Great Outdoors upcoming events

SD - Social - Monthly Bonfire (Thu, June 18, 2026)

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Monthly Multi-Group Bonfire & Potluck

Date: 3rd Thursday of the Month, April thru October 2026

Time: 5:30-9:00 pm

Cost: Free

RSVP: None needed.

Note: This event is hosted by California Men's Gatherings with Great Outdoors, SAGA ski club, F.O.G., Pozabilities, and SDBears collaborating to support our LGBT+ community!

DESCRIPTION: Thanks go to Ted and Adrian for bringing supplies and to Ray (Kiwi) for coordinating delivery of the wood! We're ready for another great season of chilling together by the bay!

VOLUNTEERS: It would be great to have one or two people who can arrive early (around 4:30 or 5) to secure one of the fire rings. We could also use a third person capable of hauling wood to the site. Please let us know if you can do these simple but vital tasks.

WHAT TO BRING:

1) Potluck item and a beverage of your choice. (Alcohol is prohibited in Mission Bay Park.)

Remember, we CAN have too many desserts, but we can never have too many entrees

and sides.

2) A beach chair if you'd like to sit. Bonus points if you bring a spare for others to use!

3) A serving utensil if your dish needs one. A portable table, paper plates, cups, utensils, napkins or extra firewood are also much appreciated!

4) A significant other, friend, or cuddle buddy.

DIRECTIONS: Take the I-8 freeway west toward Mission Bay, exit onto Mission Bay Drive and make a right, then merge into the far-left hand lane onto Ingraham Street, heading North, then make a left onto Vacation Rd as if you were heading into Paradise Point Resort (previously Pacific Princess Resort). Then an immediate Right before entering the resort to get to the side parking lot. We’ll be on the left (West) side of parking lot by the rest rooms. (Note: we're on the WEST side of Ingraham St. Don't confuse this spot with a similar one on the east side of the street.)

Please note: The two fire rings adjacent to the parking lot may be occupied by other groups. If that happens, keep walking up to the right, under the bridge, and we'll be at the first fire ring we can find.

California Men’s Gatherings fosters a safe, supportive, welcoming community where men challenge themselves to develop their emotional, spiritual, social, intellectual and physical lives—with as much fun as possible along the way!

If connecting with men is important to you, attending a LIVE or ONLINE event is a great way to find out about the California Men’s Gatherings and the many wonderful men who get involved. Since 1978, CMG has been a place where all men—gay, bi, trans, and straight—from 18-80+ can find a different way to connect. Men who come to CMG events and gatherings are predominately gay and bisexual, but all persons identifying as male, 18 years or older are welcome. Visit http://thecmg.org for more information.

SD - PRIDE - Social - Out at the Fair (Sat, June 20, 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Out at the Fair! San Diego County Fair

As one of our PRIDE membership recruitment events we will be setting up a table in the Paddock Stage area of the San Diego County Fair! Those of you who are coming to the fair can register your interest on this event and use our table as a meeting point!

Want to get into the fair for free!?! YES FREE!!??!! Then volunteer! If you volunteer by 4:00pm on Friday June 12th to staff the recruitment table for a minimum of 2 hours you will get a parking pass and free entry to the fair! Once your 2 hours are up, you are free to enjoy the rest of the fair as you see fit. We need people for the following shifts:

11:00am-1:00pm - KJ, open

1:00pm-3:00pm - Josh S., open

3:00pm-5:00pm - Scott O., open

If you would like to volunteer and receive free fair parking and entry, email trip leader KJ Archer @ k.j.archer1@gmail.com by 4:00pm on Friday June 12th. The first 5 people to register for an open time slot will get the passes.

Start Time and Location: 11:00am Paddock Stage area of county fairgrounds

Event Specific Challenges (stairs, animals, allergens): farm animals, possible heat, large crowds, loud music, cashless (i.e. you need plastic for payment)

Event Specific Equipment: funds for incidentals

Parking Information: Parking passes provided for volunteers of at least 2 hours, otherwise funds will be needed for parking

Costs involved: $25 parking and $25 entry unless volunteering for at least 2 hours

Pets Permitted: no

What to Bring: Sun protection and appropriate clothing

Who to Contact with Questions: Trip Leader KJ Archer 619-214-6353

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.

SD - Monthly Meet & Greet Social (Thu, July 02, 2026)

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Let's Connect & Explore What's Next!

Join us the first Thursday of every month at the Liberty Public Market at Liberty Station for food, fun, and fraternization with your Great Outdoors San Diego community!

This is your casual, come-as-you-are chance to:

Connect with fellow members and meet our Core Group volunteers
Hear exciting trip previews from our Core Group and trip leaders (starting at 7:00pm)
Share ideas for adventures YOU want to see on our calendar
Bring friends who are curious about GOSD - members and non-members all welcome!

The Details:

Where: The outdoor tables just outside the south entrances of the Liberty Public Market, 2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106

When: Arrive at the tables with your food anytime from 6:30pm onward | Trip previews start at 7:00pm (wrapping by 8:00pm) | Stay as long as you like!

Food & Drink: The Liberty Public Market offers many food options - grab what sounds good to you!

Family Friendly: Kids and dogs welcome! (Dogs just can't go inside the food hall - they can be outside at the tables.)

Parking: Available onsite

Planning to join us? Please RSVP so we know to look for you!

Questions? Contact Brent Sammons at president-sd@greatoutdoors.org

See you at the Liberty Public Market!

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

SD - Kayak - Mission Bay (Mon, July 06, 2026)

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Mission Bay Kayaking

Monday, July 6, 2026

Kayaking Mission Bay from De Anza Boat Launch to the inlet and back.

When: Monday, July 6, 2026 2:15 PM to 06:15 PM

RSVP: All participants must sign image/liability waiver online

Equipment: Participants must provide their own kayak at the designated time and meet up location.

Experience: Participants should have at least one day of experience kayaking through most parts of Mission Bay. If you do not have that experience, you should complete kayak training at Mission Bay before signing up.

Difficulty: Difficult. This route may involve hazards, including large vessels, wakes, low-light conditions, waves, and underwater obstacles. Dark or low-visibility water may make it difficult to see underwater hazards. See route below.

Meeting Location (by Google Map): De Anza Boat Launch,3500 Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, CA 92109

Parking: Do not park your vehicle in the pull-through parking spaces. Police will ticket your vehicle per posted signs.

Cost: None | Cancellation: The event may be canceled or turned around early due to weather, unsafe water conditions, poor visibility, equipment issues, or host decision.

Safety: Photos are included to help you identify the hike host and landmarks that will be seen along the way. Participants are responsible for staying aware of the group, keeping the host in sight when possible, and notifying others if they separate or turn back. Use landmarks to help guide you. If you become separated, turn back, or leave early please tell the trip leader/group as soon as it is safe to do so.

Rules/Dogs: The rules for Mission Bay are posted all over the bay, including 5MPH. For emergencies, call 9-1-1 or contact the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16.

Health Problems/Allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the trip leader that may affect your ability to complete the event. Please talk to your doctor if you have an ongoing condition.

Who to Contact with Questions: Jeremiah O’Neal 619-788-9407. If you have any questions, please text before the day of the event. I will not have any electronics on me day of due to being on the water.

Route:

Great Outdoors San Diego Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement

SD - Social - Pride Movie Night Private Screening! (Wed, July 15, 2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Private Screening of "Second Nature"

A Great Outdoors San Diego & The Social/Movie Group Collaboration

Get ready for an incredible, exclusive night of film, food, and community! Great Outdoors San Diego and The Social/Movie Group are teaming up for a special private screening of the highly anticipated documentary, “Second Nature.” Whether you love a good cinematic masterpiece or just want to spend a cozy evening meeting fantastic new people, this event is built for you.

Date: Wednesday, July 15th

Time: 6:30 PM (Arrive on time to grab your pizza and get settled before the lights go down!)

Location: Torrey Villas Resort Apartment: 11100 Vista Sorrento Parkway, San Diego, CA

Length: A perfectly paced 75 minutes—giving us plenty of time to chat, digest, and hang out afterward!

Available Spots: Only 33 seats total! RSVP Required.

Ticket Price: $20 per person (includes fresh pizza!). No refunds will be available for this event due to limited seats available.

Who to Contact with Questions: Tyler Roosden (TheRoosdens@gmail.com)

About the Film: Second Nature

Second Nature is an eye-opening and visually stunning documentary that dives deep into the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural world, exploring how our connection to the planet shapes who we are.

The Voice Behind the Story: The film is powerfully narrated by Academy Award nominee Elliot Page, whose compelling narration guides us through some of the most beautiful—and thought-provoking—landscapes on Earth.

The Buzz & Reviews: Early critics and audiences are praising Second Nature for its breathtaking cinematography and its urgent, deeply empathetic message. It’s being hailed as a "must-watch for anyone who finds peace in the wilderness" and a film that beautifully bridges environmental activism with human emotion.

Parking: Public parking onsite is limited—you can park in any open spot at the address. We recommend arriving early for the best seating. Additional parking options:

Amtrak Sorrento Valley Station
Park & Ride near Mira Sorrento Pl

Join/Donate our Partner The Social Move Group: TheSocialMovieGroup.com

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

SD - Social - Monthly Bonfire (Thu, July 16, 2026)

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Monthly Multi-Group Bonfire & Potluck

Date: 3rd Thursday of the Month, April thru October 2026

Time: 6:00-9:00 pm

Cost: Free

RSVP: None needed.

Note: This event is hosted by California Men's Gatherings with Great Outdoors, SAGA ski club, F.O.G., Pozabilities, and SDBears collaborating to support our LGBT+ community!

DESCRIPTION: Thanks go to Ted and Adrian for bringing supplies and to Ray (Kiwi) for coordinating delivery of the wood! We're ready for another great season of chilling together by the bay!

WHAT TO BRING:

1) Potluck item and a beverage of your choice. (Alcohol is prohibited in Mission Bay Park.)

Remember, we CAN have too many desserts, but we can never have too many entrees

and sides.

2) A beach chair if you'd like to sit. Bonus points if you bring a spare for others to use!

3) A serving utensil if your dish needs one. A portable table, paper plates, cups, utensils, napkins or extra firewood are also much appreciated!

4) A significant other, friend, or cuddle buddy.

SD - Hike - SD Pride Parade March (Sat, July 18, 2026)

Sat, 18 Jul 2026 17:00:00 GMT

San Diego Pride Parade

San Diego Pride was formed in 1974 as a sponsored program of The Center for Social Services, the organization produced the first Lesbian and Gay Parade in San Diego to celebrate the 1969 Stonewall Rebellion on New York’s Christopher Street. San Diego Pride incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1994, and today it continues to bring together the skills, talents, and visions of our diverse community through numerous programs.

San Diego Pride raises funds primarily through festival ticket and beverage sales, and through sponsorships, and exhibitor fees. These funds support San Diego Pride’s community philanthropy which has distributed more than $2.5 million in advancement of its mission to foster pride, equality, and respect for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally, and globally.

Day of instructions will be shared closer to the event.

If you are joining us for the march but are unable to attend the rally, please reach out!

Register by June 15th, 2026 to secure your GOSD Pride TShirt!

Hike Start Time and Location: 10am in Hillcrest, exact location TBA

Hike Length: 1.5 miles

Hike Elevation Change: negligible

Hike Difficulty Rating: low-moderate due to usual summer heat

Estimated Hike Time: 2 hours once we start

Hike Type (out-and-back, loop, shuttle): One-way, return to your cars on your own

Hiking Trail Details (AllTrails or Similar link): https://sdpride.org/parade-2025/

Parking Information: Street parking, ride-share recommended

Costs involved: Free!

Pets Permitted: Yes but not recommended. Dogs MUST be riding in a cart provided and pulled by their owner. NO walking dogs will be allowed to join our contingent.

Who to Contact with Questions: Tyler Roosden 651.497.1611

*Note on the 10 essentials - The 10 essentials are a collection or system of items that significantly increase your safety on any hike or outdoors trip. This is not an exhaustive list of anything you could ever need. You can visit the link included Here but one version of this list is as follows:

1. Navigation

2. Headlamp

3. Sun Protection

4. First Aid

5. Knife

6. Fire

7. Shelter

8. Extra food

9. Extra water

10. Extra clothes

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

SD/OCLB/LA/SBVC - Great Outdoors Archive Visit @ USC Libraries ONE Archives (Sat, August 01, 2026)

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 16:45:00 GMT

USC ONE Archives Visit

Saturday Aug 1, 2026 at 10am sharp

Join us for a family friendly day to learn about the history of Great Outdoors from when we began in 1978 to today, including our founders and historical chapters across California and beyond!

Day of Schedule:

10:00am USC One Archive Visit

11:30am Urban Walk through USC Campus (1.1 miles, ~30min)

12:00pm Lunch as group

Potential Urban Walk Information: This hike from the ONE Archive at USC to lunch will all be paved and accessible for all age groups. This urban walk is expected to take 30mins at a generous pace. We will aim to visit the campus statue, Tommy Trojan, for a group photo op!

Parking: USC's ONE Archive has a free private parking lot, so anyone coming directly to the archive will be fine.

Cost: Free

Time Commitment: Plan for approx 3-4 hours

Dogs: No animals allowed.

Health Problems/Allergies: It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with a trip leader if you wish.

Contact/Question:- If you have any questions not addressed by the information above or on our registration page, please feel free to contact the trip leader:

Tyler Roosden (651.497.1611)

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

SD - Monthly Meet & Greet Social (Thu, August 06, 2026)

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Let's Connect & Explore What's Next!

Join us the first Thursday of every month at the Liberty Public Market at Liberty Station for food, fun, and fraternization with your Great Outdoors San Diego community!

This is your casual, come-as-you-are chance to:

Connect with fellow members and meet our Core Group volunteers
Hear exciting trip previews from our Core Group and trip leaders (starting at 7:00pm)
Share ideas for adventures YOU want to see on our calendar
Bring friends who are curious about GOSD - members and non-members all welcome!

The Details:

Where: The outdoor tables just outside the south entrances of the Liberty Public Market, 2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106

When: Arrive at the tables with your food anytime from 6:30pm onward | Trip previews start at 7:00pm (wrapping by 8:00pm) | Stay as long as you like!

Food & Drink: The Liberty Public Market offers many food options - grab what sounds good to you!

Family Friendly: Kids and dogs welcome! (Dogs just can't go inside the food hall - they can be outside at the tables.)

Parking: Available onsite

Planning to join us? Please RSVP so we know to look for you!

Questions? Contact Brent Sammons at president-sd@greatoutdoors.org

See you at the Liberty Public Market!

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

SD - Education - Hunter Safety Certification Course (Sat, August 08, 2026)

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Hunter Education Certification Course

Sat Aug 8th to Sun 9th, 2026 @ Ramona Town Hall

This California Hunter Education Course is taught by volunteer instructors certified by the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG). The class takes place over two days, Saturday and Sunday. This hunter education course consists of a minimum of ten hours of classroom instruction. In addition to attending class, students are required to complete the chapter review exercises for the chapters covered on the first day and study at home.

You Must Sign Up Online Here to Confirm Registration.

Pre-Work:

It is recommended that students go through an online Study Guide found at: https://www.hunter-ed.com/california/studyGuide/201005/. Students who view the study guide prior to the class will be familiar with the material and have been known to do much better on the exam.

HOMEWORK REQUIRED TO GET INTO THE CLASS – Print out the Hunter Education Vocabulary Pre-Class homework assignment and bring it to the classroom on the first day of class

Costs involved: The class is free to all. Participants should bring snacks & drinks to class. Students should also bring paper and pen/pencil to class to take notes. I will have pencils and highlighters in class. We will break for lunch for 30 minutes and food options can be close by in Ramona.

Students who successfully complete the course of instruction are awarded a Certificate of Completion. This certificate must be presented when applying for a hunting license.

The Hunter Education Instructor makes the final decision in determining whether a student is qualified to receive a Certificate of Completion. A student who is unsafe or fails to demonstrate good sportsmanship will not be issued a Certificate of Completion. A student who does not pass the 100-question examination cannot be tested again on the same day.

Who to Contact with Questions: Tyler Roosden TheRoosdens@gmail.com

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

SD - Social - Monthly Bonfire (Thu, August 20, 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Monthly Multi-Group Bonfire & Potluck

Date: 3rd Thursday of the Month, April thru October 2026

Time: 6:00-9:00 pm

Cost: Free

RSVP: None needed.

Note: This event is hosted by California Men's Gatherings with Great Outdoors, SAGA ski club, F.O.G., Pozabilities, and SDBears collaborating to support our LGBT+ community!

DESCRIPTION: Thanks go to Ted and Adrian for bringing supplies and to Ray (Kiwi) for coordinating delivery of the wood! We're ready for another great season of chilling together by the bay!

WHAT TO BRING:

1) Potluck item and a beverage of your choice. (Alcohol is prohibited in Mission Bay Park.)

Remember, we CAN have too many desserts, but we can never have too many entrees

and sides.

2) A beach chair if you'd like to sit. Bonus points if you bring a spare for others to use!

3) A serving utensil if your dish needs one. A portable table, paper plates, cups, utensils, napkins or extra firewood are also much appreciated!

4) A significant other, friend, or cuddle buddy.

SD - Monthly Meet & Greet Social (Thu, September 03, 2026)

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Let's Connect & Explore What's Next!

Join us the first Thursday of every month at the Liberty Public Market at Liberty Station for food, fun, and fraternization with your Great Outdoors San Diego community!

This is your casual, come-as-you-are chance to:

Connect with fellow members and meet our Core Group volunteers
Hear exciting trip previews from our Core Group and trip leaders (starting at 7:00pm)
Share ideas for adventures YOU want to see on our calendar
Bring friends who are curious about GOSD - members and non-members all welcome!

The Details:

Where: The outdoor tables just outside the south entrances of the Liberty Public Market, 2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106

When: Arrive at the tables with your food anytime from 6:30pm onward | Trip previews start at 7:00pm (wrapping by 8:00pm) | Stay as long as you like!

Food & Drink: The Liberty Public Market offers many food options - grab what sounds good to you!

Family Friendly: Kids and dogs welcome! (Dogs just can't go inside the food hall - they can be outside at the tables.)

Parking: Available onsite

Planning to join us? Please RSVP so we know to look for you!

Questions? Contact Brent Sammons at president-sd@greatoutdoors.org

See you at the Liberty Public Market!

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

SD - Social - Monthly Bonfire (Thu, September 17, 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Monthly Multi-Group Bonfire & Potluck

Date: 3rd Thursday of the Month, April thru October 2026

Time: 5:30-9:00 pm

Cost: Free

RSVP: None needed.

Note: This event is hosted by California Men's Gatherings with Great Outdoors, SAGA ski club, F.O.G., Pozabilities, and SDBears collaborating to support our LGBT+ community!

DESCRIPTION: Thanks go to Ted and Adrian for bringing supplies and to Ray (Kiwi) for coordinating delivery of the wood! We're ready for another great season of chilling together by the bay!

WHAT TO BRING:

1) Potluck item and a beverage of your choice. (Alcohol is prohibited in Mission Bay Park.)

Remember, we CAN have too many desserts, but we can never have too many entrees

and sides.

2) A beach chair if you'd like to sit. Bonus points if you bring a spare for others to use!

3) A serving utensil if your dish needs one. A portable table, paper plates, cups, utensils, napkins or extra firewood are also much appreciated!

4) A significant other, friend, or cuddle buddy.

SD - Urban Walk/Social - San Diego Zoo (Sat, September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 17:00:00 GMT

SAN DIEGO ZOO HIKE/SOCIAL

Join us at the zoo!. This year we will be hiking through the famous San Diego Zoo on Sat Sept 19th @ 10:00am. We will hike through the park to the far end and take a different path back to the entrance. Tickets/membership should be purchased prior to the event. If this is an event you would like to participate in but cannot access it due to finances, please reach out to KJ Archer at k.j.archer1@gmail.com

Details: We will hike through the park to the far end and take a different path back to the entrance

Host: KJ Archer (619-214-6353)

RSVP: Please RSVP so I know how many to expect. If we have a large group, please mask/social distance, as needed.

Meeting Location: 2920 Zoo Dr., San Diego, CA

92101 https://maps.app.goo.gl/brG2rRmm333248LC9

Meeting Date & Time: Sat Sept 19th @ 10:00am inside the front entrance at the map stand - We will plan to leave from the inside of the park entrance at 10:15am.

Parking: Ample parking available.

Cost: Self purchased membership/tickets required for entry

Time Commitment: Plan for approx. 4-6 hours, group dependent

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

SD - Social - Monthly Bonfire (Thu, October 15, 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Monthly Multi-Group Bonfire & Potluck

Date: 3rd Thursday of the Month, April thru October 2026

Time: 5:30-9:00 pm

Cost: Free

RSVP: None needed.

Note: This event is hosted by California Men's Gatherings with Great Outdoors, SAGA ski club, F.O.G., Pozabilities, and SDBears collaborating to support our LGBT+ community!

DESCRIPTION: Thanks go to Ted and Adrian for bringing supplies and to Ray (Kiwi) for coordinating delivery of the wood! We're ready for another great season of chilling together by the bay!

WHAT TO BRING:

1) Potluck item and a beverage of your choice. (Alcohol is prohibited in Mission Bay Park.)

Remember, we CAN have too many desserts, but we can never have too many entrees

and sides.

2) A beach chair if you'd like to sit. Bonus points if you bring a spare for others to use!

3) A serving utensil if your dish needs one. A portable table, paper plates, cups, utensils, napkins or extra firewood are also much appreciated!

4) A significant other, friend, or cuddle buddy.

SD - Urban Walk/Social - San Diego Zoo Safari Park (Sun, November 15, 2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

SAN DIEGO SAFARI PARK/SOCIAL

This year we will be hiking through the famous San Diego Safari Park on Sunday Nov 15th @ 10:00am. We will hike through the park in its entirety including taking a ride on the Africa Tram. Tickets/membership should be purchased prior to the event. If this is an event you would like to participate in but cannot access it due to finances, please reach out to KJ Archer at k.j.archer1@gmail.com

Details: We will hike through the park going counter-clockwise

Host: KJ Archer (619-214-6353)

RSVP: Please RSVP so I know how many to expect. If we have a large group, please mask/social distance, as needed.

Meeting Location: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027

https://maps.app.goo.gl/LgYq5MSbDxM2GZ4J7

Meeting Date & Time: Sunday Nov 15th @ 10:00am inside the front entrance at the map stand - We will plan to leave from the inside of the park entrance at 10:15am.

Parking: Parking is $20/vehicle for standard and $45/vehicle for preferred parking. Carpooling is recommended to keep costs down.

Cost: Self purchased membership/tickets required for entry

Time Commitment: Plan for approx. 4-6 hours, group dependent

Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement