A sneak peek into the food and beverage trail at next week’s San Diego Pride festival in Balboa Park reveals a colorful mix of barbecue, ethnic specialties, refreshing desserts and handcrafted cocktails.

The two-day affair, July 18 and 19, will feature three food courts to accommodate 30 vendors, plus two beverage gardens selling beer, wine and assorted spirits, including Pride original-recipe Cape Cods and Malibu Rum drinks.

Among the culinary draws is authentic, dry-rubbed barbecue offered by festival newcomer Smokey D’z, which recently moved its business here from Texas. The vendor specializes in Memphis and Texas styles of pulled pork, buffalo brisket, ribs and turkey legs, some of which the Pride staff sampled during their pre-planning.

“We’re excited about our barbecue this year,” says Pride Operations Manager Vern Lowe, citing other vendors of Samoan and Hawaiian persuasions that will join the smoky lineup. From them, visitors can expect grilled mahi mahi, spiced chicken, sausages, burgers and dogs, plus “Kahlua pig cabbage” and plate lunches prepared by Hawaiian BBQ.

A taste of Britain can be found this year at Mr. Fish and Chips, specializing in the namesake dish as well as crab-stuffed shrimp, calamari, clams, and of course, “chips.” Or if you’re on the hunt for a lean, California-style chicken cheese steak, look no further than Tidal Wave Pizza Deli out of Hollywood, making its Pride festival debut also with classic cheese steaks and pastrami sandwiches.

Vegetarians will find plenty of meal options, too. Among them, The Greek Snack will be onsite selling stuffed grape leaves, spinach pie and baklava. Al Teatro Panini Grill will offer vegetarian wraps, along with its regular meat selections. And Mr. Joey’s Taco Shop returns with its popular vegetarian burritos, sharing menu space with traditional Mexican fare.

Fans of Pinkberry, a major Pride sponsor, can cool down with two new flavors the company recently introduced: passion fruit and coconut. The booth will also offer its signature original tart and green tea yogurts.

This year’s main beverage garden features two wine tasting areas presented by Barefoot Wines, where a variety of reds and whites can be purchased. The garden also makes way for Hilton Odysea Liquid Adventure for handcrafted cocktails and tequila and vodka mixers – and the Malibu Tiki Lounge for summery melon libations.

Margaritas, Cape Cods and beer will be in the offing at The Cantina, located near the front entrance inside the festival grounds.

Non-alcoholic thirst quenchers include Monster Energy Drinks (sold throughout the venue), plus fresh-squeezed lemonade from D.C. Lemonade and cold water sold at a couple of stations by Different Strokes Swim Team.

The festival runs from noon to 10 p.m., July 18, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., July 10. Admission is $20 per day.

For more information about San Diego Pride weekend, call 619-297-7683 or visit www.sandiegopride.org.