Community-building events, children’s storytime, a scholarship reception, a drag show and the San Diego Pride Parade are just a few of the events celebrating the LGBTQ+ community in July.
June is National Pride Month, but San Diego County continues to honor the LGBTQ+ community in July with various events that lead up to the San Diego Pride Festival on July 20 and 21.
Here are some of the ways to celebrate, including Pride Week in the county. Events are listed in chronological order.
Larry T. Baza Memorial Scholarship Reception: Lambda Archives of San Diego will host the third annual Larry T. Baza Memorial Scholarship Fund Reception. This Pride event honors the memory of Larry T. Baza, an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and BIPOC artists. The scholarship gives financial assistance to a student living in and attending a community college or trade school in San Diego County, Imperial County or Northern Baja California. This free event will also feature keynote speaker MG Green. 6 to 8 p.m. July 2. 2995 Commercial St., San Diego. lambdaarchives.org
Pride storytime: Lady Marmalade will lead a children’s storytime at the North University Community Library. This event is described as being family-friendly and designed to honor individuality and diversity via children’s stories and songs. 10 to 10:30 a.m. July 6. 8820 Judicial Drive, San Diego. sandiego.gov/public-library/locations/north-university-community-library
Panel discussion on banned LGBTQ+ books and stories: The San Diego History Center in collaboration with the Women’s Museum of California and Lambda Archives will host a panel discussion on the understanding of banned LGBTQ+ books, representation and the freedom to express these stories. The event will be led by the branch manager at the Rancho Peñasquitos Library Adrianne Peterson, librarian Moni Barrette and author Lillian Faderman. Lambda Archives managing director Nicole Verdes will moderate the event. 5:30 to 7 p.m. July 11. 1649 El Prado Suite #3, San Diego. $10-$15. sandiegohistory.org/event/right-to-read-understanding-banned-books-lgbtq-representation-and-freedom-of-expression
She Fest: Workshops, community-building activities, vendors, performers and more are all part of She Fest 2024. The social event focuses on empowering LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people by bringing together LGBTQ+ small businesses, community leaders and artists. The festival takes place at the Hillcrest Pride Flag. Noon to 6 p.m. July 13. 1500 University Ave., San Diego. sdpride.org/shefest
Drag show: RuPaul’s Drag-a-licious massive drag show returns to San Diego. The event will highlight performers such as Angeria Paris Vanmichaels, Chad Michaels, Kandy Muse, Kimora Blac, Kickxy Vixen, Roxxxy Andrews, Shannel and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo. VIP ticket holders will have access to a meet-and-greet with show performers. A portion of the event’s proceeds will support San Diego Pride. The event will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton. 7 to 9 p.m. July 13. 7450 Hazard Center Drive, $55-$75. leparties.com
Pure Glitter play: With a theme of, “A New Play for the Gays,” Pure Glitter is a comedy about a couple’s 10th-anniversary surprise party, but some unexpected ex-partners show up at the party. The evening tests friendships and asks the group to reveal their true feelings. The play stars Douglas Lyons and Lamar Perry. There will be two performances of Pure Glitter. 7 p.m. July 13. 2 p.m. July 14. 4545 Park Blvd. #101, San Diego. $30-$35. diversionary.org/onstage/pure-glitter
Pride interfaith service: St. Paul’s Cathedral in Bankers Hill will be the location for a special Pride interfaith service. Dean Penny Bridges and LGBTQ+ faith leaders will lead the service. Afterward, the cathedral will be illuminated in rainbow colors. The event is free and open to the public. 7 p.m. July 17. 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego. sdpride.org/lightup
Spirit of Stonewall Rally: The Spirit of Stonewall Rally is an event that acknowledges those who contribute to the LGBTQ+ community through leadership, fundraising efforts and activism. The event will also have guest speakers and the raising of the Pride flag. The first Spirit of Stonewall Rally in San Diego was held in 1975. 6 to 7 p.m. July 19. 1500 University Ave., San Diego. sdpride.org/rally-2024
Pride 5K: Front Runners & Walkers San Diego is holding its annual Pride 5k. It kicks off right before the Pride Parade and includes races for children and adults. The race is a loop that starts and ends at the same palace. The route goes through Balboa Park, Sixth Avenue and Quince Avenue. It starts and ends at the intersection of University Avenue and Centre Street. Runners will get a shirt and a finisher’s medal. The free children’s dash run starts at 7:30 a.m. 6:45 a.m. July 20. University Avenue and Centre Street. $49-$59. frwsd.org/pride5k
Pride Parade: The public is invited to walk and support the LGBTQ+ community at one of the largest parades in San Diego. This year’s San Diego Pride Parade theme is Making History Now and event organizers expect approximately 250,000 people to attend. The parade starts at University Avenue and Normal Street, goes west on University Avenue to Sixth Avenue and then south on Sixth Avenue to Balboa Drive and Quince Street, where the parade ends. 10 a.m. July 20. sdpride.org/parade-2024
Pride Festival: San Diego’s Pride Week finishes with the Pride Festival. This two-day event brings together live entertainment, music, vendors, cultural presentations, community resources and interactive exhibits. This year’s festival is headlined by Todrick Hall, Rico Nasty and Sheila E. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 20. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 21. Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street. $38-$239. sdpride.org/festival
