Spend the Day in Hillcrest at San Diego’s Biggest Free Street Festival
Hillcrest knows how to throw a party, and every summer the whole neighborhood turns out to prove it. CityFest stretches nearly half a mile down 5th Avenue for San Diego’s largest free street and music festival.
Spend the whole day in the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ Cultural District. More than 70,000 people come out for this one, and admission is completely free for all ages.
A Full Day in the Heart of Hillcrest
For over 40 years, Hillcrest has been home to San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community, and CityFest is its biggest annual celebration. Known to locals as “Pride-Light,” the festival spreads across seven city blocks.
The shops, restaurants, and bars along 5th, Robinson, and University are all part of the fun. Wander the streets, discover local makers, and settle into the welcoming energy that makes this corner of the city feel like nowhere else.
Two Stages, All Day and After Dark
Two stages run from noon into the night. The University Main Stage features KURTYKA, Vintage Girl in a Modern World, Daddy, Jenny & the Tramps, The Dimes, and The Band Cope, with more still to come.
SOULEIL takes the Sunday Funday Stage, and you’ll hear everything from singer-songwriters and indie rock to electronic and rap.
Presented by LE Parties and Rich’s San Diego, it brings DJ Kinky Loops, DJ K-Swift, and DJ John Joseph to the University Ave Main Stage, plus a performance from Lydia B Kollins of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.
Sip, Sample, and Snack Along 5th
New this year, the CityFest Wine Garden sets up in Mural Alley. Each tasting ticket gets you a 2 oz pour to spend at one winery or mix and match across Cork & Stem, Negociant Winery, and Pali Wine Co.
Two cocktail bars and a beer garden sit close to the stages, and Hillcrest’s own restaurants and bars along 5th are right there whenever you want a bite.
Crafts for Kids and a Throwback Tee
At the south end, the Kids Zone returns with support from the Kiwanis Club of Hillcrest, ArtReach San Diego, and the Imperial Court. Expect arts and crafts, drag queen storytime, and an ArtReach activity where kids build their own rainbow suncatcher.
You can take a little CityFest home, too, with a limited-edition vintage tee featuring the original 1991 logo. Grab one for $18 with code FABHILLCREST18, or two for $30 with code FABHILLCREST2FOR30, while supplies last.
See you there!
Bring your friends, bring the family, and make a day of it. CityFest is free, all ages, and ready for you to dance right down the middle of 5th Avenue.
📆 Sunday, August 9, 2026 | 12 PM – 11 PM
📍 499 University Ave, San Diego
🎟️ Get your wine tasting tickets here
ℹ️ Find more details here
See you there, San Diego!
