A party under the Hillcrest sign? We’re ready — CityFest returns this Sun., Aug. 14, from 12-11 p.m., an arts and music festival spanning nine blocks across Fifth + University avenues.
Some locals call this event “Pride-Light,” but with an audience of 150,000+ people, expect big-time fun. CityFest has been an annual staple of Hillcrest since 1985, and organizers are preparing for full-scale fun this year.
Spreading the CityFest Love. | Photo via Fabulous Hillcrest
🎤 Live entertainment
CityFest would be a drag without live performances. Get ready to dance in the streets with two stages of entertainment sponsored by LE Parties and Rich’s Nightclub: The Coors Light Pennsylvania Stage + the Red Bull Robinson Stage.
The lineup starts at 12 p.m. and will transform the streets into Hillcrest’s hottest night club — CityFest at Night — at 7 p.m. DJs and dancers will perform, and drag queen DeJa Skye from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” will headline the Red Bull Robinson Stage.
🍸 Eating, drinking + shopping
This year, the “Arts and Crafts Ramble” will sprinkle local vendors, crafts + entertainment throughout the event — so you can grab some food, shop local, or watch a quick show.
You’ll also find Hillcrest’s fabulous bars and restaurants along Fifth Avenue, and there will be two cocktail and beer gardens near performance stages. We recommend trying the event’s exclusive cocktail, CityFest-a-mule — a tequila-based mule.
🎨 Arts
Looking for more color in this colorful event? In addition to “Arts and Crafts Ramble,” CityFest has opportunities for you to check out art or become the artist.
- Along the streets you’ll find Paint by Numbers murals — grab a brush + add your touch.
- Add to the action at the Hillcrest Communal Graphic Novel at the Graphic Novel Wall.
There’s a party brewing under this sign. | Photo via @timothy.olcott520
📖 Family fun
All ages are welcome at the Kid’s Pavilion for celebrations the whole family can enjoy.
- Local drag queens will read “A Peacock Among Pigeons” by Clarione Gutierrez during Storytime with a Queen at 12, 2, 4 + 6 p.m.
- Buckle up for carnival-style rides on The Round-Up and The Frogger.
- Take home some color with Flower Potting hosted by Hillcrest Kiwanis All Access.
- Build your masterpiece at the Lego Mountain.
Pro tip: As always, there will be road closures near the event, so parking might be challenging. Free parking is available at the San Diego School District Offices at Washington and Campus streets + the DMV at Cleveland and Lincoln streets, but will go fast. Try taking the bus, routes 10, 11 + 120 will get you near the Hillcrest sign.
