We invite you to join us in celebrating our 2026 outstanding honorees at the Spirit of Stonewall Rally — the official kickoff to San Diego Pride weekend that commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, when the LGBTQIA+ community, led by trans women of color, fought back against state-sanctioned police violence and discrimination.

Friday, July 17, 2026 | 6:00 PM 

Due to ongoing construction at the Pride Promenade, this year’s rally will be held at a special location, 535 Robinson Ave. Thank you to our 2026 rally partner, The Brass Rail for helping to make this possible.

Meet our 2026 Keynote Speaker – Hailie Sahar

She made history as one of the five transgender lead actors in Ryan Murphy’s groundbreaking FX series Pose, where she starred as Lulu, Mother of the House of Ferocity and made history as the first transgender actor to appear on two television shows simultaneously including Jazmin in Freeform’s Good Trouble.

She has been featured in Vogue, Essence, Variety, Allure, and OUT Magazine, and was named one of People Magazine’s “Most Beautiful People” in 2020. She is also one of the few trans women to be profiled by Playboy Magazine, furthering representation and solidarity.

Crowned both “Miss L.A. Pride” and “Queen U.S.A.,” Sahar continues to use her platform for advocacy. She was invited to speak on the HIV/AIDS epidemic at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center for the 57th Presidential Advisory Council in Washington, D.C., and remains actively involved with the East L.A. Women’s Center against domestic violence.

To learn more about Hailie and our other rally speakers visit https://sdpride.org/rally-2026/

Want to meet Hailie? Purchase a meet and greet ticket for the festival

Saturday, July 18 at 2pm

ARKO PARK PRIDE BLOCK PARTY

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!

This free community event launches Pride Weekend in Hillcrest with live DJs, dancing, and a cash bar.

Friday, July 17, 2026 | 8 – 11 PM

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

• Official 2026 designs
• Perfect for Pride Weekend and beyond
• Support San Diego Pride’s year-round work in the community

All pre-sale orders will ship by Friday, July 3, so you’ll have your gear in time to celebrate.

Show your colors. Share your Pride. Grab your merch before the pre-sale ends!

Shop now and get festival-ready.

Volunteer Info Session

Signed up to volunteer with us for the first time? Want to learn what volunteer opportunities are available? Need a refresher on our policies? Join us at a New Volunteer Info Session! Get to know San Diego Pride, learn about our events and volunteer needs, and meet fellow volunteers before your shift!

Topic: 2026 Volunteer Info Session
Time: Jun 23, 2026 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
RSVP form link: https://forms.gle/iVPh9QUpDVfN79c89

Application link: https://www.eventeny.com/events/sdpridefestival2026-23817/

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 – Festical
• Accessibility – Parade
• Breakdown – Parade
• Contingent & Volunteer Check-In – Parade
• Finish Line – Parade
• Hospitality – Parade
• Incident Reporting – Parade
• Marshall & Safety (MarSafe) – Parade
• Route Set Up – Parade
• Medical

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

San Diego’s biggest LGBTQIA+ summer party is calling your name! Celebrate diversity and inclusion in Balboa Park with community resources, booths, and four stages of live entertainment.

When:
Saturday, July 18, 2026 @ 12 PM – 10 PM
Sunday, July 19, 2026 @ 12 PM – 9 PM