We went to San Diego Gay Pride Festival 2026!!! It was such a great experience for MY PARTNER AND MY MYSELF. It started with the help of Lois Tsang Senior Services Events and Outreach Coordinator and Kay Broussard, Accessibility Consultant for San Diego Pride WITH EACH OF THEIR HELP, We were admitted, each of us, and I GOT AN ELECTRIC EV SCOOTER!!! From that point on, we went booth after booth, meeting interesting people from interesting organizations. My Partner, even found his UNION BOOTH. He went by first, and won a shirt. I went by second, to give praise. I also won a shirt and Gatorade. We got short picture videos made, we sat in some CHEVYS, AND saw the opening act of a CONCERT read more

See all

SD Pride festival had so many places to be between info booths, security, food, bars, and music at different stages. I noticed many more volunteers more this year compared to last year . VIP Passes provided value from expedited entry, to four drinks per day, VIP bar menu, reserved festival viewing area. Krewella had their San Diego debut Saturday. Marina showed she is a princess of power, not a robot, and saved her I love U froot for Sunday. read more

San Diego Pride - Bar Menu - Festivals Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

I came as a medical volunteer and I've actually never been to the festival. As a volunteer, I was able to get free entry and get the lay of the land while working. I was impressed with how organized everything was, the variety of vendors and music stages everywhere. As a volunteer, I really liked that there was a designated area to rest and relax. This was a time for everyone to celebrate and have fun in a huge venue! I was surprised how big it was! There are multiple things you can do other than eat and listen to music. There was activities and a 360 Photo Booth. There were also multiple bars which helped with relieving any congestion in these areas since there was barely any lines. Since I was a medical volunteer, I had to wake people up who were napping to assess if people were okay and if they needed any medical attention. I liked that there was a Senior Cool zone for overheated guests to rest. Before my shift, I did have some Watermelon Agua Fresca and Tanghulu. The Tanghulu from Berry Sweet was okay, would've liked the fruit fresher and the sugar coating was too thin. Definitely a fun filled event and I wouldn't mind coming as an attendee or a volunteer next year! read more

See all

Another wonderful parade, party, and celebration of love and equality! Beautiful souls and beautiful people of all types. So much color, love, laughter, kindness and respect. I had a great time marching and dancing with two different groups...looking forward to next year! read more

See all

07/18/26 Happy Pride everyone! So glad we didn't miss this year's parade. Endless joy! I had so much fun. I should have gone every year. If I'm in town next year, I will definitely make sure to go. read more

See all

The parade is one of the best parades I've been to! Unfortunately, it's been getting shorter the last few years and this year (2026) there wasn't many cool freebies. The festival is cool to attend for the concerts, but I don't think you need to walk around every year. There's lots of events and stuff to do to celebrate pride, but it gets pricey very quickly, which is unfortunate. I think there's a lot you can do to celebrate pride and the lgbtq community in San Diego no matter what level of partying/involvement you'd like. read more

See all

Amazing time in the parade. The vibes were immaculate. The people were happy! Would love some water stations for marchers - and they also had folks walk super fast near the end, which was tiring for older folks. But Pride 2026 was a joyous time - loved to see so many different kinds of groups come out to support the LGBTQIA+ community! read more

The parade is way too long, and the festival was ridiculously over priced. Every year the festival prices have steadily increased while the entertainment and vendor quality has decreased. read more

Just started Day 1 of Social Justice school. I love how involved this organization is in creating change, hosting community events, & making everyone feel so welcomed! The staff are creative, innovative, caring, and true change makers that really care about others. The space is so clean & comfortable. It feels right at home when you walk in. It was my first time visiting and I'm excited to go back for more trainings. They have so many different resources available if you're looking for support services. Ask for help & they will point you in the right direction. Such a needed space for our community! Very high value team, space and location! read more

See all

LOVE ALWAYS WINS! I am all about that ally-ship. Every other cities Pride festival falls in June but SD falls in July. Always the week before ComicCon. There are quite a handful of random Pride events leading up to Pride weekend. Don't think it's just the block party, parade, and balboa park festivities. I made a review of SD Pride when I first relocated here and felt "meh" about the festivities. I'm bias because I'm from SF and (back in the days) pride up there was beyond me - it set the standard and hard to compare. As time has gone on and LOVE has become more accepting to some degree in today's world I felt that Pride Parades get bigger but also get more "corporate". :: PARADE :: As I get older, this is the "new" pride - being involved in the parade. Been on all sides. Not attend, spectate, and marching IN the parade. The parade is actually fun and more interesting now a days than the aftermath. Before the parade is the 5k race and then the parade happens afterwards. It starts out with the dykes on bikes (like all parades in other cities). Parade last a few hours. I've joined my friend's company in the past and I've joined my company's group as of recent. The day is long... Prepare for extreme heat and waiting in the parade line for hours is... hell. But once in route it's really fun. All eyes on YOU and more fun with there are party favors to pass out to the crowd (I tend to target kids in the crowd to give them the party favors). If you are spectating, go early and secure your spot. It gets crazy on the streets! My favorite groups... - the lesbians on the pink truck (they are always a vibe) - Petco because they always pass out free dog clothes into the crowd. If you are participating in the parade, find them in advance for first pickings. However, I do feel bad for the animals waiting in line in the heat and then walking the route in the heat. Protect their paws, please. - Sony because they give out the rainbow umbrellas to the crowd and they come in so handy for some shade. :: PARK FESTIVITIES :: Been quite a few times and as each year passes feel less and less interested in celebrating Pride this way. Watching youngens have slut-mouth and be sloppy drunk is kind of boring when you yourself have suppressed that stage in life. Of the years I've attended the one performance that I liked the best was seeing TLC live. I now tend to skip the park festivities and prefer mingling around Hillcrest - not even at the overly packed bars and just grabbing a bite to eat in the area. It's the same thing every year. If you missed out this pride, don't worry it will be the same next year. I'm mad to be missing out on the 50th anniversary due to a system upgrade at work but will be there in spirit. read more

See all

This year was my first year attending pride and I am so thankful I was given the opportunity to attend!! I decided to go later in the evening around 4PM and it was the perfect time to to go weather wise. I ended up ubering and glad I did because it was much easier getting dropped off. Upon arriving we checked in and the walking space was spacious and lots to do! Plenty of booths around with a lot of resourceful information from the county of San Diego, police department, probation department, etc. it was so nice to see so many organizations participating and lots of giveaways!! Such a great event with multiple stages. There is also plenty of food as well too! And they offer drinks as well, you have to make sure you get checked in for that with a wrist band in order to then buy drinks. Lots of portable potty's as well too so that was a big plus. read more

See all

Hoping to see the San Diego pride once again ! This is the place to be to explore & meet kind people ! read more

San Diego Pride - Festivals Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Pride is a protest, but it's also a party. And San Diego knows how to party. Pride weekend warms up with a high-spirited 5K Walk/Run, swells into a vibrant Parade, and finishes with a massive Festival at Balboa Park. It's non-profit and volunteer-run, but not the kind where you pity clap for school bands and cringe at another rendition of YMCA. SD Pride Fest is at least as well-organized as any for-profit event. The 5 stages feature breakout and underground artists who sound good, current, and represent the LGBTQIA+ community. The festival is set up on the Balboa Dr. loop which allows you to see all booths, vendors, and stages without having to double back. Does wonders for the flow of foot traffic. Free parking is only a mile away with shuttle service. The lines for drinks are shockingly short. They say they have 25 bars, and I totally believe it. The price is shocking too though at $25 for a double shot margarita, but it's a festival so.. Multiple ID checking stations distributing wristbands are conveniently scattered throughout. Pride is a party, but it's also a purpose. It's positive, uplifting, and affirming. The theme this year is Thrive!, a message that in the face of new adversities, standing on the shoulders of those who came before us, we can do more than just survive. read more

See all

San Diego Pride is an outstanding nonprofit organization that has been dedicated to San Diego and the LGBTQIA+ community for years. I've been able to be involved with the organization for events and activities over the years and am a long standing attendee of the parade. It was wonderful being part of an LGBTQIA+ organization in the gaybourhood and being involved and walking (or riding in my case) in the parade but there is nothing like coming out and standing along the route and cheering on all of the organizations participating and walking, driving, and dancing their way to Balboa Park. Today's parade (15 July 2023) was an absolute show stopper! This felt like a return in full force to the parade's roots and to the number of floats/groups and attendees. It was fantastic. I brought along my close friend who's never been to any Pride parade and she cheered and screamed until she about lost her voice. It was AWESOME! Thank you, SD PRIDE, for your hard work and devotion and unfaltering efforts to the San Diego community! read more

See all

Pride is the best time of the year! The parade is always on Saturday in the morning, parking is hard to find, but if you bring your own shade, it's fun to sit and watch. The festival is on Saturday and Sunday and includes dancing, music, food, drinks, and booths where you can buy things and learn. This year, 2023, they didn't have any performers I knew, but every other year in the past, they had at least one famous singer performing. Overall, fun for all ages, although you will see people with pasties covering certain upper parts, so if you don't want to see that, maybe skip the festival and only go to the parade. read more

See all

A super fun festival! My first time attending in San Diego. Have been to the San Fran and Utah Pride festivals many a time. They said there were over 300k people attending and that would explain the very long lines and parking situation. :-) Loved the outfits and the dogs that were dressed up. It is great to have a celebration of people coming together in love and friendship, and to show how far LGBTQ+ rights have come, and how in some places there's still work to be done. Pride to me is about acceptance, equality, celebrating the work of LGBTQ+ people, and education in LGBTQ+ history and also raising awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. Hope there are more events like this in the future. read more

San Diego Pride - Festivals Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Great music, multiple stages, large area with chairs over the lawn, great food variety, great variety of arts and crafts and entertainment. Located on the southwest lawn of Balboa Park. The aja to the Yelp Elite team for the tickets! read more

San Diego Pride - Festival ground entrance 2023! Happy Pride San Diego! - Festivals Near Me - San Diego, California

Went to the pride festival in San Diego. It was so nice seeing so many people be who they choose to be with the support of others. Lots of vendors, multiple stages of music, just a really well put together event read more

Always a great time! Definitely arrive super early to guarantee a decent parking spot. There are places to park that offer free shuttle services too! The parade this year lasted 3.5 hrs. It's long but it's great seeing all the support from different companies. Everyone is always so friendly. You will feel like you're at a event where you belong ‍‍ read more

See all

Every year, it amazes me how lucky we are to have such a well-run and beautiful setting for our Pride parade and festival. I've been to many other city's festivals, but there is something special about the one that happens in San Diego. The special VIP area had different food options- I had the ahi poke which was light and fresh, which was perfect for the hot day. The bar The location of the VIP area was perfectly situated next to the main stage, so we had great unobstructed views of all the shows. We had such a blast and will come to SD Pride as long as it is in existence. It really does blow LA, Long Beach, SF and NYC Prides out of the water! read more

See all

Best time of the year in San Diego! Whether you're queer or not, it's always a great time seeing people living their authentic selves in public, without fear or sticking out or being bullied for being themselves. Every year varies as to whom they have as performers. This may fluctuate how many people go, but overall expects crowds, homosexuals, alcohol, drugs, and a good time. If you're anti gay then please don't show up with signs and banners. Find a better hobby. read more

I went to my first Pride Parade in San Diego, Ca had got a gig at a nice restaurant didn't even know the Parade was going on I work so much and here I'm thinking what a blessing I get to hangout with some open minded people loving feeling people. One thing I can say is that I didn't feel the "LOVE" as I walked the streets enjoying the new experience of my life and being an open minded free minded myself, the difference spirits shooting at me a kept getting that look..... that side eye like I was not supposed to be there, I wish that I could have dressed for the evening however I was on my way to work not too sure how to cope with this‍ how is one different from the other???? - [ ] read more

Unfortunately, many of the staff is unhelpful, unaware and unwelcoming. PRIDE is supposed to be a place of refuge for those are LGBT looking to get involved, find resources or connect with others. Unfortunately, I find the opposite. read more

So much fun!!! I got the opportunity to walk with the Mayor and team, and it was awesome. Very well organized where the Mayors staff contacted each person who participated and provided One SD shirts and instructions for the day of events. A group of us Lyfted to the event since parking was crazy due to closed streets. Pre-party commenced at Alibi bar for mimosas and drinks. It was super hot and glad there were waters being circulated. Bring hats, umbrellas, fans and anything else that will keep you cool for the couple mile walk. There is lots to see, people to meet, and love to share. There were so many people who attended and participated in the parade. So much energy and peace. It was great to walk with such beautiful people and so many supporters. If you ever get a chance to walk or watch, do it! read more

See all

I am a huge fan of anything to do with parties parades and good times, in this case I was invited by a couple of great friends that said come and support and I am in full support that is for damn sure. I really loved the vibe here , everyone was just so happy and excited and just ready to have a great time! It was a great parade that lasted for hours and after that there was the festival party as well, I believe in total it was a three day event. It was very awesome to see thousands of people gathered together for the same reason, I felt like they were all friends were they knew each other or not, and I'm happy to have the experience of joining in and being in support of great people that make this community a better place. So bring it on for next year cause I will be there. Supporting my friends and having a great time myself. read more

See all

Happy Pride Yelp world! I've been in the thick of the parade before and have gone to other Pride events and Prides in other cities. SD is fun cheering my friends on. Always meet interesting characters and always a fab time. I've met so many ppl who have travelled far to attend. Great seeing them have a good time. This yr the highlight for me was watching TLC & JoJo during sound check. Then getting a wave from them. They sounded so good and were gorgeous. Just a little sad Left Eye is here in spirit but this is TLC's first pride and are excited. Good place to experience Pride. SD Pride is the largest on the West Coast. Large boobs, large bulges, large boots, large wigs, large blunts. It's Pride and JoJo looks over and says "Stick your middle finger up in the air!!" So we do! Yes Ma'am! This bitch can sang! Luv her music. Aside from a homeless guy spewing out vulgarity at everyone passing by. It is a friendly happy festival. You will have fun gay straight or exploring. Dogs come in tutu's and Pride gear too. See you at next SD Pride! Mel M Yelp 18:112 read more

See all

Before a decade ago, I've never really socialized with any gays in my life... not because I was against them or scared of them, I just never had any gays in my life. Then, I started working at a job where a quarter of the employees were gay/lesbian and my eyes were woken up! I quickly learned that gays are fun and know how to party! I love everyone and I'm very accepting of gay, straight, trans, but I do HATE VEGANS! About 5 years ago, one of my best friends, who happens to be gay asked me to come out to pride and support equality. I said, no problem... let me find the gayest shirt I can find! I showed up in a vintage Bieber shirt and it was a hit! I had one of the best times of my life. There's nothing like a celebration to promote acceptance and equality, and see girls dress slutty doesn't hurt. The parade itself is always a good time, seeing dozens of San Diego companies supporting the gays! It's great for people watching and isn't overwhelming. It's a guaranteed good time for everyone. You might want to leave the kids at home... I've seen my share of guys' butts and ballsacks hanging out. They still haunt my dreams til this day! read more

San Diego Pride - My first pride! - Festivals Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

I am a freelance photographer for work, and San Diego Pride is a requirement for a media company (Pre pandemic). SD Pride is always one of the funner event's that I cover. Usually a few super small things that happen, but hey, It's a big event with many moving parts. The Executive Director, Fernando, and his staff go above & beyond to make sure every aspect of the community is included in events. in 2021, Pride started their "Pride week" off with a Resilient March in place of a larger parade. It was awesome to see the community come together for an old school March! read more

Always a fun party with great fun 80s music non stop and lots of eye candy and awesome clothes and wigs (and underwear and barely dressed too!). This is a well organized event where many institutions participate and show tolerance. People are more friendly than usual, very gay (in the French sense!). Police seems to be dealing with a lot, especially not easy to deal with the religious zealots showing signs such as "There is no sodomy in hell" (well, maybe in heaven yes!), and "you are all sinners" and poems of the genre. Overall, though, is a very civilized event, kid friendly (but I always bitch about why people bring babies in strollers to a very crowded parade, is really annoying and not safe for a baby, get a babysitter and bring the kids when they are a little bit older, people!). Parking can be hellish, but I always manage to find some free spot behind Park boulevard, close to Sprouts and walk all the way University Ave toward Chocolat which is lately the meeting point. Always works for me, even though I have to navigate through the strollers and so many people camping the streets. This year the company Lyft (Friendly Rides on Demand) was offering free rides up to $25. Not a bad way to promote a business, certainly thousands of potential new customers! In sum, I love our San Diego Pride Parade, is so much fun and something not to miss if you are just visiting San Diego in July for some days. read more

See all

Great day in the well needed rain! Just went for the parade (can only imagine what muddy fun the festival was!). Always love the parade and hats off to all who were walking, on the floats, and handing out goodies while absolutely drenched and freezing!! Only tip (and the same darn tip every year) get it together and stop with the 20 min wait between each sponsor/segment! The parade is starting to get way too long!! read more

See all

Love the Pride Parade! I try to go every year. So much eye candy and its the people watching in its finest - costumes, wigs, heels, rainbows! Dancing floats are my favorites, i think every float must have music, this year i felt that there was way too many politicians in boring cars just sitting and waiving. Try go get there early otherwise, the traffic is a nightmare. Best place to park is in mission hills and walk just a few blocks. The parade always ends at 2 pm and then the after party starts. Every bar and restaurant on University avenue is jammed packed with pple, music is blasting on every corner. Its a a whole day party! Not to be missed! read more

See all

San Diego Pride is always a good time! I've been a few times now, and Hillcrest has a vibrancy that you rarely see with any other local festival. You have two options for transportation: Drive yourself and get here early, or take an Uber/Lyft. Personally, I prefer the rideshare option; just don't try to get here using the main streets. If you take Robinson Ave, you can get dropped off right by the parade. The parade itself is, as you'd expect, an over-the-top spectacle. You have a wide range of participants -- from whole companies showing their support by walking to Lady Gaga, to high school marching bands playing Lady Gaga, to leather daddies dancing suggestively to Lady Gaga. The entire thing often runs longer than three hours, so bring sunscreen and an extra battery pack for all the pics you'll be taking. There will definitely be plenty to see and celebrate. The bars are an absolute madhouse, so if it's your first Pride you'll likely have to choose between watching the parade or making your own inside one of the many outdoor events put on by the bars and restaurants. If you want to do both, your best bet is to stick to the east end of Hillcrest, where the bars aren't as flamboyant but the alcohol still pours pretty heavy. One big tip: Use the port-a-potties rather than trying to duck into the stores or restaurants. These interior bathrooms often can't take the sheer volume of people usage, so they go out of commission first. This year we waited in line for 20 minutes at Whole Foods only to be turned away while still in line due to the bathroom clogging up. Not the greatest thing to have to think about, but important information nonetheless. Overall, one of the best experiences in all of San Diego which I look forward to every year. Here's to seeing you at the next one! read more

San Diego Pride - There was a person inside this. - Festivals Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Every year I tell myself, I'm going to go! But I'm always working or busy, but this year I finally got the chance to check it out! Although I didn't see the parade portion of it, I did go to the festival in Balboa Park. I am personally a straight person, but I absolutely adore gay people. I do have to admit, for someone who's never been to Pride, I had no idea where to even start! I was told it starts anywhere between downtown and Hillcrest, and boy I was so lost! I went with a group of friends and we all had a blast! So much culture, so much flare, so many characters, it really truly is a wonderful thing to celebrate, along with San Diego's constant line of unique events to partake! I love that they have food vendors, alcohol vendors, and even live entertainment performers! It really gives us more life! read more

We didn't have a good time. Three hours plus parade kinda boring. One hour and twenty minutes driving around festival trying to find parking. Parked miles away, took a bus, they said they were firm on no senior free entry Sunday after 1pm, I said I was driving around trying to find parking they didn't care I'll never come back to San Diego especially for pride again also this is an extremely expensive town to eat out read more

I've marched in the parade 2 years in a row and I've had a blast - a few of us made our own fabulous tutus!! It's an amazing show of support for the LGBTQ community - can't wait til next year!! The down side of marching is you don't get to see everyone else marching!! I suggest parking at the old navy hospital and taking the free shuttle to the parade start - you can catch the shuttle back near the festival entrance after the parade. Parking can be a bitch and ride-sharing is going to be at a premium. The parade route is about 1.5 miles and takes about 2 hours, give or take. read more

Always a happy fun filled event every year. The most turn out i have seen --- i loved seeing all the people come out to support and new sponsors on their float. The parade had always been from 11-1, this year it lasted until 2:30--- thats amazing... i look forward to next year. the parade is my all time favorite events in San Diego. its so happy. Everyone is friendly and hugs every where. We forget all our worries and just living and enjoying the moment that should last every day. read more

The 2019 Pride Parade and Festival were a lot of fun. I mainly went for the festival though but caught the end of the parade. Lots of positive energy! Happy people and all good vibes. The parade was vibrant and everyone there were in a good mood with smiles on their faces. It was pretty crowded. The lines to get into the entrance were insane! It went all the way down the street and continued.... and continued some more.... So the waiting in lines in the sun and heat was not a highlight lol The festival was alright. I was a little disappointed though to be honest. There were two stages during the festival and one was playing super old jams... Nothing against old music but really we couldn't play something more current? The other stage consisted of a 21 year old gay man telling his story about struggling to come out with his gayness. That's great and all, but this is a festival- supposed to be fun. Not a group therapy session. lol I wasn't a fan of that or the old music. And the vendor game was pretty weak as well. It was mostly food vendors with gross, burnt looking hot dogs. I didn't really see any health options or vegetarian/vegan options. We stumbled upon one of the HIV testing centers and got tested. We were both negative (yay!) lol. So that is definitely a positive aspect of the festival- free HIV testing. All you have to give them is your name and zipcode and you get pricked in the finger. Takes no less than 5 minutes. Results are immediate. Pretty cool! Overall the festival was just sort of meh. I wouldn't do it again. But I did enjoy seeing all the different kinds of people the parade/festival brought it. Makes for a fun people watching experience. read more

See all

The San Diego Pride parade and festival is one of my favorite events of the year. The entire weekend is filled with fun, sun and cocktails. The happy people of San Diego hit the streets of University to promote and celebrate tolerance and equality. Don't forget your sunscreen and either take a cab or get there early to park. Hillcrest is just like everywhere else in San Diego, NO PARKING. Come down and have some fun, leave your attitude at Park Ave. read more

San Diego Pride - Festivals Near Me - San Diego, California

Rainbows and glitter and unicorns for everyone! I used to live in Mission Hills, which is a 10 minute stroll to Hillcrest. This is the big event in Hillcrest where half-naked men and women get to strut their stuff on Washington Ave and 6th street. The parade lasts about 2 hours, and isn't at all too packed. The first time I attended he parade was in 2008, when the Prop 8 was going though a huge debate in the state. It was heartfelt seeing gay couples pronounce their love and declaring their vows and proposed wedding date. And, it was very encouraging to see just about everyone in the entire community being moved by the couples walking before us. Come to Hillcrest for the parade. Go to Balboa for the weekend event which features live music. My married friend got groped at the parade, and he doesn't think it was a woman either... I did not get groped. Based on that small sample size, you have a 50/50 chance of being groped. read more

San Diego Pride - A queen - Festivals Near Me - San Diego, California

Why? It's FABULOUS!!! The best part about being a part of San Diego LGBT Pride this year was being a part of another step toward equality. The day buzzed with POSITIVITY and CIVIL RIGHTS (plus, it happened to be my birthday). What business ISN'T involved in this parade (There is only one I can think of that shocks me - 24 Hr. Fitness)? If you're a business, organization, or politician this is the place to be! It felt so good to be a part of, and see, how many people stand for the same thing - EQUALITY! Can't wait for next year! xo read more

See all