The weekend of the year is almost here! After you're done partying with us at our 111 Minna and Lookout shindigs, let yourself loose in the city and celebrate Pride in all its glory and craziness. Here are some ideas to get you going.
Friday, June 24
Kick off Pride in the Castro with Chaz Bono, new author of Transition (and Pride Parade Grand Marshall). He comes to the 'hood's best book shop for a book reading and discussion of what it means to be transgender in today's society. Free, 7:30 pm.
Saturday, June 25
Big Top vs. Trannyshack at Club 8
As seen on TV, the "Heathers" clique from RuPaul's Drag Race season 3 (Raja Gemini, Carmen Carrera, Delta Work) will perform on stage in honor of Pride, followed by a meet and greet for rabid fans. They'll be up against the city's own Trannyshack crew (Heklina, Terry T, Hoku Mama Swamp, Sister Roma) in an epic battle of the drag queens. Grab tickets here, starts at 9 pm.
Dyke March + Cockblock After Party at Rickshaw Stop
The yearly celebration of dykes, women of all stripes and anyone challenging societal norms culminates in a rally in Dolores Park and a bumpin' after party courtesy of the women behind Cockblock, Natalie Nuxx and special guest direct from Vegas, DJ C.LA. Dance with go-go girls, enjoy drink specials, and buy tickets before they sell out (which they do every year!) here. Dyke March starts at 3 pm, Cockblock starts at 9 pm.
Bootie at DNA Lounge: Lady Gaga vs. Madonna
Would a Pride celebration be complete without Madge or Lady Gaga? Bootie's legendary mash up night is a Clash-Of-The-Titans style Pride celebration that requires fancy footwork and a heck of a lot of dancing stamina. The first 100 people to the door get free Bootie CDs! $8 before 10 pm, $15 after. Tickets here.
Sunday, June 26
Pride Parade along Market Street
Floats, sequins, costumes, motorcycles and beats oh my! The annual Pride Parade–the biggest and flashiest in the country by far–is not to be missed, so get your butt down to Market Street and get ready for a full day of revelry. Free, starts at 10:30 am at Market & Beale Streets.
Official Closing Party with Taylor Dayne at Regency Ballroom
Honor Pride month with a bang. Taylor Dayne ("Tell It To My Heart") performs and Peter Paige (of Queer as Folk), Leonardo Glovibes and Cookie Dough host, while RuPaul's Drag Race season 2 winners Tyra Sanchez, Raven and JujuBee bring the ruckus. Tickets to this bash here, starts at 7 pm.
One of the most important and influential film festivals in the nation closes in the midst of the beautiful Contemporary Jewish Museum and the gala screening of Christopher and His Kind, a dramatization of novelist Christopher Isherwood's life as a gay man in 1930s Germany, which served as the basis for Cabaret. Cocktails, wine and food get the night going, and the distinguished AT&T Audience Award announcement closes another great year of LGBT films. Tickets here, starts at 10 pm.
Aunt Charlie's "A River Runs Through It" Pride Party
If you like partying off the beaten path, Aunt Charlie's in the Tenderloin is throwing a house music party entitled "A River Runs Through It". Just beyond the Pride Parade route, there will be pulsing beats and cheap drinks to transport you away from the screaming masses. Think of it as the calm before the storm of parade after parties. Free, starts at noon.
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