Pomona Valley Pride: The Story of the Agave Festival

2022: The Beginning – Thomas Street, Pomona
Pomona Valley Pride launched its inaugural Agave Festival in 2022 at our original home on Thomas Street. This event marked the beginning of a cultural tradition—a celebration grounded in community, inclusion, and heritage. In a welcoming and safe space, we came together to celebrate our differences, build unity, and envision a shared future. The event featured dynamic drag performances, exciting raffles, and delicious tastings from celebrated agave vendors like Xoloitzcuintle and Juegos Mexicanos—brands that helped shape the signature experience our community has come to love.

2023: Reaching New Heights – Pomona Fox Theater Rooftop
In our second year, we elevated the experience—literally—by moving the festival to the rooftop of the historic Pomona Fox Theater, offering breathtaking views of the Pomona Valley. This unique venue offered an open, vibrant atmosphere that embraced the queer and trans community with pride. The evening featured charcuterie boards, interactive games, and live performances, creating an unforgettable experience under the stars.
We were proud to host an incredible lineup of agave vendors, including:
Casa México, Tristan, La ReinaMagia, Aman Tequila, Monte Fino, Salvadores, Penca Largas, and Sabor Aztecas—each bringing distinct flavors and artisan craftsmanship to the tasting experience.

2024: Growth & Grandeur – Pomona Fairplex Sheraton Conference Center
As our community continued to grow, so did the festival. In 2024, we relocated to the Sheraton Conference Center at the Pomona Fairplex, where the scale, energy, and vibrancy of the event reached new heights. The evening featured outstanding culinary offerings, and performances that captivated, from lively mariachi to traditional folklórico dance.
We also welcomed a stellar lineup of agave and culture-forward vendors that elevated the experience to a whole new level, including:
Casa México, Tristan, La ReinaMagia, Aman Tequila, Monte Fino, Salvadores, Penca Largas, Sabor Aztecas, Valor, Hacienda Oponguio, Victorioso, Firme, Lobos, Espacial, Agave Threads, and many more. Each contributed to a vibrant celebration of culture, taste, and tradition.

2025: Back to Our Roots – Lope Urban Farm
We are proud to announce that the 4th Annual Agave Festival will take place outdoors at Lope Urban Farm—a serene, tree-lined oasis with open fields, gentle goats, and the natural beauty of the land. This picturesque farm offers the perfect summer setting for sipping tequila, indulging in expertly curated food pairings, and reconnecting with community and culture. With its rustic charm and welcoming spirit, Lope Urban Farm brings us back to our roots, while reinforcing our mission of creating safe, inclusive, and joyful spaces for all.

This year, we’re excited to expand the Agave Festival experience by growing our vendor lineup to include not only premier agave brands, but also a diverse range of food and artisan vendors. By welcoming culinary creators and skilled artisans into the celebration, we’re creating a more vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive experience—one that reflects the richness of our culture and the creativity of our community. This expansion marks a new chapter in the festival’s evolution, offering attendees more to taste, explore, and enjoy.