Celebrate Pride Month with events throughout June and July across San Diego County
This year, experience a wide range of LGBTQ+-centered events — from cross-border festivals to NorCal getaways
Written by Marco Guajardo, Edited by Lauren J. Mapp
San Diego and Tijuana are set to celebrate Pride, hosting a range of LGBTQ+-centered events throughout June and July.
Pride Month honors the history, culture and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community through marches, parades and artistic showcases.
While Pride is traditionally observed in June to honor the anniversary of the Stonewall uprising — when community members fought back against police raids at the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village — San Diego holds its largest Pride festival in July. According to San Diego Pride, this tradition began in the 1990s, when organizers moved the main events to avoid scheduling conflicts with other major festivals around the world and to maximize attendance by avoiding June gloom.
From attending Tijuana’s downtown march to traveling with the San Diego-based Queer Sol Collective for a weekend retreat in Northern California, the region offers dozens of events for San Diegans of all ages.
Do you know an event we missed? To submit an event for consideration to be added to this list and our community calendar, input the details in our online form.
Upcoming Events
June 7
Pride By The Beach: Organized by the North County LGBTQ Resource Center, which serves more than 13 cities, this festival includes social advocacy workshops and a Mx. Pride by the Beach drag competition. It also features a Queerosity booth for attendees to ask questions about their identity or supporting others as an ally.
DJ Inspire will be spinning live on the mainstage with local artist Jessica Duron performing in the afternoon. 12-6 p.m., 300 North Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054
June 8
The Big Gay Picnic: Pride All-Stars: The monthly queer community picnic in Balboa Park includes lawn games, potluck and an appearance from America’s Finest City Softball League team members. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 2808 Balboa Drive, San Diego, CA 92103
June 10–25 (3 dates)
New Volunteer Info Sessions: Learn how to get involved with San Diego Pride through volunteer orientation events held throughout the month. Pride provides an online handbook guiding potential volunteers on its policies and procedures, and those who sign up for volunteer shifts on both Saturday and Sunday will receive a souvenir t-shirt.
Those interested in volunteering can RSVP online. June 10, 7:30-8:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103. June 21, 1-2 p.m., University Christian Church 3900 Cleveland Ave, San Diego, CA 92103. June 25, 6-7 p.m., virtual (RSVP)
June 14
LGBTQ Vets Pride Month Hike: Join LGBTQ+ veterans for a Pride Month hike in Mission Trails fostering connection and well-being in nature. RSVP online. 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Mission Trails, 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119
Ramona Pride: Organized by Ramona Pride, this free family friendly community event at Collier Park starts off with a visibility walk followed by a community picnic that includes food and entertainment. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Collier Park, 626 E St., Ramona, CA 92065
June 17
Intersex Community Member Focus Group: The San Diego LGBT Community Center is hosting a confidential focus group for members of the intersex community to share their experiences and ideas. Input from the session will help the LGBT Community Center better serve the intersex community. 6-7:30 p.m., 3909 Centre St., San Diego, CA 92103
June 20
Gothic Pride: This 21+ alt-queer party will be hosted at The Rail and promises “industrial beats” and underground energy. Proceeds will benefit Goth Collective’s Pride Parade Float. Tickets at therailsd.com. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., 3796 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
June 26
Smooches & Pooches Single Mixer for LGBTQ+ in North Park: A free LGBTQ+ singles mixer will take place at Pure Pawsh, a dog-friendly bar and boutique in North Park. The event is designed to provide a casual and welcoming environment for members of the queer community to connect with other dog lovers. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 4045 30th St., San Diego, CA 92104
June 26-29
Mata’yuum 2025 Annual Retreat Fundraiser: The San Diego-based non-profit Queer Sol Collective invites members of the queer community to the Shelterwood Collective community forest in Cazadero, California. Attendees will gather in community and engage in storytelling, earth stewardship, indigenizing practices and other healing practices.
The cost for enrollment tiers varies and includes both scholarship and volunteer opportunities. To register, first donate online based on your tier selected and you will be prompted to complete your registration information. Email the collective with registration questions. June 26, 4 p.m. to June 29th, 10 a.m., Shelterwood Collective Community Forest, 23500 King Ridge Rd., Cazadero, CA 95421
June 28
Baja State LGBTTTIQ+ Pride March: Join people across the border in downtown Tijuana for the 25th annual Baja State Pride March through central Tijuana. Following the march, the community will continue celebrating with drag show competitions and other festivities. 5 p.m., Calle 1ra and Mutualismo, Tijuana, BC, Mexico
July 16
Light Up the Cathedral: Event founder Dean Penny Bridges, LGBTQ+ Faith Leaders and Allied Faith Leaders are holding a free interfaith celebration at St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Bankers Hill. After the service, the cathedral will be lit in rainbow colors as part of its 10-year tradition. 7 p.m., 2728 6th Ave., San Diego, CA 92103, enter on the 5th Avenue side.
July 18
Spirit of Stonewall Rally: This free rally is open to the public and will honor LGBTQ+ leaders and activists, featuring awards, speeches and the ceremonial raising of the Pride flag. 6 p.m., Hillcrest Pride Flag, 1500 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
Hillcrest Pride Block Party: An all-ages event with drag performances, DJs, food trucks and a Ferris wheel. Tickets available online. 5 -11 p.m., Pride Square, 1500 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
QueerGxrl: San Diego Pride Party: A 21+ dance party featuring DJs Cristy Lawrence, Alex D, and Aja Cruz. Tickets start at $29 and are available online. 9 p.m., Spin Nightclub, 2028 Hancock St., San Diego, CA 92110
July 18–21
Teen-Versionary Performances: At the Diversionary Theatre in University Heights, a collaborative theatre program led by teens ages 13 to 18 explores queer themes and identity. Performance times are TBD. See website for the schedule or call the box office at (619) 220-0097. 4545 Park Blvd., Suite 101, San Diego, CA 92116
July 19
San Diego Pride 5K: Presented as a fun and wacky event, the charity run and walk precedes the LGBTQ Pride Parade for Pride weekend in San Diego. Funds raised through the run benefit San Diego Pride and The LGBT Center’s Youth Housing Project. Register online. 6:45 a.m., University Avenue and Centre Street, San Diego, CA 92103
San Diego Pride Parade: The region’s largest single-day civic event according to Pride organizers with over 250,000 participants, floats and spectators. The parade route starts at the Rainbow Square at the intersection of University Avenue and Normal Street in Hillcrest, and continues down University Avenue and Sixth Avenue, ending in Balboa Park. Free to attend. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hillcrest to Balboa Park
July 19–20
San Diego Pride Festival: San Diego’s main two-day festival with multiple entertainment stages, community resources and a Queer Locals Marketplace in Balboa Park. R&B singer Kehlani will headline Saturday’s performances and German pop singer Kimpetras will headline Sunday. Tickets available online. July 19: 12 to 10 p.m.| July 20: 12 to 9 p.m., Balboa Park, Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street, San Diego, CA 92103
July 19–28
SeaWorld San Diego Pride Week: SeaWorld’s first annual Pride Week includes daily meetups, a Pride Day lunch on July 28 and rainbow lights inside the park. SeaWorld tickets available online. 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
July 20
Lez In Waterland Pool Party: Held at Andaz San Diego, by Hyatt, this San Diego Pride weekend rooftop pool party is planned for Queer women and friends. Hosted by Sterling Victorian, the event will feature headlining DJs Kittens and Lezlee, and include live performances from Chloe Star and Sofia. Tickets available online. 12-7 p.m., 600 F St., San Diego, CA 92101
