Nationally, Pride month is June, but in San Diego, July has been pride month for years! The highlight of San Diego’s Pride month is the annual San Diego Pride Parade on Saturday July 20 in Hillcrest, and the Pride Music Festival, which happens both Saturday July 20 and Sunday July 21. The parade starts at the Pride flag in Hillcrest at 10am, and heads west on University. At Sixth Avenue, the parade turns south and heads toward Balboa Park where it finishes at the site of the Pride Music Festival at Sixth and Laurel.
Sheila E
The event is the largest single-day civic event in the region and is among the largest Prides in the United States, attracting over 250,000 people. Colorful floats with dancing participants celebrate and honor the LGBTQIA+ community in a fun and rowdy parade. Many people simply follow the parade to the festival site, but for those who would rather not walk, there are a few options to get to and from the festival. One is free parking at the old Naval Hospital (Park Blvd and Presidents Way) where you can park and then ride a free shuttle to the festival. Another option is the bus with several routes possible and another is to ride your bike and park it at the free bike and scooter corral at the entrance to the festival.
Khalil Nash
There is plenty of live music on four stages as well as four adult beverage gardens and countless food vendors at the two- day music festival. Artists include music icon Sheila E, guitar whiz Khalil Nash, Drag Queen Rico Nasty and entertainer Todrick Hall. The festival starts at 11am and goes to 10pm on Saturday and 9pm on Saturday. This is one of the summer’s biggest and funnest events so don’t miss it!
