San Diego Pride Week takes place July 13-21 this year with various family-centered events to nightlife happenings for the 21-and-older crowd. Below are the official San Diego Pride events plus a few extra from established LGBTQ+ organizations to experience this celebration.
ella fiesta
An annual flagship event, She Fest kicks off Pride Week on July 13 from 12-6 p.m. and centers LGBTQ+ women, non-binary people, and people who find community with these identities. Workshops, vendors, community organizations, performers, and community-building activities will be present. She Fest will take place at the Hillcrest Pride Flag, located at 1500 University Ave. sdpride.org/shefest/
Light up the Cathedral
LGBTQ+ faith leaders and faithful will be gathering in person to celebrate their faith on July 17 at 7 p.m. for an Interfaith Pride Celebration at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Bankers Hill. After the service, the Cathedral, located at 2728 Sixth Ave., will be lit in rainbow colors. sdpride.org/lightup/
Teen-Versionary
A popular youth program, Teen-Versionary is a space where many LGBTQ+ teens explore and discover their identities and build community with other queer teens. This year’s Teen-Versionary participants put together a piece of theatre that investigates queer themes and issues within LGBTQ+ youth experiences. Performances are free and will take place at Diversionary Theatre main stage July 19-21. sdpride.org/event/teenversionary/
Rally Espíritu de Stonewall
This event is an educational opportunity which acknowledges those who contribute to the LGBTQ+ community through leadership, fundraising efforts, and activism. Guest speakers, including Kierra Johnson of the National LGBTQ+ Task Force and San Diego LGBTQ+ icon Chris Kehoe, will be present, as well as the raising of the Pride flag. The rally takes place July 19 at 6 p.m. at 1500 University Ave. sdpride.org/event/spirit-of-stonewall-rally/
Hillcrest Pride Block Party
Right after the Stonewall Rally still under the Pride Flag, Hillcrest converts into an all-ages Block Party. At the ticketed event, enjoy a gigantic cocktail bar and beer garden, food trucks, spectacular drag shows, go-go dances, a massive Ferris wheel, and a DJ dance party until 11 p.m. fabuloushillcrest.com/pride-of-hillcrest
San Diego Pride 5K
For people interested in incorporating fitness and fundraising into their Pride Festival weekend, the San Diego Pride 5K, presented by Front Runners & Walkers San Diego, will take place at University and Centre St. on July 20 at 6:45 a.m. General admission for the run/walk is listed at $49 and can be done individually or as a group. sdpride.org/event/pride-5k/
San Diego Pride Parade
The annual parade is a colorful celebration for people of all ages and takes place this year on July 20 at 10 a.m. The Pride Parade begins at the Hillcrest Pride Flag at University Ave. and Normal St., proceeds west on University Ave., turns south on Sixth Ave., turns left on Balboa Dr., and ends at Laurel St., which is also the entrance to the Pride Festival. sdpride.org/event/san-diego-pride-parade/
Pride Festival
San Diego’s largest two-day event highlighting LGBTQ+ entertainment, interactive exhibits, cultural presentations, and community resources takes place at Marston Point., Balboa Park (Sixth Ave. & Laurel St.) On July 20 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and July 21 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., over 100+ artists and live performances will commence. Todrick Hall, Rico Nasty, and Sheila E. are headliners for the event. sdpride.org/festival/
Children’s Garden at SD Pride Festival
A welcoming space of activities and entertainment will be provided by the San Diego LGBT Center at Balboa Park, Marston Point from 11a.m.-4 p.m July 20-21 inside the festival. Kids must be accompanied by parents or guardians. Kids under 18 get into the festival free. thecentersd.org/events/childrens-garden/
