Part of the Gay San Diego Guide — bars, events & things to do.
Thursday, July 16, 2026
The Hillcrest Block Party is San Diego Pride's ticketed opening act, taking over the Hillcrest Pride Flag plaza (1500 University Avenue) across two nights on Thursday, July 16 and Friday, July 17, 2026. After a 2025 hiatus, the 21-and-over street party returns with a craft cocktail bar, beer garden, food trucks, a giant Ferris wheel, go-go dancers, and DJ dance parties under the Pride Flag. Thursday opens at 4 p.m. with a drag show at 6 p.m. and the STUNT Dance Party at 8 p.m. Friday opens at 2 p.m. and builds to the Spirit of Stonewall Rally at 6 p.m. — one of Pride Week's most meaningful moments — followed by a dance party at 7 p.m. It's a short walk from Hillcrest's bars and the parade route, so it's the easiest way to kick off Pride weekend. Tickets and the finalized 2026 lineup are at sdpride.org/blockparty.
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Thu, Aug 20
6 PM - 8 PM
Gossip Grill, San Diego
$4 Thirsty Thursdays at Gossip Grill in San Diego's Hillcrest runs every Thursday from 6pm to 8pm. A weekly women's-bar night of well cocktails and drafts.
Weekly
Thu, Aug 20
6 PM - 9 PM
The Brass Rail, San Diego
Karaoke with Spencer every Thursday night at The Brass Rail in Hillcrest, San Diego — open-mic karaoke with host Spencer at the historic 1934 LGBTQ+ bar, 6pm to 9pm, no cover.
Weekly
Thu, Aug 20
7 PM - 9 PM
Redwing Bar & Grill, San Diego
Free Trivia at Redwing Bar & Grill in San Diego's North Park runs every Thursday from 7pm to 9pm, with karaoke picking up right after.
Weekly
Thu, Aug 20
7 PM - 9 PM
Lips Restaurant, San Diego
The Divas! at Lips Restaurant in San Diego's North Park is a Thursday-night drag show with a 7pm seating; reservations required.
Weekly
Thu, Aug 20
8 PM - 10 PM
Cheers, San Diego
Trivia Night with Estevan at Cheers in San Diego's University Heights runs every Thursday 8-10pm, hosted by Estevan Ramirez, with drink specials for the neighborhood crowd.
Weekly
Thu, Aug 20
9 PM - 11 PM
San Diego Eagle, San Diego
Yellow Hanky Night at San Diego Eagle in San Diego's North Park lands the third Thursday of each month from 9pm to 11pm. A monthly hanky-code night for the watersports crowd and those who fly the yellow.
MonthlyLet people know you're going, see who else is attending, and share the event with friends.
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