This year's theme is Reflections of Pride. Cheering crowds and energetic speakers all lead up to the annual raising of the Hillcrest Pride Flag and the unveiling of a new historic monument, officially launching San Diego Pride Weekend! The MC for this free community rally is Fernando Lopez, community activist and Public Affairs Director for San Diego LGBT Pride. Speakers include keynote speaker, renowned transgender advocate and star of Orange is the New Black, Laverne Cox, plus California Speaker of the Assembly, Toni Atkins, as well as veteran activist, Nicole Murray-Ramirez and San Diego City Council President & District 3 Representative, Todd Gloria.
Also on Friday, July 18, from 5-11pm, don't miss the Pride of Hillcrest Block Party! San Diego LGBT Pride and Fabulous Hillcrest are hosting the third annual premier event to kick off Pride weekend with urban style and flare. Hillcrest is shutting down the streets, bringing in the dance stages and throwing a gigantic BLOCK PARTY. Immediately following the historical Spirit of Stonewall Rally, enter the gates into the Pride of Hillcrest Block Party. The entertainment line up for the block party includes DJ John Joseph (7-8pm), Booniez Dance Crew (8-8:15pm), DJ Dirty Kurty (8:15-9:15pm), DJ Nikno (9:15-10:15pm) and actress Taryn Manning (10:15-11pm). Tickets to the Pride of Hillcrest Block Party are reserved for those 21 and over at the cost of $20 per person and can be purchased online.
On Saturday, July 19, from 11am - 1pm, the annual Pride Parade takes over the streets. The annual San Diego LGBT Pride Parade is the 4th largest in the United States attracting 200,000 cheering spectators, elected officials, community groups, military service members, first responders, and significant media participation. The Pride Parade is a free community event and is the best attended and largest single day event in San Diego. Taking place over a 1.5 mile route, the parade begins at the Hillcrest Pride Flag at University Ave and Normal St, proceeds west on University Ave, turns south on 6th Ave, turns left onto Balboa Dr and ends at Laurel St. There are 8 reviewing stands including an accessible Pride reviewing stand with ASL interpreters, shaded review stands for seniors, and bilingual reviewing stands.
Continue celebrating at the annual Pride Music Festival on Saturday July 19, from 12pm to 10pm and Sunday, July 20, from 11am to 8pm, an event featuring comedy, dancers, shopping, art, cultural presentations, food and tons of live entertainment. This year Pride is featuring artists like Robbie Rivera, tyDi, America Sierra, Deborah Cox, Charice and many others throughout Marston Point at Balboa Park (6th & Laurel St). Highlights include an expanded footprint in beautiful Balboa Park, NASA’s first official Pride event and interactive exhibit, free Arcade Alley, Cool Zone for those 55+, live art demonstrations and Art of Pride exhibit, the Leather Realm, UCSD HIV testing and education locations, Youth Zone, Children's Garden, Bike Corral, accessibility support, and Sobriety Support Lounge, as well as tons of food, a coffee corral and beverage gardens. Tickets are $20 for a 2 day pass and persons 15 and under are free to enter. Tickets may be purchased online at sdpride.org, along the parade route, or at the Music Festival gates. San Diego Pride welcomes everyone with an open heart to celebrate at the 40th annual event!
In addition to the events outlined above, there are many other Pride-centric events happening around the city, including She Fest, the 15th Annual Rob Benzon Foundation Pride Kick Off, the Pride 5k and more. For more information, visit sandiegopride.org and follow San Diego Pride on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.