Our annual celebration of community spirit will feature live bands, electric dance music DJs, arts, crafts, and food that attracts over 150,000+ visitors from San Diego and Southern California! This is San Diego's LARGEST and BEST art and music festival-- stretching nearly half a mile in size on over 9 city blocks!

Located in the colorful and vibrant community of Hillcrest - our quaint shops and restaurants along 5th, Robinson, and University will come alive with community spirit, giving you a place to dive into and explore!

Renowned for its vibrant nightlife scene, international dining, and eclectic shopping, Hillcrest has been the home of the LGBT community for over 40 years. Known to locals as "Pride-Light," Hillcrest CityFest is a celebration of our landmark Hillcrest sign, our residents and our businesses-- who have been champions for equality, diversity, and inclusion in San Diego and beyond.

Stages and Entertainment

 

CityFest will have over 16 hours of live entertainment on two stages at the festival! During the day, you’ll see performers of all manor, and as the sun goes down, you’ll find DJs spinning tunes at an all-ages dance party at 5th and Robinson and smooth sounds and unique beats at the Pennsylvania Stage.

Rich’s Night Club & LE Parties Dance Party in the Streets

Rich’s Night Club and LE Parties return to sponsor the Robinson Stage Dance Party! Starting at 7pm the dancers and DJ’s from Hillcrest’s hottest club will take over the streets!

Headliner Announcement! Drag Superstar DeJa Skye will be Headlining CityFest’s nighttime lineup straight off her renounced run on RuPaul’s Drag Race! Sponsored by LE Parties and Rich’s Nightclub, CityFest at night (starting at 7pm) will be a huge dance party in the street featuring Hillcrest’s favorite DJs.

 

Interactive Art and Activities

HILLCREST WILL CELEBRATE INTERACTIVE ART IN 2022

Add your creativity to several Large Art Murals by following our Paint by Numbers murals. Grab a brush, dip it and paint, follow the guide (or don’t) and create something beautiful!

Interested in adding your story to a Hillcrest Communal Graphic Novel? We’re going to be creating a massive comic book that everyone can add to! Find some comic book panels on our Graphic Novel Wall and bring out your inner hero and create your story!

Children’s Fun in the Kid’s Pavilion

Families and kids are always welcome at CityFest. This year there’ll be aLego Mountain, Flower Potting with the Hillcrest Kiwanis All Access, and Story-time with the Queens sponsored by the Imperial Court.

Arts and Crafts Ramble

New for 2022 CityFest will also feature an Art and Craft “ramble”. In the heart of our event, we’ll be hosting a Art and Craft Ramble where artists and performers, vendors, and attractions will be dispersed throughout the heart of the all mixed together among neighborhood businesses and activities. We’re inviting you to explore neighborhood businesses alongside exciting artists, creative food vendors, and unique crafters!

Cocktails and Craft Brews

A celebration of urban life wouldn’t be complete without an excellent selection of craft beers and fun cocktails. Two cocktail bars and a beer garden sponsored by Red Bull, Miller Coors, Effen Vodka, and Hornitos. will keep you hydrated. They’re conveniently located close to the performance stages.

Featured Cocktail: CityFest-a-mule! So say this one with me... CityFest-a-mule! Do you see what I did there. Fest-a-mule/ Festival… It's a Tequila Mule to celebrate CityFest. As a prelude to CityFest, you can try this delicious tequila mule at Walk in ART on 8/4.

WITH TWO BEER GARDENS AND PLENTY LOCAL BARS, YOU’LL STAY HYDRATED

In addition, CityFest is home to many of Hillcrest finest dining and drinking establishments along 5th Ave. for delicious drinks or fun people watching.

Parking and Access

Parking is available throughout the neighborhood at many private lots and on the street. Remote and free parking is available at the San Diego School District Offices at Washington and Campus Streets and at the DMV at Cleveland and Lincoln Streets.

CityFest 2022 Event Sponsors