Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, Rêve connected with production duo Banx & Ranx, leading to a creative turning point in her career. Now signed to Universal Music Canada and Astralwerks, Rêve has gained over 110 million global streams, achieving a #1 US Dance radio hit with “Whitney” and seeing her track “CTRL + ALT + DEL” go platinum in under eight months. With recognition from the JUNO Awards and collaborations with notable artists, Rêve’s dance-pop artistry continues to captivate audiences worldwide.  GRANT KNOCHELos Angeles-based singer-songwriter, producer, dancer, and performer GRANT KNOCHE has established himself as a rising star in the music industry. At just 21 years old, GRANT has independently garnered over 1.1 million followers across social media platforms. His unique synth-driven, deep bass, intimate pop songs are all self-written and produced, showcasing his desire to create music that is distinct and evokes new emotions. GRANT has performed over 200 shows across America, including notable venues like Radio City Music Hall and Woodstock. His three EPs, “COLOR ME BLUE”, “FIRST HELLO”, and “I COULD DIE JUST THINKING OF US”, have gained exposure on major playlists and received recognition and support from industry inspirations like FINNEAS, Ryan Tedder, Billie Eilish, and Christina Aguilera. GRANT’s talent and dedication have also led to collaborations and partnerships with major brands like Hinge, Apple, and Amazon, further solidifying his place in the industry.  Our Host Jax from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15Jax is an American drag performer and one of the contestants from the fifteenth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.  CHEER SFCheer SF is an adult, all-volunteer charitable organization dedicated to supporting beneficiaries that assist individuals living with HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, and other life-challenging conditions. Through powerful performances, Cheer SF not only entertains and inspires audiences but also promotes excellence and support for organizations that strengthen communities.  DJ John ParkerBorn in San Francisco in July 1959, DJ John Parker developed a love for music at an early age, influenced by his father, a talented jazz, blues, and R&B drummer. Initially drawn to funk music, 80s rock, and new wave, John ventured into DJing after discovering soulful house music. Over the past two decades, John has performed at various venues and festivals, including San Francisco Pride and Russian River Pride. Currently, he holds a residency at the Rainbow Cattle Company in Guerneville, where he showcases his expertise in spinning house music every Saturday night. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to cheer on participants, assist at check-in locations, distribute beveragesPlease email if you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering. grace@sonomacountypride.org |
| May 31 – Pride Movie NightGrab your favorite blanket and low-back lawn chairs for an evening under the stars. Relax and immerse yourself in the heartwarming coming-of-age romantic comedy, Crush. Directed by Sammi Cohen and written by Kirsten King and Casey Rackham, this film shares the story of a teenage girl who discovers unexpected feelings for her crush’s twin sister, leading to a journey of self-discovery, love, and acceptance. MORE INFORMATION PRIDE MOVIE NIGHT |
| May 31 – Pride Kick-Off – Pride Fiesta “Al Cien”!Get ready to kick off Sonoma County Pride in style at the !Pride Fiesta “Al Cien”! – Latinx Dance Party, presented by Los Cien & Latino 100.9. Join us at La Rosa Tequileria & Grill in downtown Santa Rosa on Friday, May 31, 2024, for an unforgettable evening filled with vibrant music, amazing performances, and a joyful celebration of diversity. Your fabulous host for the night will be the sensational Irish Mexican and Sonoma County native, Princess Pan***, accompanied by the talented Russian River Sister, Arya Sunshine. DJ Rotten Robbie will set the dance floor on fire with their incredible music selection, ensuring a night you won’t forget. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PRIDE FIESTA “AL CIEN” |
| June 1 – sha-BLAM! – Holding Out For A Hero! Pride After-PartyStep into THE HALL OF HEROES and pay tribute to the real-life LGBTQIA+ heroes who have made an indelible impact. Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of QUEEROPOLIS (Ballroom) for a euphoric dance experience accompanied by thrilling pop-up performances. Seeking a more intimate ambiance? Discover THE BAT CAVE, a secluded spot adorned with neon lights, where you can unwind and soak in a chill atmosphere. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PRIDE AFTER PARTY |
| June 2 – Wigs & Waffles Pride Drag BunchCelebrate Sonoma County Pride in the most fabulous way possible at Graton Resort & Casino’s 630 Park Steakhouse, with the 3rd Annual “Wigs and Waffles” Pride Brunch. This year, we’ve teamed up with TravelDaddyz to make it an unforgettable event filled with over-the-top performances and gourmet cuisine created by 630’s amazing chefs. You’ll be mesmerized by our exceptional lineu f drag performers! This star-studded cast includes Jax from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 15, Castrata, the Drag Chanteuse of NYC, Fertile Liza, the Musical Singing Plant-Queen Entrepreneurial Sweetheart from Oregon, and Ryder Moore, the queer trans embodiment of “Magic Mike”. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WIGS & WAFFLES |
| June 2 – Sonoma County Pride’s Atlantis Pool PartyKick off your pride season with the LARGEST GAY POOL PARTY IN NORCAL at the fabulous Graton Resort & Casino’s pool. Join us for an exciting and vibrant pool party with a concert-like atmosphere, where you can enjoy live performances from the talented Debby Holiday and dance to the beats of GRAMMY Award-Winning Producer/DJ Tracy Young and DJ Mark Tarbox. Get ready to immerse yourself in a fun-filled celebration by the pool! |
