Think Red Project’s 21+ Red Dress Party Oct. 10 at the San Diego Natural History Museum. $85 GA, $185 VIP. Wear red. Benefits HIV Funding Collaborative.
Red Dress Party San Diego is a 21+ fundraiser at The Nat — everyone in a red dress, HIV money on the other side of the bar tab. Not last year’s Port Pavilion. Not a drag-mandatory night.
Overview
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 8:00 p.m. to midnight at the San Diego Natural History Museum, 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park. Think Red Project, Inc. (501(c)(3)) presents it; the San Diego HIV Funding Collaborative is the beneficiary. Official site: reddresspartysd.com. Tickets: Universe.
The dress code is the event. You wear a red dress or dress-like garment. Guys are not required to be in drag — they are required to be in the theme. Black suits and streetwear get you turned away.
2026 theme is Zodiac Rising. New venue this year: the museum, including rooftop Estrella Lounge. For more around the county, browse the Hello San Diego event calendar.
What You Need to Know
Event: Red Dress Party San Diego 2026 (Think Red Project) — 12th year
When: Saturday, October 10, 2026 — 8:00 p.m.–11:59 p.m. VIP doors 7:30 p.m.
Where: San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) — 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101. South entrance by the fountain. Do not go to Broadway Pier / Port Pavilion.
Cost (Universe checkout, current rates): General admission $85. VIP $185 (7:30 entry, hosted bar all night, complimentary coat check, VIP lounge). Listing uses all-in pricing. FAQs say prices graduate as the date gets closer. Luxe lounges (10 tickets + server) are a separate email to info@reddresspartysd.com.
Tickets: Universe PFZ04H. Sales final; transfer allowed, no refunds. Digital ticket + photo ID at check-in.
Ages: 21+ with ID. Alcohol is served.
What to Expect
A museum takeover: foyer step-and-repeat, downstairs dance floor, exhibits open upstairs (fragile stuff — don’t lean on fossils), rooftop lounge. DJs named on the listing: Aaron Elvis, Kurtyka, Guatamex on the rooftop. Treat that as this year’s posted lineup.
GA coat check is $8; VIP/Luxe get it included. Cash or card on site for drinks and donations. Tip the bartenders.
Good to Know
- Wear red. Mostly red dress or dress-like garment. Accessories can wander; the outfit cannot be “not red.”
- Rideshare: drop in the lot next to the venue or at the end of Village Place; enter south by the fountain.
- Not a medical gala. Not related by governance to Red Dress Parties in other cities.
- Private donations through Think Red go 100% to beneficiaries (sponsor underwriting). The $85 ticket is still a party ticket.
One Saturday at The Nat. Buy Universe early if VIP is the plan — they say that tier sells out every year.
