San Diego’s 2014 LGBT Pride celebration is upon us and the weekend is jam-packed with community events, including the iconic San Diego Pride Parade.
The weekend kicks off with the Spirit of Stonewall Rally at 6 p.m. at the Hillcrest Pride Flag on Normal Street and University Avenue.
The free community event will recognize and honor leaders working hard to fight for the LGBT community. The rally – which was first held in San Diego in 1975 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary – signals the official start of San Diego Pride weekend.
Speakers will include Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, veteran activist Nicole Murray-Ramirez and San Diego City Council President Todd Gloria. “Orange is the New Black” star Laverne Cox will serve as keynote speaker.
After the rally, the festivities begin with the 3rd Annual Pride of Hillcrest Block Party at the intersection of Normal Street and University Avenue. The 21 and up shindig runs from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and includes a long lineup of DJs, plus an appearance by “Orange is the New Black” actress Taryn Manning.
Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased online or at the Hillcrest Brewing Co., Urban Mo’s or Obelisk Shoppe, all on University Avenue.
On Saturday, the Pride Parade will take over the streets of Hillcrest. The 1.1-mile parade route begins at 11 a.m. at the Hillcrest Pride Flag, then proceeds west on University Avenue, turns south on 6th Avenue, left onto Balboa Drive and ends at Laurel Street.
The free event is known for its vibrant floats and lively crowd and attracts more than 300,000 cheering spectators year after year.
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Finally, San Diego Pride rounds out with a music festival on Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Marston Point in Balboa Park.
A weekend pass to the festival costs $20 and includes access to all of the entertainment and attractions. Youth 15 and under get in free.
The full musical lineup can be seen here. Attractions will include beverage gardens, a children’s activity area, featured work from local artists and confidential HIV testing.
To get more details on San Diego Pride, visit this website.
