Get ready for the ultimate celebration of art, music, and community spirit! On Sunday, August 13, 2023, Hillcrest CityFest will take over 5th Avenue in San Diego with a massive summer street party featuring live bands, DJs, arts, crafts, and delicious food as per Fabulous Hillcrest. With over 150,000 visitors expected from San Diego and Southern California, this is the party you don't want to miss!
Located in the vibrant community of Hillcrest, this street party showcases San Diego's most diverse neighborhood. Renowned for its LGBT residents, nightlife scene, international dining, and eclectic shopping, Hillcrest CityFest is affectionately known as "Pride-Light." Celebrating the landmark Hillcrest sign, the residents, and the businesses that champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in San Diego and beyond, according to Fabulous Hillcrest.
With a lineup boasting 16 entertainers and bands like Johnny Deadly Trio, Nightshade Navarro, and Jinc Mirage as per NBC 7 San Diego, Hillcrest CityFest provides 20 hours of live entertainment on two stages at the festival. As the sun goes down, DJs will spin tunes for an all-ages dance party at 5th and University as well as smooth sounds and unique beats at the Robinson Ave. Stage, as mentioned by Fabulous Hillcrest.
And when night falls, the best Queens come out to play! You won't want to miss exciting performances by local drag queens, including Mexico's Talento Mucho Talento stars, The Twins, and the delightful Kickxy Vixen. The best part? CityFest After Dark is free and open to all ages, so everyone can dance in the streets until 11 pm, according to Fabulous Hillcrest.
Besides entertainment, Hillcrest CityFest offers endless opportunities for family fun. The CityFest Kid's Zone, supported by Kiwanis Club of Hillcrest, features rides, Lego mountain, flower potting, and even make-your-own comic books as per Fabulous Hillcrest. And don't forget to catch Drag Queen Storytime, hosted by the Imperial Court de San Diego.
For the arts and crafts enthusiasts, the heart of CityFest will be a huge Art and Craft Ramble where artists, performers, vendors, and attractions are dispersed among the neighborhood businesses and activities. Discover unique, handcrafted items, interesting products and services, or sample tasty treats from dozens of food stalls and trucks.
Worried about parking? No stress! Thanks to Circulate San Diego, you can ride your bike to CityFest and park it at the massive bike corral provided in partnership with Access Hillcrest as NBC 7 San Diego reported. Enter on Anderson Place between 6th and 5th, and safely stow your bike while you explore the neighborhood. Using the new protected bike lanes will save you the hassle of parking!
To round out the perfect summer celebration, CityFest offers a mouthwatering selection of craft beers and fun cocktails. Two cocktail bars and a beer garden will keep you hydrated and add to the enjoyment, according to Fabulous Hillcrest. Plus, as mentioned on NBC 7 San Diego, the Miller-Coors Beer Garden provides a great place to beat the heat and keep the beat.
Parking during the festival is available on the street and in private lots throughout the neighborhood. For free options, check out the San Diego School District Offices at Washington and Campus Streets or the DMV at Cleveland and Lincoln Streets as per NBC 7 San Diego. Accessible shuttles are available for visitors as well.
With so much to see, do, and experience, Hillcrest CityFest 2023 is shaping up to be the street party of the summer. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind celebration that showcases the vibrant life, energy, and spirit of San Diego's most diverse neighborhood.
