The rainbow flags are flying, the bodies are pumped and that feeling is in the air…. Yes, Pride has arrived, and San Diego is ready for its biggest celebration of the year! Whether you are looking for a massive circuit party, an all-ages festival, quiet house parties or a colorful parade, Pride has something for everyone. For the next three days, there will be something going on non-stop, day and night, all over town. Take your pick!

Everyone loves a parade! And there is a lot to love about San Diego’s LGBT Pride parade. This year’s most colorful celebration begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 21. More than 160 contingents are expected in the parade, as 150,000 excited people line the streets to cheer on the kick-off to Pride weekend. The San Diego Pride organization has added several new features to make it even more exciting to watch. The event will include a “drag race” this year, as a group of fabulous queens run down the parade route wearing their Friday-night best. The parade will also include more colorful contingents, six reviewing stands (as opposed to two) and several other surprises. Early arrival is recommended for a good viewing spot. For our friends who don’t mind drinking before noon, there are a few hotspots along the parade route: Rich’s, 1051 University Ave., will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Flicks, 1017 University Ave., will be open at 9 a.m.; and, of course, the Bamboo Lounge, Lucky Buck’s, Baja Betty’s, Bite and City Deli are all places along University Avenue to grab some food or a drink and get the party started. And while the parade is most exciting when seen live, those who oversleep or are sitting in a bar for most of the parade, it will be recorded and televised this year!

As the parade ends, Pride has only just begun! The two-day festival that follows in Balboa Park is a fantastic event filled with music, dancing, drinking and hotties. San Diego is filled with out-of-towners and other gays who come “out” for the weekend, so your chances of meeting someone new are high. And the festival is where they all are! San Diego Pride has made a number of positive changes to this celebration, and you really should not miss out. The number of beer gardens has increased, and this year, you won’t feel like a caged animal while drinking your beer. Certainly, you need to remain in the gardens to enjoy your drinks, but these areas now include food options, entertainment stages and games. The festival will also include the usual dance areas, with a diverse lineup of DJs and more than 100 entertainers to keep the place rocking all weekend long. Headliners this year include Erasure and Gloria Trevi, who will both perform on different stages on Sunday night. Information about the Pride parade and festival can be found on Pride’s Web site at www.sdpride.org.

Cool off on Sunday, July 22, at the “LiquiDreams: Man Overboard” pool party. Produced by Anthony Cortez, this event will take place on a sprawling private estate and will benefit the San Diego LGBT Center. DJ Derek from Rich’s will spin, and there will even be a pool-side fashion show. The party begins at 11 a.m. and runs all day. This is the party to “see and be seen” at. Tickets are just $45 in advance or $60 the day of the event. Advance tickets are available at Obelisk Bookstore. Check out www.liquidreams.org for more information.

And the daytime events are really only scratching the surface! There is so much more!

During Pride weekend, it seems like a giant disco ball should come down from the skies and hang over Hillcrest for a few nights. There is so much going on that it seems like there is a party everywhere. And, really, there is! From the clubs to the legendary PowerHouse parties to the quiet wine-and-cheese soirée at your neighbor’s condo, that giant disco ball is lit up all across town.

Our clubs and bars really outdo themselves each year as they plan for their annual Pride events. You really could spend the entire weekend just going out to the clubs and be satisfied. Friday night hotspots include Top of the Park for its famous happy hour, Rich’s for “ProTribe,” The Flame, and, of course, Club Montage. The “Queer as Folk” Arctic Babylon Tour will be at Club Montage this year, as it continues its fifth annual tour across gay venues in North America. Montage will be transformed into a sexy winter wonderland, including icicles, glaciers and snow-frosted dancers. The world famous Roland Belmares will be the headlining DJ, and there will be a special performance by Flava. This is a Pride weekend event not to miss. Visit www.clubmontage.com for more information and tickets. Also, for those who serve, have served or just love the military, the popular Military Madness Night, presented by Steve Pena Productions, is back for a very special Pride event. On Broadway, located in downtown San Diego, will open for Military Madness Night Friday, July 20. Visit www.militarymadnessnight.com for more information.

Saturday night will be just as exciting, with special events happening in several of our favorite venues across town. Numbers will host the “Main Event,” featuring the regular Saturday-night fun and a beer garden in its parking lot. Rich’s will host a special Pride edition of its monthly L.L. Bear party, The Brass Rail will be packed for Noche Latino Americano, Club Papi will be happening at Club Extasis (in Tijuana), and Montage will have a special Pride party with DJs Chris Cox and Lydia Prim. Even though some of our clubs will have after-hours, we realize that the 5 a.m. closing time may not be enough for some of you! If that’s the case, head on over to Bacchus House in North Park for “Sweat Afterhours,” which will include music by DJ De Leon. This party won’t even begin until 2 a.m. and will keep going until 10 a.m.

And it’s not over yet, there is still Sunday night! Rich’s will close Pride with a special “Pride Closing Party” with DJs Derek and Kiki. Club Papi will hit Numbers this year, and Club Montage will host a very special live performance by Kristine W., with CD giveaways. Of course, the Sunday-night crowd will pack Urban Mo’s for “Detour,” and Bacchus House will open for its Sunday Latin night.

One of the most legendary parts of San Diego Pride weekend has become the special Pride parties hosted by PowerHouse Productions. This year marks the 10th anniversary of these parties, and they continue to pack the venues. The Harbor Cruise will take place from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, July 20, aboard “The Inspiration.” This party will feature DJ Susan Morabito and it always sells out! Tickets are limited, so buy them while they are hot! Thousands are expected to pack the San Diego Sports Arena for the Circuit Daze party on Saturday, July 21. Running from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., this event is one of the hottest! DJs Monty Q and Tony Moran will keep the arena pumping, as the boys gyrate up against one another. And the most legendary of all parties returns to San Diego on Sunday, July 21. The Zoo Party hits the world famous San Diego Zoo from 4-11 p.m. This party is a San Diego Pride must, so get your tickets now before they sell out. DJs Phil B and Manny Lehman will spin at this party. Finally, Fete’ Accompli will close out this magical weekend with an event at downtown’s 4th&B nightclub. This party begins at 11 p.m. and will keep on going until 8 a.m. Monday morning. PowerHouse offers a special money-saving VIP ticket that includes admission to all four parties, as well as a two-day pass to the Pride festival. For more information or tickets, visit www.powerhouse-productions.com.

There are a number of special events going on around town all weekend as well. One in particular is the exclusive “Pride with a Purpose” presented by MyPartnerPerfect.com and BuzzClothing.com. This is an official San Diego Pride event benefiting the Youth Housing Project. This party takes place on Friday, July 20, from 4-7 p.m. at the Beach Bar of the W Hotel. There will be a hosted bar, raffle and much more! A limited number of tickets are available by pre-sale only at http://www.mypartnerperfect.com/pride.html.

Pride weekend is tough! Not only do you have to choose the best party to be at, but you have to pick the right outfit, accessories and friends to be seen with. Decisions! However you choose to celebrate Pride this year, take a moment to reflect on this year’s theme, “United For Equality.” We are all in this together and need to take care of one another. Stay safe and have a great time!