Overview: Kiwanis Club of Hillcrest All-Inclusive
As summer comes to an end, many community members look for ways to re-center their activities and find ways to give back to the community.
Summer is always an exciting time in Hillcrest, and just when we think things are calming down following the massive Pride celebrations, Hillcrest CityFest pops up.
The 41st annual celebration of the relighting of our iconic Hillcrest neighborhood sign took place this past Sunday and did not fail to entertain.
Hillcrest CityFest
For those who are new to the neighborhood or just haven’t attended CityFest before, it’s known by many as “Local’s Pride” or “Pride Lite” because it is yet another celebration in the neighborhood – but without all the out-of-towners and visitors.
CityFest takes place along University Avenue, starting at Fifth Avenue (think: under the Hillcrest sign) and going all the way down to Brookes Avenue (near The Loft). This year also included a special food and beverage garden along Robinson Avenue, hosted by legendary Hillcrest establishments The Rail and Crest Cafe.
The event, which is produced by the Hillcrest Business Association, includes plenty of vendors selling all sorts of goods, beer gardens, food, two stages of entertainment all day and night, carnival rides, a Kids Zone, people-watching, and so much more.
Many of the bars along the festival footprint, such as The Loft, The Rail and Number One Fifth Avenue, all hosted their own special parties during the event as well.
Hillcrest Business Association’s quarterly mixer
If you missed CityFest, don’t worry: One of the best ways to connect with neighborhood leaders, business owners, movers and shakers, and those who just care about Hillcrest, is by attending one of the HBA’s quarterly mixers.
Everyone is welcome to these open-house style meetups, which rotate locations throughout the neighborhood each quarter.
The next quarterly mixer is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Cellar Hand. Light bites will provided and there will be a no-host bar.
Attendees will get to mix and mingle, and also learn about a lot of things happening in the neighborhood that are being spearheaded by the HBA, including updates on the Normal Street Promenade, the installation of new trees, and HBA’s upcoming office move.
Giving back to the community
As summer comes to an end, many community members look for ways to re-center their activities and find ways to give back to the community.
One of the best ways to do that is by checking out the Kiwanis Club of Hillcrest All-Inclusive.
Chartered in 2021, the Hillcrest chapter of Kiwanis International provides space for community members to volunteer, build leadership opportunities, meet new friends and neighbors, hear community updates, and have a really good time while doing it.
Kiwanis is wrapping up its 2024-25 administrative year, and will welcome a new slate of board officers beginning Oct. 1.
Rick Cervantes, who is currently the “president-elect” will take over the reins as president (from me), and will work with a new board (to be elected this month) to continue the club’s legacy of service and community involvement.
Club gatherings are held every second and fourth Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m., at Uptown Tavern’s back room.
Everyone is welcome to visit and there is never pressure to join the club or participate more than you would like to.
Visit the club on Instagram to learn more at instagram.com/kiwanishillcrest.
Hillcrest Cleanup & Cocktails
I have never seen so many people be so excited about cleaning up litter around the neighborhood, but Hillcrest Cleanup & Cocktails has turned into a phenomenon.
The last cleanup, held in June, had a record 154 volunteers sign-in who spent the morning cleaning up litter in the neighborhood, followed by hosted drinks and bites at Urban Mo’s.
People really love Hillcrest, whether they live here or just call it their second home, and they love to lend a hand to take care of this special neighborhood.
We invite you to the next Hillcrest Cleanup & Cocktails, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6, starting at 8:30 a.m., to join in the fun. Visit bit.ly/CCSept2025 for more information and to sign up.
All supplies are provided, including morning treats, and all volunteers who cleanup for at least an hour and a half will be invited to the after party at Mo’s. It really has become a beloved neighborhood tradition and I hope you’ll join us in September.
I look forward to sharing more neighborhood updates in September and in the meantime, never hesitate to reach out to me at benny.bc.cartwright@gmail.com.
Benny Cartwright is president of Kiwanis Club of Hillcrest All-Inclusive.
