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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Sat, Jul 11
11 AM - 2 PM
Hillcrest
Annual Dyke March through Hillcrest on July 11 at 11am — centering LGBTQ+ women, nonbinary, and sapphic community a week before San Diego Pride weekend. Free.
Wed, Jul 15
7 PM - 8:30 PM
St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral
Free interfaith service kicking off San Diego Pride week at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral — LGBTQ+ faith leaders, music, and reflection on July 15 at 7pm.
Fri, Jul 17
6 PM - 7 PM
Hillcrest
Free rally opening San Diego Pride weekend on July 17 at 6pm in Hillcrest — speakers, live performances, and the Pride flag raising at 535 Robinson Ave.
Fri, Jul 17
8 PM - 2 AM
EQ San Diego
Bear Night San Diego's 10th-annual Pride warm-up at EQ San Diego in Hillcrest — July 17 from 8pm to 2am, with DJs, go-go talent, and an open-air patio. 21+.
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