Twelve Years of Red Dress Party San Diego!

Red Dress Party San Diego is a celebration that raises awareness and funds for organizations that serve the local HIV community; but not your typical fundraising gala, this event is so much more.

What Makes Red Dress Party San Diego Different? 💃

Red Dress Party San Diego (RDPSD) is a night of music and dancing mixed with charity and fun, where all attendees are required to wear a red dress or dress-like garment. This serves both as a powerful sign of solidarity and compassion for those affected by HIV and a way to unite the crowd in one radiant theme. At this unique celebration we invite everyone to be brave, let loose, and celebrate impact.

Venue, Theme, and other Details 🎉

NEW VENUE: San Diego Natural History Museum! We’re taking over the San Diego Natural History Museum just as it unveils its massive multi-million dollar transformation! Be among the first to experience the stunning new enclosed rooftop and a brand-new attraction opening just in time for our party. This multi-floor venue is the perfect event space for RDPSD 2026 with:

• The Main Foyer: step off the red carpet and into a central area that leads to exhibits and hosts our step & repeat, photobooth, and information desk.
• The Lower Level: Descend into high-energy DJ sets, a massive dance floor, casual seating, and our luxe lounges.‍
• The Upper Levels: we're buying out the entire museum so enjoy the exhibits, models, murals, and fossils. ‍
• The Estrella Lounge: This party in a party on the venue rooftop will feature light seating, Latin beats, and views that can't be beat!

The exhibits are open for your exploration and enjoyment, but please remember: many of these treasures are fragile, rare, and priceless. Respect is sexy! 😉

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THEME: more information TBA.

HEALTH AND SAFETY INFO. For the overall wellness and wellbeing of our attendees and the community at large, we will abide by all City, State, federal, and venue-mandated guidelines for an event of our size. We may add additional safety precautions as we get closer to the event date.

Fun and a Fundraiser 💸

This year we aim to raise $70,000. Achieving this goal would be our largest single-year fundraising contribution to date. Over our past 10 years we've raised over $482,000 for the San Diego HIV/AIDS community! Here are ways you can help get us to our goal and stretch goal:

• Attend this year's Red Dress Party San Diego (and better yet bring a friend!)  
• Come to any of our pre-events (like the RDPSD Launch Party or Red Dress Swap)  
• Spread the word about #rdpsd2026 on social media to drum up awareness  
• Donate to our organization online or at any of our events (all donations are tax deductible)

FAQs ❓

• Do I seriously have to wear a dress? It’s in the name! The spirit of our event is for everyone to wear a red dress or dress-inspired ensemble. Whether it's a flowing gown or outragous costume, it needs to be party-ready. Black pants and black suits are not in the spirit of the event and streetwear (jeans, khakis, casual basics, etc.) are strictly prohibited.
• Is there an age restriction to attend the event? Yes, you must be 21 years of age or older with valid ID.  
• Is my ticket refundable? No, all ticket sales are final; however, tickets may be transferred to another person prior to the event.  
• Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event? Nope. You can if you want but digital ticket is perfect and we'll email tickets out again 24-hours prior to the event. We will also have a guest list and electronic check-in at registration. Just bring a valid photo ID.
• When's the best time to buy my ticket? Early! Ticket prices will be graduated, increasing three times as the event approaches so the longer you wait the higher the prices get. Grab your tickets EARLY AND SAVE!

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Already Going to RDPSD 2026? Here's Some Helpful Information: 💡

WHAT TO BRING. 🎟 Of course you'll need that fab red dress (or dress-like garment) but you will need a photo ID as this is a 21+ event, and your tickets – either digital format (which we will re-send 24 hours prior to the event) or a printout – whichever is easier for you. If can't find your ticket we will have an electronic guest list where we can look you up to check you in, but if you’re not in our system you will need to purchase a ticket at the door at the current door price so please make sure you you have your attendee information updated (see next section).

TRANSFERRING TICKETS. 🤝 Plans change, that’s life. To streamline the check-in process for everyone, we recommend updating ticket information with the details of whoever is going to the event. This means if you bought or sold a ticket from/to someone else, update it now and save yourself time and headache later. Here’s a help article from Universe on how to transfer a ticket.

PARKING. 🅿️ There is free but limited parking at the venue (as of March 1, 2026 paid parking is only enforced until 6pm). For the most updated information we recommend visiting Parking Info for Balboa Park website. If you choose to drive, be smart: don't drink and drive, don't leave valuables in your car, and be aware of your surroundings.

DROP OFF.📍 Your driver can drop you off either in the parking lot next to the venue or the end of Village Place. Map to entrance.

ENTRANCE. 🚪 Enter the venue on the south entrance by the fountain. Map to entrance. Look for stairs, signs, a red carpet, and a pile of people in red dresses to show you the way.

VIP PERKS. 🤩 First, note that doors open early for VIP guests (at 7:30pm) to enjoy that open bar longer and second, VIP will have their own lounge just above the dance floor with nibbles and sips. NEW! This year VIP can get a drink at ANY bar – the central bar, downstairs bar, the VIP lounge, or rooftop bar – with the proper wristband.  

LIFE IN LUXE. ⭐️  We have a limited number of Luxe Lounges for sale, which include 10 tickets, ample seating just steps off the dance floor, upgraded bar, and a dedicated cocktail server for your group. If you're interested please email info@reddresspartysd.com but know these sell out every year, so act quick! Update: Luxe Guests have access to the VIP Lounge, but please order your drinks from your dedicated cocktail servers to avoid slowing down the ever-busy VIP Lounge bars.

50 SHADES OF RED. 💃 Poison apple, fire engine, ruby slipper, burgundy, bordeaux, and lobster – we've seen it all and as long as mostly red you're good. Your accessories and trappings can deviate but please choose a red dress (or dress like garment) that is mostly if not 100% red. If you show up in a color that is obviously not red you will not be permitted into the event. This is a Red. Dress. Party.

LIFE IN PLASTIC. 💳 We will be accepting both cash and cards for on-site ticket sales, drink purchases, and donations. Please bring some cash for tipping bartenders and entertainers.

CHECK YO'SELF. ✅ it wouldn't be RDPSD without or coat check – but honestly, most people just check their crazy-insane high heels for more sensible footwear – so that's why we call it the "check yo'self" – it is $8 (cash or card accepted) for GA guests but complementary for VIP / Luxe guests. Please do NOT go barefoot at our event – firstly, that's just messy but secondly, it's a safety liability so marry those shoes.

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