Camarillo Pride began as a playdate and picnic at a local Camarillo park to bring together LGBTQIA+ families and the local community. What was meant to be a simple potluck-style gathering expanded through social media to include financial support from Topa-Topa Brewing Company and an official partnership with Diversity Collective, allowing for tax-deductible donations to be made by local businesses and individuals wanting to support Camarillo Pride.

We held our inaugural picnic, themed as Be You / Camarillo Pride welcoming over 250 Camarillo residents along with others form throughout the county. Parents and allies gathered and socialized in a safe and welcoming space. Kids played on a bounce house and other available park equipment. We were proud to feature over ten booths from local vendors, service providers, and LGBTQIA+ community members engaging with Camarillo residents, along with food trucks, ice cream from Mister Softee, and a Chance Drawing of locally donated items.

You can learn more about Camarillo Pride 2022 here.

We built on the previous year's success for our second event, themed as Rise and Shine / Camarillo Pride. In 2023, Camarillo Pride and Diversity Collective were highlighted at the City of Camarillo June Council Meeting with a commendation for support for the LGBTQIA+ community in Camarillo, signed by Mayor Susan Santangelo. Topa-Topa Brewing Company once again sponsored Camarillo Pride through advertising and holding a fundraiser to help ensure Camarillo Pride is a free, family-friendly event welcoming to all.

We welcomed over 500 Camarillo and Ventura County residents, as well as expanded to over 20 booths for vendors, County organizations, and LGBTQIA+ services. Events included a martial arts demonstration, Drag Queen Storytime, and another Chance Drawing of locally donated items. 

You can learn more about Camarillo Pride 2023 here.