Event Dates
From: Sunday, August 13, 2023
To: Sunday, August 13, 2023
San Diego’s ultimate summer art and music festival takes over 5th Avenue from 12 noon until 11 pm on the first Sunday of August during Hillcrest CityFest!
- Stay close to all the pride festivities in the Downtown district, home to some of the city’s better hotels and just 8 minutes from the block party (Hillcrest neighbourhood is short on nice hotels). Stay at The Bristol, a boutique hotel located at the crossroads of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
The Festival
- San Diego’s CityFest event in the gay district of Hillcrest is a celebration of community spirit featuring live bands, electronic dance music DJ’s, arts, crafts, and food that attracts over 150,000+ visitors from San Diego and Southern California.
- While the main event takes place on the Sunday, the Friday and Saturday sees some of the district’s most popular gay bars and clubs host amazing CityFest parties and theme nights.
- CityFest is San Diego’s largest and best art and music festival, stretching nearly half a mile in size on over 9 city blocks!
Hillcrest Cityfest Schedule
- A grand stage with live music and headliner bands will keep you entertained from noon until 7 pm, followed by headliner DJ’s and well-known talent until 11 pm.
- A massive cocktail bar and beer Garden featuring will keep you hydrated and entertained, and over 250 vendors offering plenty of shopping opportunities.
- Stay just a short trip from Hillcrest at the Inn at the Park, a unique all-suite San Diego property, situated on the edge of Balboa Park West. Alternatively check out the hotels in nearby Mission Valley.
Gay Hillcrest
- Located in the colorful and vibrant community of Hillcrest, the 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, residents and businesses,who have been champions for equality, diversity, and inclusion in San Diego and beyond.
Trending Hotels in San Diego
The following San Diego Hotels are currently trending with our readers. All are just a short ride from the Hillcrest festival:
Pendry San Diego, Gaslamp Plaza Suites, The Westin, Inn at the Park
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 hotels with the best rates.
Solamar Hotel is a Kimpton, a great
gay-friendly chain perfect location
For further information and advice on
CityFest Weekend visit the WEBSITE
The gay scene in San Diego is located mostly in the trendy Hillcrest neighborhood, just northeast of Balboa Park and a short drive or cab ride from downtown. Several others are in the districts just to the east of Hillcrest: University Heights and Normal Heights.
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We have chosen hotels in San Diego that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Pendry San Diego features a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and bar and offers free WiFi. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, room service and ticket service for guests. The hotel offers a à la carte or American breakfast.
The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter features a sundeck with outdoor games, spa services and a swimming pool. A 55-inch flat-screen TV each guestroom is furnished with a refrigerator and a coffee machine. A laptop safe and work desk are also provided. Eco-friendly LED and CFL lights along with solar shades
Gaslamp Plaza Suites is a historical, European-style hotel built in 1913. The original architectural design with marble walls and stairways is featured at Gaslamp Plaza Suites. Each stylish room at this hotel provides a seating area with a cable TV and a DVD player. Suites include a refrigerator, a coffee machine
This unique all-suite San Diego property is situated on the edge of Balboa Park West. It features a piano bar and elegant suites with kitchen facilities. Inn at the Park features traditional historic charm and spacious suites. Each suite includes clean white linens and a cable TV.
CityFest in Hillcrest
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Expedia
We have chosen hotels in San Diego that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
This smoke-free hotel features 2 restaurants, a restaurant, and an outdoor pool. Other amenities include 3 bars/lounges, a 24-hour fitness center, and a poolside bar. All 400 soundproofed rooms provide free WiFi, free wired Internet, and minibars, Smart TVs with cable channels, bathrobes and slippers.
Along with 2 restaurants, this smoke-free hotel has a restaurant and a fitness center. Other amenities include a bar/lounge, a rooftop terrace, and valet parking. All 258 rooms offer comforts like pillowtop beds and Egyptian cotton sheets, plus MP3 docks and Smart TVs with digital channels.
Along with a full-service spa, this smoke-free hotel has a restaurant and an outdoor pool. Additionally, a health club, a bar/lounge, and a coffee shop/café are onsite. All 223 rooms offer WiFi, balconies, and LED TVs with cable channels. iPod docks, room service, and premium bedding.
This smoke-free aparthotel features a restaurant, an indoor pool, & a 24-hour fitness center. A bar/lounge, a spa tub, & valet parking. Each apartment offers pillowtop bed & premium bedding, plus free WiFi & a flat-screen TV with digital channels. Sitting area & a microwave