Pride Month in Riverside started as early as May with the annual Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride Festival serving as a vibrant celebration of unity and expressed joy. Hosted by Riverside LGBTQ+ Pride, this year’s festival welcomed thousands in a bold expression of love, self-acceptance, and community resilience.
Pride in Riverside extends beyond a single day or event—it’s a celebration that lives through our local businesses, and cultural spaces. As June chimes in, we shine a spotlight on some of the incredible LGBTQIA+ owned businesses and events Riverside hosts
Local Businesses Making an Impact
DragonMarsh Apothecary & Teas
A longtime community staple is DragonMarsh Apothecary & Teas, a LGBTQAI+ owned/operated shop that’s served Riverside’s spiritual and alternative wellness communities for over 34 years. With its enchanting selection of herbs, teas, incense, gemstones, candles, and magickal tools, DragonMarsh is more than a shop—it’s a hub for education, empowerment, and healing.
Stop by to shop, take a class or just pet Pepper the cat an 11 year old rescue.
“We’ve always aimed to provide a safe and welcoming space for everyone—regardless of gender, identity, or belief. This Pride Month, we honor the deep roots of LGBTQ+ history within our spiritual communities and continue to stand for love, light, and liberation.”
Back to the Grind
Located in the heart of downtown Riverside, Back to the Grind has long been more than just a coffee shop—it’s a community cornerstone. LGBTQIA+ inclusive and proudly queer-owned, this welcoming space hosts open mics, art shows, and community gatherings that have helped foster dialogue, expression, and acceptance for over two decades.
“Back to the Grind is a place to come together, leaving all labels outside…”
Pride Events Across the City
Locals and visitors are invited to participate in a series of community-centered events throughout June:
- Riverside Pride Bar Crawl – On June 21st, explore Riverside’s nightlife with a festive bar crawl that celebrates diversity and connection in safe and affirming spaces.
Event Details » - PRIDE @ Museum of Riverside – Artswalk Night – Explore queer expression through art during Riverside Artswalk. The Museum of Riverside hosts a night dedicated to LGBTQIA+ history and creative works.
Event Details » - Queering the IE: Riverside’s LGBT Past & Present – This unique event dives into the Inland Empire’s queer history, offering vital storytelling and conversation around how far the community has come—and the work still to do.
Event Details »
A Community That Shines All Year Long
So whether it’s sipping a locally brewed coffee at Back to the Grind, shopping at queer-owned boutiques, or participating in powerful community dialogues, Riverside offers space for everyone.
This June, let’s continue to uplift the voices and businesses that make our city inclusive, colorful, and compassionate. Happy Pride, Riverside!
