Pride, Blanket Sounds and a Filipino American Friendship Festival bring the Weekend Energy to July 17-20
Plus, local activists honor the late Rep. John Lewis during the Good Trouble Lives On protest.
Written by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Kate Morrissey
Between San Diego Pride in Hillcrest and the Filipino American Friendship Festival at Liberty Station, there’s lots to do this weekend in San Diego.
Plus, there’s a No More Markets free swap at Morley Field, and an afternoon Blanket Sounds music at Waterfront Park.
Do you know an event we missed? To submit an event for consideration to be added to this list and our community calendar, send us the details in our online form.
July 17
Good Trouble Lives On Protest: Local activists are leading a continuation of June’s No Kings movement with a protest at Waterfront Park. The national protest date honors Rep. John Lewis, an American civil rights activist and politician who died on July 17, 2020. 5-8 p.m., Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
From SD to the Philippines: Join the Friends of the Filipino People in Struggle San Diego chapter for an educational discussion on imperialism in the Philippines and the United States’ role. Community members are invited to contribute research skills and resources to look at connections between San Diego and human rights conditions overseas. 7 p.m., RSVP online for location.
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, 1600 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103
BRUSHFIRE: Through its monthly series Igniting Culture Through Art + Sound, The Block Club merges painting, chess and live DJ sets for a creative experience. Tickets are $10 each, with a two for one special, and can be purchased online. 6-10 p.m., The Block Club, 6403 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
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
Teen-Versionary Performances: At the Diversionary Theatre in University Heights, a collaborative theater program led by teens ages 13 to 18 explores queer themes and identity July 18-20. Performance times are at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, and at 3 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. 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. 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, the parade boasts over 250,000 participants, floats and spectators. The parade route runs along University Avenue in Hillcrest and continues down Sixth Avenue, ending in Balboa Park. Free to attend. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hillcrest to Balboa Park
San Diego Pride Festival: San Diego Pride’s main two-day festival has 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
Peace Vigil for Palestine: CODEPINK San Diego, Palestine Pals and other local activism groups host a weekly peace vigil to advocate for peace in Gaza and beyond every Saturday in Ocean Beach. The group invites attendees to wear pink and bring peace-themed posters. For more information, email sandiego@codepink.org. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and W Point Loma Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107
Filipino American Friendship Festival: Head to Liberty Station for the fifth annual Filipino American Friendship Festival to celebrate culture and community this Saturday. The festival includes vendors, a karaoke stage, kids zone and a lumpia eating contest, plus live music from The Harana Band. The festival is free to attend. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., NTC Park at Liberty Station, 2455 Cushing Rd., San Diego, CA 92106
Logan Heights Community Night Market: Join the Logan Heights Community Development Corporation for its night market with local vendors and kids’ activities including arts and crafts, giant board games and face painting. There will also be an open mic for poets, singers and comedians that attendees can sign up for in advance online. 5-8 p.m., 2835 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92102
July 20
No More Markets Free Swap: Join No More Markets for a free swap event at Morley Field. Participants can swap anything they like, including clothing, tools, art or skillshare, and organizers ask that attendees take home anything they don't end up trading. 12-5 p.m., Morley Field, Jacaranda Place and Arnold Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104
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
Blanket Sounds: Grab a blanket and some buddies to head down to Waterfront Park for the SD Melanin summer Blanket Sounds series. The free event features live musical performances, DJ sets, activities for kids and local vendors. Reserve a spot online for free. 3-7 p.m., Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
Old Globe PRIDE AXIS Event: In The Old Globe's outdoor Copley Plaza, the theater is celebrating its annual pride event which includes drag performances, live music and interactive workshops. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at The Old Globe’s outdoor Copley Plaza in Balboa Park.
