San Diego Pridegoers enroute to the festival in Balboa Park (San Diego LGBT Pride)
Pride, Hillcrest, Balboa Park

Expect Lots of Rainbows, Music and Political Spirit at The San Diego Pride Celebration

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

Amid intense political backlash toward the LGBTQ community that hasn’t been seen for at least 25 years, this month’s annual San Diego Pride weekend (July 14-16) in Hillcrest is expected to attract high numbers of supporters demonstrating messages of love and tolerance.

The weekend will kick off with a Spirit of Stonewall Rally at 6:00p, Friday, July 14, when human rights advocates such as Imani Rupert-Gordon of The National Center for Lesbian Rights, and activist/television personality Jai Rodriguez, known for his role in Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, will take the stage. They will be joined by other speakers who will address the dozens of anti-LGBTQ bills that are on the table in nearly every U.S. state. The event takes place under the Hillcrest Pride Flag, at University Avenue and Normal Street. (Historical note: San Diego’s first Pride rally was held in Balboa Park in 1975.)

Pride’s 1.5-mile parade takes place at 10:00a the following day, July 15, down University Avenue, beginning at University and Normal. Look for a kaleidoscopic mix of floats and contingents ranging from big and playful to politically charged. Given the current political scapegoating of drag queens, the parade’s community grand marshal this year is “the drag community.” Organizers say the parade could draw upwards of 300,000 spectators.

It’s all about fun and music during the weekend’s two-day festival, held July 15-16 at Marston Point in Balboa Park. The grassy grounds will give way to multiple vendors and exhibits, beer gardens, a children’s area and stages for live entertainment. Some of the headliners include Princess Nokia, Saucy Santana, and Pussy Riot. Click here for the complete talent lineup and ticket info.