Know before you go

Rally

Friday, July 17, 2026, 6 pm @ Across from the Brass Rail | 535 Robinson Avenue San Diego, CA, 92103 

Every year, San Diego Pride accepts nominations from the community for the annual presentation of the Spirit of Stonewall Awards. The awards recognize individuals or groups who contribute significantly to the LGBTQIA+ community through their leadership, activism, and fundraising efforts. San Diego Pride is honored to recognize the following individuals and organizations as our 2026 awardees:

• Champion of Pride – Jackie Han

• Community Grand Marshal – LGBTQIA+ Civil Rights Defenders

• Community Service – Joe Fejeran

• Julia Legaspi Trans Leadership Award – Pamuela Halliwell

• Inspirational Relationship – Dr. Eric Rafla-Yuan & Dr. Sean Kenmore

• Larry T. Baza Arts & Culture Award – Songwriter Sanctuary San Diego

• Stonewall Service Award – Stepping Stone of San Diego 

• Light of Pride – Santee United Methodist Church

• Recognizes and honors the origins of Pride as protest and highlights community leaders that are working to meet the many challenges still facing our community.

• Keynote Speaker is Hailie Sahar, who made history as one of the five transgender lead actors in Ryan Murphy’s groundbreaking FX series Pose

• MC is Amber St. James

• Land Acknowledgement will be presented by J’Nyka Faulkner, Member of the Viejas band of the Kumeyaay Nation

• Stonewall Awards will be presented to all Spirit of Stonewall Awardees, including:

  • www.sdpride.org/rally

San Diego Pride Arko Park Block Party – Friday, July 17, 2026, 8-11 pm @ Across from the Brass Rail | 535 Robinson Avenue San Diego, CA, 92103 

• Following the Spirit of Stonewall Rally, continue the celebration with San Diego Pride and The Brass Rail at the kickoff of the Arko Park Pride Block Party. Named after Lou Arko, a businessman who in 1957, purchased the downtown venue and transformed it into a welcoming, safe space for the queer community!

• 8:00pm–11:00 PM 

Parade

• Over 200 Contingents

• The annual San Diego Pride Parade is one of the largest single-day civic events in the region and is among the largest Prides in the United States, attracting over 300,000 people.

• July 18, 2026 10:00 AM

• The parade begins at Richmond Ave & University Ave and proceeds west on University Ave., turns south on 6th Ave., turns left onto Balboa Dr. and ends at Quince Dr.

• Senior and Accessible seating review stands will be placed at the corner of University Ave and Richmond Street. Reservations are available through our partners at The Center.

• The San Diego Pride Parade route is unchanged by construction. The parade will proceed along the Eastbound (South side) of university. The route is unchanged.

• Route Length: 1.5 miles

• Free, community event

• https://sdpride.org/parade/

San Diego Pride 5K
July 18, 2026, 8:00 AM

Hillcrest at the corner of Centre and University Ave

The Pride 5K Run & Walk is always a highlight of Pride Week festivities. As many as 1,700 runners and walkers, from around the world, participate and raise approximately $40,000 for our charity partners. Every year, funds raised at the San Diego Pride 5K generate significant donations for our charity partners – San Diego Pride and The LGBT Center’s Youth Housing Project.

Festival

• The Pride Festival is one of San Diego’s largest 2-day events highlighting the best in LGBTQIA+ entertainment, interactive exhibits, cultural presentations, and community resources.

• Gates open at NOON on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, 2026

• Location: Marston Point., Balboa Park (6th Ave. & Laurel St.)

• Headliners are KREWELLA & MARINA

• Full lineup available at sdpride.org/lineup

• Over 2,500 volunteers

• Senior Sunday – On Sunday, July 19 from 12 PM to 2 PM, seniors will receive free admission into the festival. Join us for a complementary Senior Sunday Breakfast which includes complimentary breakfast and coffee.

San Diego Pride is one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country, with festivities from July 11–19, featuring a massive rally, a free 1.5-mile parade, and a ticketed weekend festival at Balboa Park. The highly anticipated parade steps off on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Know before you go essential tips:

The Parade Details

• Route: The 1.5-mile parade kicks off at the Hillcrest Pride Flag (University Ave. & Normal St.). It heads west on University Ave., turns south on 6th Ave., and finishes at Balboa Dr.

• Free to Watch: Attendance is completely free, drawing massive crowds. Arrive early to stake out a viewing spot and bring your own camp chairs and water.

Festival & Entry Policies

• Clear Bag Policy: Only clear bags (maximum 12″ x 6″ x 12″) are permitted.

• Prohibited Items: No outside food, alcohol, glass containers, large umbrellas, weapons, selfie sticks, or balloons are allowed inside the festival grounds.

• Tickets: The Pride Festival is a ticketed two-day event in Balboa Park (at 6th Ave. & Juniper St.). Purchasing tickets ahead of time from San Diego Pride Tickets supports their year-round advocacy.

Transportation & Parking

• Road Closures: Expect major street closures and heavy traffic around Hillcrest and Balboa Park. Utilizing rideshares (using a designated drop-off/pick-up zone) or public transit is highly recommended.

• Free Shuttles: You can catch a free park-and-ride shuttle from the Old Naval Hospital parking lots to the Pride Parade and Festival.

Safety & Accessibility

• Stay Hydrated & Protected: July in San Diego can be hot. Bring sunscreen, wear breathable clothing, and stay hydrated throughout the day.

• Stay Aware: Keep your valuables secure, monitor your drinks at all times, and plan your rideshare or designated driver before the festivities wrap up.

• Accessibility: Accessible viewing areas are provided along the parade route and at the festival grounds to ensure everyone can comfortably enjoy the celebration.

Help us ensure a safe, responsive, and welcoming Pride celebration!
Join our Medical Response Team and support thousands of attendees during San Diego’s largest LGBTQIA+ event.

What you get:

• Free BLS training
• 5-hour flexible shifts
• Pride volunteer shirt
• Free festival entry
• Invitation to Volunteer Appreciation
Event

Who we’re looking for:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Current BLS certification (Red Cross or AHA)
• Medical professionals and healthcare students encouraged to get involved!
• Administrative volunteers welcome (no BLS required)
• Passionate about supporting and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community!

SIGN UP TODAY
SDPRIDE.ORG/VOLUNTEER
For questions or additional information:
medical@sdpride.org

Volunteer Sign Ups Now Open! Pride doesn’t just happen—it’s built by an incredible community of volunteers! With Pride Week 2026 on the horizon, now is the time to jump in and be part of making it all happen! Whether you’re a returning volunteer or joining us for the first time, there are so many ways to get involved, connect with community, and help create a safe, joyful, and unforgettable experience.

High Priority Volunteer Positions:

• Emergency Exit & Traffic Control
• Entrance & Exit – Festival
• Shuttle Stop Support
• Youth Zone – Festival
• Accessibility – Parade
• Breakdown – Parade
• Contingent & Volunteer Check-In – Parade
• Finish Line – Parade
• Hospitality – Parade
• Incident Reporting – Parade
• Marshall & Safety (Mar Safe) – Parade
• Route Set Up – Parade
• Medical

Learn more and sign up at sdpride.org/volunteer!