San Diego will continue celebrating the LGBTQ+ community into July with San Diego Pride Parade and Festival after a two-year pandemic-driven hiatus.
San Diego Pride Parade kicks off on July 16 at 10 a.m celebrating with the theme “Justice with Joy!”. The free community event begins a the Hillcrest Pride Flag at University Ave. and Normal St. for a total stretch of 1.5 miles. According to event organizers, it is the largest single-day civic event in the region and is among the largest Prides in the United States, attracting over 300,000 people.
The organization sponsors more than three dozen different programs and produces about 175 events year-round, serving the entire LGBTQ+ community. San Diego County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Nora Vargas announced she will participate in the Pride Parade, representing constituents residing in District 1.
Community members can also participate in Pride Festival, which kicks off on June 16 at 11 a.m., which will host multiple stages and dance areas, beer gardens, community booths, and vendors for the two-day event. General admissions, weekend passes, and VIP admissions are available. High school-aged youth and younger may enter the festival for free.
San Diego Pride raises funds primarily through festival ticket and beverage sales, and through sponsorships, and exhibitor fees. According to the organization, these funds support San Diego Pride’s community philanthropy which has distributed more than $2.5 million in the advancement of its mission to foster pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally.
Visit sdpride.org to view other upcoming events.
