Got your attention? Read on. We all know that bars are fun. So is getting involved in activism. But sometimes it seems easier to go to a bar, than, say, a meeting. So how about combining activism with going out to bars? And what better place than along Fifth Avenue in Hillcrest? That’s exactly what is going to happen! A local “pub crawl” to promote marriage equality is being organized for the evening of Saturday, April 11, and you are invited to participate!

Local activist Sara Beth Brooks, who is most well known as the chair of the San Diego Equality Campaign (SDEC), the group that was primarily responsible for the march portion of the protest against Proposition 8 that occurred last fall is encouraging community members to meet at Martini’s Above Fourth at 8:30 p.m. on April 11. From there, “crawlers” will head over to Fifth Avenue and hit bars along that street, eventually ending up in Downtown to hit some of the “straight bars.” The purpose will be to hand out information about a number of upcoming marriage equality actions, including the Day of Decision (www.dayofdecision.org), Meet in the Middle for Equality (www.meetinthemiddle4equality.com), and Camp Courage San Diego (www.couragecampaign.org). It is important to get the word out about these events, and hitting the bars, gay and straight, is a great way to outreach. Participants should wear a white knot to show support for marriage equality (www.whiteknot.org).

Besides being a great path to promote these events and garner support for marriage equality, Fifth Avenue is home to some of the best bars in town! Martinis Above Fourth, although a block over, is always a lot of fun, with some of the nicest staff in town! It has an extensive martini menu (it better with a name like that!), live entertainment and a full dinner menu. My best friend loves getting a Pearl Necklace (remember, I am talking about a martini here!), and I enjoy the Snickers Martini. I recommend trying them all until a favorite is found! Martinis Above Fourth is located at 3940 Fourth Ave., second floor. Visit www.martinisabovefourth.com for more information.

After Martinis Above Fourth, it is time to actually head over to Fifth Avenue. The first bar is appropriately named #1 Fifth Avenue. Recently under new ownership, the bar still retains its comfortable atmosphere, strong drinks and friendly staff. According to its ad, #1 has the “best sidewalk cruzin’ in town!” The bar does have a great window facing onto Fifth Avenue, creating the perfect venue to watch passers-by day or night. The back patio is hidden gem, with a huge projection screen, pool table, and bar – a great place to spend a warm summer afternoon. #1 Fifth Avenue is located at 3845 Fifth Ave.

One block down is the legendary Brass Rail Nightclub and Lounge. The Brass Rail has long been one of my favorite clubs in town, and with its recent remodel, the club has been reinvented. The most popular nights are Mondays and Saturdays, drawing different but fun crowds. Manic Mondays are the place to be on Monday nights, as the Brass Rail goes ’80s! Saturdays are “Sabado en Fuego” – San Diego’s longest-running Latin night. Brass Rail’s hardworking manager, Wes Edwards, is one of the friendliest in town, always making sure every customer is having an outstanding experience. The Brass Rail is located at 3796 Fifth Ave. Check out www.brassrailsd.com for more information.

With its newly installed wine bar, Babycakes is worth mentioning as we venture down Fifth Avneue. Located in the old David’s Coffehouse space, Babycakes serves up some of the best cupcakes, teas, coffees and other treats in town. The café now includes a bar serving beer and wine in the beautiful indoor/outdoor atmosphere. The staff is friendly, the drinks and treats are tasty and it really is a great place to relax and hang out with friends. Babycakes is located at 3766 Fifth Ave. Visit www.babycakessandiego.com for more information.

Whether it is for a “boys night out”, or a pub crawl to promote equality, Fifth Avenue’s long stretch of bars and night spots is the place to be! The venues along this street range from upbeat to laid back, divey to chic and casual to dress-to-impress. There really is something for everyone!