The time of year we have all been waiting for is just days away! The big question on everyone’s mind is what clubs, parties and events should I go to? That is a really good question, because there is just so much to choose from. I really have no definitive answer and will not attempt to tell you where “the place” to be is, but I will share some tips and picks for the weekend. Be sure to check out the Gay & Lesbian Times’ ads and features to see all the events taking place.

First things first – this weekend, enjoy the calm before the storm! Each day next week, more and more out of town Pride revelers will begin rolling into town, and more and more locals will begin their extended Pride weekend with days off work (mine begins Wednesday). Our nightspots will begin to get more and more crowded with lots of sexy (and tragic) out-of-towners, as well as the local boys who only come out to gay-ville once-a-year. Let’s be on our nicest Hillcrest behavior and let them buy us our drinks, since we keep the bars in business for the rest of the year.

The official weekend begins on Friday, July 17! Hillcrest and the surrounding gayborhoods will be packed, and there are so many options. All of the regular nightclubs and bars will be open hosting fabulous Pride parties. A great place to start the weekend off is the fabulous happy hour at Top of the Park, which provides stunning views of Balboa Park, Downtown, Hillcrest and the bay. An interesting, cruisy mix of men and their gal pals frequent this place, and it will be packed on Pride weekend. Arrive early or take the stairs. There will likely be a line for the elevator ride up. But if you take the elevator, be sure to tip the fabulous, hard-working elevator lady – she’s a hoot! Afterward, head out to the gayborhoods’ bars and clubs. Any spot you hit will be “happening.” Of course, the best dance spots in Hillcrest are Rich’s, Universal and Numbers. Each will be decked out for Pride. Don’t stay out too late, as you will have to stumble over to the Pride Parade on Saturday morning by 11 a.m.

Saturday, July 18, is the big day. The drinking usually begins well before 10 a.m. and, for many, continues until about 10 a.m. Monday morning. If you are one of my friends who enjoys spending Pride weekend in a blacked-out daze, please remember to do so in moderation, take care of yourself, stay hydrated and don’t you dare even think about driving! The parade will start at 11 a.m. along University Avenue at Normal Street and end on Sixth Avenue at Upas Street. Because of their prime locations along the parade route, Lucky Bucks, Baja Betty’s, The Ruby Room, Rich’s, Universal and Flicks are the best bars to be at during the parade. The Ruby Room is hosting a Parking Lot Pool Party all day and night from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Ten bucks gets you into the party all day long and hosted by the outrageous Nicole with fabulous F-Street Giveaways! Rich’s will have a hot parking lot beach party, and Universal will be open at 9 a.m. for a parade viewing party. These are just a few of the hot spots along the parade route.

Saturday evening will be the biggest night out. Our clubs and bars will be filled to capacity with hot crowds, cool events and great times. Because most of our nightspots pull out “all the stops” during Pride weekend, be prepared to possibly pay slightly higher cover charges, don’t expect drink specials and be ready to fight the crowds. Certainly this is not the case at all venues but be prepared – nobody said Pride weekend was going to be cheap!

On Sunday night, slightly smaller crowds will be at the bars and clubs since some people have to go back to work on Monday morning, but they will be just as fabulous. If you still have energy, head on out for a fun night and end Pride weekend the right away. Hopefully, you are lucky enough to not have to work on the Monday following Pride.

Of course, besides our regular bars and clubs, a number of fabulous special events and dance parties are being hosted across town and are worth checking out. These range from the incredible Popsicle Party at 4th & B to the legendary Zoo Party. Jonathan Hale & Nicholas Moede will be producing three nights of fabulous and distinct parties at 4th & B in Downtown, which are the official San Diego Pride after parties. For information and tickets to these events, visit www.sandiegopride.com.

The Pride Ball, Circuit Daze, The Zoo Party and Fete Accompli are well-known circuit events that have been held on Pride weekend for many years. These parties will be held at various venues throughout San Diego. For information and tickets to these parties, visit www.billhardtpresents.com.

607 Productions, which hosts amazing parties all year long with a focus on women, will host four nights of events for everyone at some of the coolest venues in town. For more information, visit www.607events.com.

Whatever you end up doing over Pride weekend, remember that it is not just a giant drunk fest, but a celebration of our freedom to be who we are and a reminder that the fight for equality is still alive. Take at least a moment to reflect on this over Pride weekend. To learn more about the official Pride events, and how you can be involved with the Pride movement all year long (they call it “Pride 365”), visit www.sdpride.org. And remember, be safe, take care of each other and Happy Pride!