Last year, sensing a need to celebrate Downtown Los Angeles’ LGBTQ community, a group of activists and bar owners teamed up to organize a day-long party. They expected 4,000 people to show up for the happening in Pershing Square.
More than 9,000 people ended up thronging the park.
That response prompted the organizers of the DTLA Proud Festival to extend and enhance the celebration this year with live music, DJs, dancers and even a micro-waterpark. It takes place again at Pershing Square on Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 26-27.