San Diego Pride gives extra sparkle to one of the top LGBTQ+ destinations in the country. The extravaganza is a collective burst of energy, filled with music, food, drinks, fun, and love. San Diego's fabulousness is on display in a variety of annual LGBTQ+ events and other festive happenings in rainbow-filled Hillcrest, an uptown neighborhood known for its openness, hospitality and welcoming spirit.
San Diego Pride is the ultimate celebration — the vibes are upbeat and loving; the people are decked out in swaths of color, and there is a palpable sense of harmony and togetherness. The clubs, bars and streets hum with revelry; flags representing all facets of the community wave; feather boas and glitter are the accessories du jour, and everyone is welcome.
The multi-day event in July boasts a full schedule of events including the Spirit of Stonewall Rally, She Fest, Pride 5k Run, Pride of Hillcrest Block Party, a fabulous mile-long parade through Hillcrest, and a spirited two-day festival in Balboa Park. As many as 250,000 people gather to watch the parade, which features colorful floats, prominent members of the community, activist groups, politicians, military, police and firefighters, the beloved Dykes on Bikes, and much more. Once the parade ends, satellite parties take place all around town. The official celebration is the two-day festival, where multiple stages host performances by acts from rock bands to DJs to solo artists. Vendors, exhibits, cultural presentations and tasty food options abound, and more than 40,000 people join as one to celebrate.
She Fest kicks off Pride week and is a woman-centered event that celebrates and supports the talents and contributions of women within the LGBTQ+ and wider San Diego communities. Another great time is the Pride of Hillcrest Block Party. Everyone gets in the spirit with music and dancing, drag performances, a huge beer garden, VIP lounges, food trucks and vendors.
At San Diego Pride, love wins, and the LGBTQ+ community shows family and friends how to celebrate.
In addition to the annual Pride celebration, San Diego offers a variety of exciting LGBTQ+ community events throughout the year.
During Halloween, Hillcrest comes back from the dead during Nightmare on Normal Street. This annual trick-or-treat bash is the traditional starting place for the LGBTQ+ community's Halloween festivities and features a beer garden, food, lots of revelry, and an outrageous costume contest for cash prizes.
During spring's FilmOut San Diego, acclaimed LGBTQ+ filmmakers bring cutting-edge cinema to the community with movies, panel discussions, and festive parties.
The Red Dress Party San Diego in September is a whimsical fundraising event where attendees are required to wear a red dress, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. The red dress event serves as a powerful sign of compassion and solidarity for those affected by HIV/AIDS and is a way to unite the crowd in one radiant theme.
The annual Taste of Hillcrest gives foodies a chance to sample signature dishes from many of Hillcrest's fantastic restaurants. From quaint cafes to French- and Italian-style bistros to five-star dining delights, Taste of Hillcrest is a popular self-guided walking tour through the neighborhood's culinary offerings.
Held in August, CityFest is the ultimate summer art and music festival that takes over 5th Avenue, one of the main streets in Hillcrest. This annual celebration of community spirit features live bands, electric dance music DJ's, arts, crafts, and food that attracts more than 150,000 locals and visitors to party, mingle and make new friends.
Every Sunday, an eclectic crowd of neighborhood musicians, artists and residents gather at the Hillcrest Certified Farmers Market, where they enjoy locally grown produce, flowers, artisanal treats, international food stalls with prepared and hot food items, arts and crafts, clothing, housewares and more.
Every season, the San Diego Padres host Pride Night: Out at the Park at Petco Park in Downtown. Fans show their pride alongside San Diego's LGBTQ+ community as they enjoy some exciting major league baseball. As a special treat, the national anthem is often performed by the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus, San Diego Women's Chorus, and staff from San Diego Pride and the San Diego Padres.
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