San Diego Pride hosts a big parade, yes, but there’s SO much going on in the days leading up to July 15. Call it Pride Week Plus if you will.
Pride, which celebrates the LGBTQ community, also has some bragging rights as the region’s largest civic event.
This year, though has a bit of a somber cast, as Pride closely follows the Supreme Court decision that appears to sanction discrimination against the LGBTQ community in cases that involve the First Amendment.
“While we are disheartened by this ruling, it strengthens our resolve. San Diego Pride will not retreat,” wrote Executive Director Fernando Z. López. “We pledge to carry on the struggle for full equality and liberation of our community. We face adversity with defiance and hope, determined to create a world where love conquers discrimination and all of us can thrive.”
“Thrive” refers to the parade theme this year, but many events precede and follow the big day, July 15, starting this weekend. Here’s a selection of what’s happening from this Friday on, leading up to the parade through Hillcrest and the subsequent festival at Balboa Park.
Many of the events are free, but some require tickets, including the Pride Festival.
Black Pride
Includes Friday’s Mini-Ball Vol. 4, billed as an “Ode to Ballroom” at the Rail SD, 3796 Fifth Ave., in Hillcrest and “Rich’s Day Party” at Rich’s, 1051 University Ave., on Saturday. Tickets cost $15 for the 9 p.m. Friday party and $25 for the day party at 3 p.m. Saturday. The events feature the the Black Pride Competition, drag performers, vendors, hiphop, food trucks and more.
SheFest
Hillcrest Pride Flag, 1500 University Ave., noon Saturday, includes live music and multiple workshops including “Mutual Aid: Organizing for Better and More Resilient Queer Communities,” “Queer Entrepreneurship Resilience,” and “Decentering Cis-ness.”
Light Up the Cathedral
St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., 7 p.m. Wednesday, hosted by Dean Penny Bridges, joined by other faith leaders for the lighting of the church in rainbow colors.
Pride Block Party
The two-day fest – beginning at 4 p.m. Thursday and 2 p.m. July 14 – at Pride Plaza, 3900 Normal St., includes local and international performers, a cocktail bar and beer garden, food trucks, drag shows, go-go dances, a Ferris wheel, dancing and more. Passes start at $40.
Pride Parade
Hillcrest Pride Flag, is the starting point, at 10 a.m. July 15. The 1.5-mile route heads west from University and Normal Street, turning south on Sixth, then left onto Balboa Drive before ending at Quince Street. Throngs are expected to line the route, so arrive early and be patient – there will be traffic and detours.
The free parade includes military and motorcycle contingents, with those in drag being honored as the Community Grand Marshals. If you’re an early riser, the day starts with the 8 a.m. Pride 5K (which happened to raise $40,000 last year).
For shuttles, park at the Old Naval Hospital at Park Boulevard and President’s Way. Shuttles run from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the parade. If you choose to set up at the parade kickoff, then want to head to the festival, there will be express shuttles going from Essex and Richmond streets to Sixth Avenue and Juniper Street until 4 p.m.
For those who need accessibility vans, the vehicles will be on call for both the parade and festival from 8 a.m. to midnight on July 15 and from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 16. Ask a volunteer at the shuttle stop for assistance.
Pride Festival
Balboa Park, Sixth and Laurel, 11 a.m. July 15-16, festival features booths, food, art and more than 100 performers on four stages.
Saturday’s performers include Etari, Drew G, Jake Zyrus the llustrious Blacks, Moore Kismet and headliner, Princess Nokia. On Sunday, the slate includes the Scarlet Opera, David Archuleta and headliner Saucy Santana. Special fest areas include a Zen Garden, Children’s Garden, Transtopia, Black Pride Resource Area and the Mundo Latino stage.
Admission starts at $32 for one day, with two-day passes at $38, in advance. For seniors, tickets are $15 at the box office. Those of high-school age or younger are admitted free.
For shuttles, park at the Old Naval Hospital at Park and President’s Way. Shuttles run to Sixth and Juniper Street from 8 a.m. to midnight July 16. The next day, they run 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Accessibility vans are also available for the festival.
To bike or take a scooter to the festival, leave them at the bike and scooter corral at the corner of Balboa Drive and El Prado.
Unite Music Festival Sea Party
Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 4 p.m. July 15, with laser DJ booth, LED walls, pyro features, stunning sea creature dancer costumes, live sea visuals and lighting. DJs include headliner CALAGNA, Dirty Kurty, Sharon O’Love and Mor Avrahami. Tickets cost $99.
Drag-A-Licious
Doubletree by Hilton in Mission Valley, 2 p.m. July 16. The lineup features some heavy hitters from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” – 2018 champ Aquaria and runner-up Kameron Michaels, along with All-Stars 1 winner Chad Michaels. Includes a pre-show warm-up and two post-show pool parties. Tickets start at $39.