Join us for an evening under the stars! It's the day after AIDS Walk and we all know you just want to relax and kick back for your hard work raising money to support our community. What better way to relax than with a beachside bonfire! Invite your friends and join us!
Our 5th Annual Light Up The Night: Big Queer Bonfire & Sunset Picnic will again be held at Ocean Beach, just south of Dog Beach. There is plenty of parking, and access is easy. A list of something you can bring is listed belo...
Join us for an evening under the stars! It's the day after AIDS Walk and we all know you just want to relax and kick back for your hard work raising money to support our community. What better way to relax than with a beachside bonfire! Invite your friends and join us!
Our 5th Annual Light Up The Night: Big Queer Bonfire & Sunset Picnic will again be held at Ocean Beach, just south of Dog Beach. There is plenty of parking, and access is easy. A list of something you can bring is listed below!
The first spark will be at 6:00 pm-ish and the fire will be raging by the time the sunsets at 6:40pm. Everyone should please plan to bring a bundle of firewood OR a snack, dish or a six pack to share. We’ll bring stuff for smores. :-) ALSO dont forget to bring a REUSUBLE cup. We want to eliminate disposable cups- so please dont bring any throw-aways.
Bundles of wood can be purchased at Walgreens, CVS or any grocery store for $5.95.
Don't forget to bring:
- Bring a sandwich, side dish, chips or snack to share,
- Beverages - If you have a small cooler, please bring it too.
- Wire hangers (non painted).
- Rainbow Flags,
- Snacks to share,
- Warm coat or sweater (it can get cold at night),
- Flashlight,
- A killer song list on your iPhone,
- Beach chair, a towel or blankets to lay on,
- Football, volleyball, frisbee or hula hoops,
- Glow sticks, lights, blinkies
- Camera (optional),
- Drum, guitar, harmonica or any other musical instrument!
If you are in need of accommodations to reach the beach, please let Eddie Rey know via email at: Eddie @ LGBTVisitorsCenter.org We want all our LGBT friends to enjoy the bonfire and have connections available to ensure you make it onto the beach.
Location:
Fire rings are provided at Ocean Beach and are first come first serve. The day of, we will be posting the exact location of our fire ring. We’re going to arrive early to secure a fire pit and watch the sunset. Look for our Rainbow and American flags waving in the wind in the vicinity of Tower 4.
NOTE: The city laws say no alcohol on the beach. Some say the norm is just to have it not visible (i.e re-usable water bottles, your favorite coffee mug from home, canteens, but PLEASE NO DISPOSABLE CUPS ). We are in no way shape or form encouraging alcoholic beverages on the beach- that is a risk each individual should make on their own.
Fire Keeper & Host is: Eddie Rey. We will add additional hosts as the event builds.
Directions:
Take the 8 FWY west to Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and turn right on West Point Loma Blvd.
Parking:
There is a public parking lots located at the foot of Voltaire Street, another lot adjacent to the north end of the beach and Dog Beach, one at the foot of Santa Monica Avenue adjacent to the main lifeguard station, and a large lot at the foot of Newport Avenue, adjacent to the Ocean Beach Pier.
Street parking is available along Newport Avenue, as well as surrounding residential neighborhoods.
Finding your Funk & Groove in Ocean Beach (before the bonfire):
If you’re looking for a laid back beach to hang out like a local, look no further than Ocean Beach. This small beach town is a favorite among locals who spend their days surfing, sun bathing around the pier, hanging out in their vintage VW vans, and strolling through the many surf shops, taco stands and antique malls. Ocean Beach offers the pitch perfect throw-back groovy vibe of vintage SoCal, coupled with friendly locals, great dining, and a vibrant night life scene.
Nestled between the San Diego River and the hills of Point Loma, Ocean Beach is perfect for surfers to enjoy the waves created by jetties. The beach is also friendly for swimmers, sun bathers, even dogs too!
Where to go:
The Pier at the foot of Newport Avenue: One of the longest piers in Southern California, the Ocean Beach pier extents a good ½ mile out to sea. It’s well-worth the effort for the great view and the sensation of watching swells pass under your feet and waves crash on the pilings. There's a classic coffee shop mid-way out and a tackle shop too.
Ocean Beach Pier is one of the few places in San Diego where you can fish without a valid California fishing license. You're still expected to know and follow all the size and catch limits, but there's sure to be an old pro near at hand to recite them for you.
