A vibrant new chapter has officially begun in the heart of the City of West Hollywood. Welcome to the Rainbow District, the iconic stretch along Santa Monica Boulevard. Long-known by that colorful moniker, the City of West Hollywood recently formally designated the diverse safe-haven between N. Doheny Drive and N. La Cienega Boulevard as the go-to destination for LGBTQ+ culture, honoring the neighborhood’s powerful legacy as a hub for LGBTQ+ community, nightlife, and activism.

The Rainbow District invites the entire community to follow its newly launched social media channels across popular platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, which will keep residents and visitors updated on all upcoming events and happenings in the neighborhood.

Long known as a beacon of acceptance, inclusion, and visibility, where everyone is welcome, this iconic mile-long corridor is now formally recognized for what it has always been: a place where people from every walk of life can come together, be themselves, and celebrate the beauty of diversity.

“For generations, the City of West Hollywood’s Rainbow District has been a place where LGBTQ+ people take their first steps into living openly, where the warm embrace of community is found at every turn, and where the joy of living out, loud, and proud fills the streets,” said City of West Hollywood Mayor Chelsea Lee Byers. “The City’s official designation of the Rainbow District honors both the legacy and the future of this vibrant neighborhood, home to beloved entertainment venues, bars, and restaurants that have long served as cornerstones of LGBTQ+ life. Today, the Rainbow District is more alive than ever, and it will always stand as a beacon of hope, pride, and belonging and as a reminder that everyone deserves a place to celebrate joy, to be seen, and to be supported.”

Home to more than 50 local businesses, including retail shops, restaurants, nightlife venues, and community organizations, the Rainbow District represents the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ expression. It is home to nearly half of all bars and nightclubs in the City of West Hollywood and offers safe and inclusive spaces for gathering, connection, and joy, making it a cornerstone of the community’s identity. All year long, the Rainbow District gives a fierce lineup of signature shindigs, iconic collabs, and new events. From reflection to revelry, these events, and many more to come, reflect the Rainbow District’s ongoing mission: to build joy, foster connection, and create a welcoming space for everyone. Winter lights were installed throughout the Rainbow District in mid-November. On Sunday, November 16, 2025, STORIES: The AIDS Monument at West Hollywood Park was opened in a community grand opening ceremony.

There is always something happening in the Rainbow District, coming up:

• Winter Market & Ice-Skating Rink – December 2025
• Go-Go Dancer Appreciation Day – March 2026
• Harvey Milk Day – May 22, 2026
• WeHo Pride Weekend & OUTLOUD Music Festival at WeHo Pride – June 5 to 7, 2026

With its official designation, the Rainbow District joins the ranks of the nation’s most iconic cultural landmarks. It reaffirms West Hollywood’s ongoing commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ spaces, uplifting queer voices, and fostering a safe and joyful environment for all.

Follow the Rainbow District on social media to discover local happenings, support small businesses, and be part of a neighborhood that celebrates every LGBTQ+ person and ally for exactly who they are: IG, TikTok, and FB. For more information, please visit www.visitwesthollywood.com/rainbowdistrict.

About The City of West Hollywood – Since its incorporation in 1984, the City of West Hollywood has distinguished itself as one of the most influential small cities in the nation, recognized for its leadership in progressive public policy and social justice. The City remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing equality, inclusion, and human rights at the local, state, national, and international levels. The City takes pride in being a safe and welcoming space for all and works diligently to protect the rights of LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, seniors, people of color, immigrants, women, and others.

Consistently ranked among the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the nation, the City of West Hollywood has long been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ advocacy. More than 40 percent of residents identify as LGBTQ+, and four of the five members of the West Hollywood City Council are openly LGBTQ+. Today, the City’s LGBTQ+ elected officials continue to receive international recognition for their visibility and leadership.

In 1985, the City of West Hollywood became one of the first cities in the United States to adopt a Domestic Partnership Ordinance. The City established its Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board in 1989 and, in 2001, created the nation’s first municipal Transgender Task Force, which became the Transgender Advisory Board in 2009. In 2014, the City marked a major milestone with the registration of its 10,000th domestic partnership. The following year, in 2015, West Hollywood was a hub of celebration when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that marriage equality is a constitutional right, ensuring that same-sex couples nationwide have the freedom to marry.

The City of West Hollywood’s Rainbow District is home to a vibrant mix of historic LGBTQ+ clubs, restaurants, and retail businesses. It also serves as the heart of one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country, drawing hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ+ people and allies from around the world each year to celebrate WeHo Pride. Follow the City of West Hollywood @WeHoCity (Instagram/X/Facebook). For more information, please visit www.weho.org.

About Visit West Hollywood – Visit West Hollywood is the official marketing organization that invites visitors to West Hollywood. West Hollywood is home to 20 hotels and comprises three main districts: the world-famous Sunset Strip with unparalleled nightlife, eclectic and LGBTQ-friendly Rainbow District along Santa Monica Boulevard/Route 66, and the Design District known for its sought-after shopping and dining. West Hollywood enjoys a year-round moderate climate and thanks to its prime location and hip atmosphere, West Hollywood serves as home and playground to many celebrities. Follow Visit West Hollywood: @visitweho on Instagram and @WestHollywood on Facebook. For more information, please visit www.visitwesthollywood.com.

For more information about the City of West Hollywood’s Rainbow District, please contact Paolo Kespradit, the City of West Hollywood’s Business Development Manager, at (323) 848-6556 or at pkespradit@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

For up-to-date information about City of West Hollywood news and events, follow @wehocity on social media, sign-up for news updates at www.weho.org/email, and visit the City’s calendar of meetings and events at www.weho.org/calendar. Receive text updates by texting “WeHo” to (323) 848-5000. West Hollywood City Hall is open for walk-in services at public counters or by appointment by visiting www.weho.org/appointments. City Hall services are accessible by phone at (323) 848-6400 and via website at www.weho.org.

For reporters and members of the media seeking additional information about the City of West Hollywood, please contact the City of West Hollywood’s Public Information Officer, Sheri A. Lunn, at (323) 848-6391 or slunn@weho.org.