Russian River Pride 2024: A Weekend of Celebration, Community, and Connection

From September 17—22, 2024, the town of Guerneville came alive with color, music, and unity as Russian River Pride returned for a week of events under the theme "River Proud." This year's celebration honored the region's rich LGBTQ+ history while embracing a vibrant future of inclusion and joy.

Weekend Highlights

Friday, September 20 — The Prom You Never Had

The festivities kicked off at the Surrey Resort with a nostalgic and affirming prom night, featuring DJ Rotten Robbie and a captivating aerial silk performance by drag artist Starya. Attendees of all ages and identities danced the night away, many experiencing the prom they always wished for.

Saturday, September 21 — Pride Parade & Festival

Main Street transformed into a sea of rainbow as over 36 local groups, nonprofits, and businesses marched in the Pride Parade. The festival followed from 1—5 PM, filling the area from Guerneville Plaza to Lark Drugs with stilt walkers, jugglers, face painting, live music, DJ sets, and dazzling drag performances by RubyBlue Genderbender and friends. More than 26 booths offered food, drinks, and community resources, creating a family-friendly atmosphere of celebration.

Saturday Evening — Variety Show & Pride After Dark

The R3 Hotel hosted a sold-out Variety Show featuring local talent, followed by "Pride After Dark," a high-energy dance party at the River Theater that kept the celebration going late into the night.

Sunday, September 22 — Intergenerational Brunch

The weekend concluded with a heartwarming brunch at Solar Punk Farms, bringing together community members of all ages to share stories, laughter, and connection in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Community Impact

Thanks to the support of attendees, volunteers, and sponsors, Russian River Pride continues to uplift the Lower Russian River community. Proceeds from the event support grants to local nonprofits, including the Guerneville Library, Food for Thought Food Bank, Russian River Youth Center, Russian River Alliance, and Watch Duty Wildfire App.

Thank You

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Sonoma County Pride, and all our sponsors and volunteers who made this event possible. Your dedication ensures that Russian River Pride remains a beacon of love, resilience, and community spirit.

● Angela's Organic Ice Cream ● Barkers Pet Store ● Black Oak Coffee Roasters, Healdsburg ● Boho Manor ● Bowlero ● Camp Russian River ● Center for Sacred Studies ● Coffee Bizzare ● Community Market ● Copperfield Books ● Corrick's Gift Shop ● Costco ● Crooks Coffee ● Farmhouse Inn ● Fife Creek Antiques ● Futhermore Wines ● Good Vibrations ● Guernville Five and Ten ● Highlands Inn ● June Bug ● Lashes by Serena Craden ● Lazy Bear Fund ● Mainstreet Bistro ● Nightingale Breads ● Nimble and Finn's - The Bank Ice Cream ● Ocean Cove Camping ● Oli Gallery ● Oliver's Market ● Pee Wee Golf ● R3 Hotel ● Rio Bistro Cafe ● River Nails ● Saucy Mama's ● Smart Pizza ● Solar Punk Farms ● Sonoma Cutrer ● Sonoma Nesting Company ● Sonoma Safari West ● Sourdough and Co ● Splash Car Wash ● Stavrand Inn ● StayTrue Barbership ● Thai House Restaurant ● The Woods Resort ● Timberline Restaurant ● Travel Daddyz ● Trillium ● Vasquez Bros Taco Truck ● Vinyl Designyl ● When Pigs Fly Ranch ● Williamson Wines ● Women's Weekend Organizer ● YoungRussell Services and Spa Care ● 

---

The Pride Parade and Festival October 2023 was a huge hit with over 1,500 people in attendance.

Thanks to generous donations from people and businesses in our community, we were pleased to present over $32,000 in awards to five worthwhile West Sonoma County non-profits who uplift our community every day: Food for Thought, the Guerneville Public Library, the Russian River Youth Center, Russian River Alliance and Watch Duty.