Hillcrest CityFest: A Celebration of Community and Tradition
Summer in Hillcrest is always a vibrant time, filled with energy and excitement. After the big Pride celebrations, the neighborhood comes together once again for the 41st annual Hillcrest CityFest. This event, which celebrates the relighting of the iconic Hillcrest neighborhood sign, took place this past Sunday and proved to be just as entertaining as ever.
Known by many as “Local’s Pride” or “Pride Lite,” Hillcrest CityFest offers a celebration that stays true to the community spirit without the usual influx of out-of-town visitors. The festival spans University Avenue, starting at Fifth Avenue — right under the Hillcrest sign — and continues all the way to Brookes Avenue near The Loft. This year also featured a special food and beverage garden along Robinson Avenue, hosted by well-known local spots like The Rail and Crest Cafe.
Produced by the Hillcrest Business Association (HBA), the event is a hub of activity with plenty of vendors offering unique goods, beer gardens, food trucks, two stages of live entertainment throughout the day and night, carnival rides, a Kids Zone, and more. Many local bars, such as The Loft, The Rail, and Number One Fifth Avenue, also held their own parties during the event, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Connecting with the Community
If you missed CityFest, there are still opportunities to connect with the Hillcrest community. The HBA hosts quarterly mixers, open-house style meetups that rotate locations across the neighborhood each quarter. These events are great for meeting neighborhood leaders, business owners, and others who care about Hillcrest.
The next mixer is scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Cellar Hand. Light bites will be provided, and there will be a no-host bar. Attendees can enjoy mingling while learning about upcoming projects, including updates on the Normal Street Promenade, new tree installations, and the HBA’s office move.
Giving Back to the Community
As summer winds down, many community members look for ways to give back. One of the best ways to do this is by getting involved with the Kiwanis Club of Hillcrest All-Inclusive. Chartered in 2021, this chapter of Kiwanis International provides a space for residents to volunteer, build leadership skills, meet new people, and have fun while contributing to the community.
The club is wrapping up its 2024-25 administrative year and will welcome a new board of officers beginning October 1. Rick Cervantes, currently the president-elect, will take over as president. He will work alongside a newly elected board to continue the club’s mission of service and community involvement.
Club gatherings are held every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the back room of Uptown Tavern. Everyone is welcome, and there is no pressure to join or participate beyond what feels comfortable.
Hillcrest Cleanup & Cocktails: A Neighborhood Tradition
One of the most exciting community initiatives in Hillcrest is the Hillcrest Cleanup & Cocktails. This event has become a beloved tradition, drawing hundreds of volunteers to clean up litter around the neighborhood. The last cleanup in June saw a record 154 volunteers, followed by drinks and bites at Urban Mo’s.
People love Hillcrest, whether they live here or consider it their second home, and they’re eager to help keep it clean and beautiful. The next cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, September 6, starting at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers can sign up at bit.ly/CCSept2025. All supplies, including morning treats, are provided, and those who clean for at least an hour and a half will be invited to the after party at Mo’s.
Stay Connected
I look forward to sharing more updates about Hillcrest in September. If you have any questions or want to get involved, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. Benny Cartwright is the president of the Kiwanis Club of Hillcrest All-Inclusive.
