June means one thing for the LGBTQ-plus community across the Central Coast and beyond: It’s Pride Month! That translates to events in Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo that celebrate the season, including drag shows, concerts, and even plays. For our annual Pride issue, Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood talks to PCPA about Pride Nights and the themes that come with them, intern Katy Clark speaks with Central Coast drag queens about performing and why it’s important, and gayraoke at the Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez.
—Camillia Lanham
Oh, what a night: PCPA pairs performances with pre-show Pride Night festivities
By Caleb Wiseblood
Behind the character: The queens behind San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties’ drag shows
By Katy Clark
Mic’s up for grabs: The Maverick Saloon hosts Pride-themed karaoke nights for the fifth year in a row
By Madison White
Celebrate Pride Prom in Buellton
By Madison White
This article appears in June 4 – June 11, 2026.
