With over 200 parade contingents, 300 exhibitors, and more than 20 stages and venues, the San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration and Parade is the largest LGBT gathering in the nation. Understandably then it can be a bit overwhelming knowing what to do or where to go during pride. This guide aims to break down the festival so you know where to go to catch the many cultural activities happening around the city.
Main Stage/Civic Center
The Main Stage is the largest stage at the SF Pride Celebration and is the focal point for the celebrations. It is located in Civic Center Plaza next to City Hall. On Saturday the Main Stage showcases the best local musical talent and cultural performances including, DJ Robbie Martin, Cheer SF, DJ Frank Wild, and DJ Carmin Wong. With 20 stages or venues located within a few blocks of the main stage, this is where a lot of the action will be during the day. Civic Center.
Pink Triangle Installation and Commemoration Ceremony
If you are not adverse to early mornings, the The Pink Triangle installation, ceremony, and break-down on Twin Peaks could be for you. Starting 7am people are needed to help set up the giant pink triangle that can be seen all around the city. The installation is not for the faint hearted, with the dedicated volunteers battling the elements as well as a suspect patch of poison oak. The Pink Triangle is an annual commemoration of the gay victims of the Holocaust and a reminder of the on-going inhumanity to repressed minorities going on now around the world. By the end of the morning Twin Peaks is transformed into a memorial that can be seen from miles away. Twin Peaks.
HRC/EDEN Pride Brunch
Wear your biggest, most fabulous shades to hide the aftermath of the previous night's sins and join EDEN for the best meal of the day, brunch! EDEN and the HRC (Human Rights Campaign) are providing an amazing brunch menu with all proceeds from the event going to the HRC. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here. Located only 3 blocks away from the Dyke March it is the perfect place to fill up before enjoying the rest of the day’s festivities. Andalu, 3198 Sixteenth Street.
Dyke March and After Party
Now in its 20th year the Dyke March is a celebration of women, queerness and dyke identity. Promoting an international perspective the march raises awareness and advocates justice for all dykes around the world as well as focusing on local issues of racism, sexism, homophobia and poverty. Occurring in Dolores Park the rally goes from 3pm to 7pm. After marching to the Castro, Public Works are hosting the after party with two floors of space to boogy down. A line-up of all queer DJ’s, Go-Go dancers, performers, and artists will create a Pink Saturday utopia where queens will shake their pom poms, kings will swish their stuff, and everyone can let off some steam. Dolores Park and then Public Works, 161 Erie Street.
It Gets Indie
Created in response to the recent devastating rash of gay teen suicides, It Gets Indie raises funds and awareness for It Gets Better and the Trevor Project. Both these charities aim to help LGBT youths through life-saving and life-affirming resources. This year’s concert will be held features Princeton from Los Angeles, and Berkeley favorite Local Hero. Tickets cost $25 and can be purchased here. 8pm @ Great American Music Hall, 859 OFarrell Street.
Nighttime Festivities
As the sun sets the city explodes in a haze of dirty beats and technicolor. These are some of the parties happening around the city on Saturday night.
Lady Lanas Birthday Bash: Not wanting to miss out on the fun,Coochielicious Entertainment is hosting a Pride kick off party and Lady Lana's Birthday Bash in the East Bay. DJ Jacatac will being playing the Top 40 R&B, and Hip Hop. There will be food and a full bar to help you quench your thirst. The Oasis Bar, 135 12th Street, Oakland.
Go Bang! Go Pride!:Funky and sweaty, get down to some queerific disco. Resident DJs Steve Fabus and Sergio Fedasz with Guests Marcus Jerard & Redux DJs will be pumping out the best dance music all night from 9pm - 3am. $5 entry, Deco Lounge, 510 Larkin Street.
Stallion Saturday:Big Room DJs, Horse Hung Go Go crew, After-hours, and dark corners. Come dance the night away at Stallion Saturdays. $10 entry and the night goes from 9pm - 4am, Rebel, 1760 Market Street.
Game Boi: Come down and boogie down at the best Asian/Pop, Dance, and Hip-Hop Music on two different levels. MIST Ultra, 316 11th Street.
Sundance Saloon Pre-Pride Country-Western Dance: Pull out your cowboy hat and march on down to the Whitcomb Hotel Ballroom for a night of boot-scootin’ fun. Partake in some of the cities best two-steppin’ and line dancin’ on the beautiful hardwood floor of the Whitcomb Hotel ballroom with of hundreds of other cowboys and cowgirls. $10 entry and the night goes from 8pm -12am. Whitcomb Hotel Ballroom, 1231 Market Street.
Inferno Pride:Inferno joins forces with Olivia Travel, Curve Magazine and NCLR to present a huge PRIDE party. DJ Rockaway, burlesque by The Twilight Vixens, go-go's, pool, food, drinks and the best dance music evah! Tickets are $20 and doors open at 8pm. Jillian's, 101 4th Street.
