San Francisco is the heart of American LGBTQ+ culture, and we’re ready to celebrate Pride Month in full swing. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this guide will help you navigate the vibrant events, parties, and parades that make SF Pride an unforgettable experience.
SF Pride Kickoff Party
When: June 7, 2024, 6:00 PM — 9:00 PM
Where: Tenderloin Museum, 398 Eddy St, San Francisco
Celebrate the beginning of Pride Month at the SF Pride Kickoff Party. This event will honor the legacy of the 1966 Compton’s Cafeteria Riot and features conversations with the creative team behind the upcoming play, as well as a walking tour of significant sites.
Pink Triangle Ceremony
When: June 8, 2024, 10:30 AM
Where: The top of Twin Peaks
Honor the history and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community at the Pink Triangle Ceremony. Volunteers gather to install the iconic pink triangle on Twin Peaks, a symbol of remembrance and hope.
Impulse Drag Gala
When: June 15, 2024
Where: Regency Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
Celebrate the art of drag and stand against the bans targeting LGBTQ+ culture at the Impulse Drag Gala. All attendees are encouraged to come in drag, embracing RuPaul’s iconic phrase: “We are all born naked and the rest is drag.”
Enjoy dazzling performances by the fabulous Nicki Jizz, with DJ Namhab providing beats to keep the energy high and the dance floor packed. The event features exciting stations like a glitter and gem station, caricaturist, photobooth, and more. Tickets are free.
Stern Grove: Tegan & Sara
When: June 23, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Where: Stern Grove
Enjoy a special Pride Week performance by Tegan & Sara at Stern Grove. This free concert is a highlight of the city’s cultural events during Pride Month. Bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of great music in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Frameline Film Festival
When: June 19–29, 2024
Where: Various locations — see details
Frameline — the world’s largest LGBTQ+ film festival — returns with a lineup of compelling films that explore queer stories from around the globe. Screenings take place at iconic venues like the Castro Theatre, which is currently closed for renovation.
Don’t miss out on the chance to see thought-provoking documentaries, shorts, and feature films. This festival is a cornerstone of queer culture in San Francisco, featuring panel discussions and special guest appearances.
Bi-BQ Bi+ Pride Potluck Picnic
When: June 26, 2024, 4:00 PM — 7:00 PM
Where: Mission Dolores Park, San Francisco, CA
Join the bi+ community for an enjoyable potluck picnic at Mission Dolores Park. Bring along your favorite dish, salad, or drinks to contribute. Look for the bi flags to find the group and enjoy a laid-back afternoon with friendly faces. After the picnic, head over to the Eclectic Box Theater at 446 Valencia St. for the BiConic Film Festival screening at 6:30 PM.
Pride NightLife at Cal Academy
When: June 27, 2024, 6:00 PM — 10:00 PM
Where: California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA
Celebrate love, equality, and self-expression at the California Academy of Sciences’ special adults-only, after-hours event. Enjoy performances from Oaklash Festival artists, delectable food and beverages, and artisanal cocktails. This event is part of San Francisco’s Pride weekend festivities.
Trans March
When: June 28, 2024
Where: Dolores Park to Civic Center
More details
Celebrate and support the transgender community at the annual Trans March. Starting with a rally at Dolores Park, this empowering event includes speeches, performances, and a march through the streets of San Francisco. The event is known for its vibrant atmosphere and strong community spirit.
Ginger’s Grand Reopening
When: June 28, 2024
Where: 86 Hardie Place
Celebrate the grand reopening of Ginger’s at its historic location on Hardie Place. The festivities will kick off with a blessing from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, followed by a lively party hosted by renowned Bay Area drag performers Miss Shugana and Madd-Dogg. Special guest appearances include Kylie Minono, MGM Grande, Laundra Tyme, and Helixir Jynder Byntwell. Join the fun and be part of this exciting event as Ginger’s returns to the heart of the community.
45th Annual San Francisco Pride Run
When: June 29, 2024, 8:30 AM — 11:00 AM
Where: Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
Join the San Francisco Front Runners for their 45th Annual Pride Run. This event includes a 5K loop in Golden Gate Park, which participants can run twice for a 10K race. The day features a Kids’ Dash, snacks, entertainment, and awards. Engage with the community while supporting the LGBT Asylum Project through this sponsored run.
SF Pride Parade and Celebration
When: June 29–30, 2024
Where: Market Street to Civic Center Plaza
The crown jewel of Pride Month, the SF Pride Parade will take over Market Street on Sunday, June 30th. Expect dazzling floats, lively music, and a sea of rainbow colors. The celebration at Civic Center Plaza continues the festivities with live performances, food vendors, and community booths. This year’s theme focuses on unity and resilience, promising an unforgettable experience.
2024 San Francisco Pride Party at City Hall with Billy Porter
When: June 30, 2024, 4:00 PM — 8:00 PM
Where: City Hall
Celebrate Pride in style at the SF Pride Party at City Hall — and I mean actually inside City Hall. This event features live music, dancing, and a grand setting to end the month’s festivities on a high note. Billy Porter is a grand marshal this year and will be making an appearance. Tickets are $150.
Pride weekend parties
I’ve attended these raucous gatherings for many years; Be advised that many are male focused. As time goes on, they’re also pretty expensive. Pride is a time of year that San Francisco bars and organizations raise significant funds to support themselves for many months in the future. My personal favorite is Afterglow.
Afterglow
When: June 29 at 10 pm to June 30 at 6 am
Where: 550 Barneveld Avenue San Francisco, CA
It’s honestly many sweaty bodies, a sex room upstairs, and outside tends to have safe-space circles talking about consent, inclusivity, etc. Comfort & Joy is a Burning Man camp that often attracts the inclusive, the weird, and the very fit attendees, albeit Pride often brings us more of the latter. What I love though is all the art, the really good speakers, and body paint is a lot of fun. Come early to avoid a huge line to get stenciled.
Polyglamorous Pink Block Party
When: June 29, 2024, 12:00 PM — June 30, 2024, 3:00 AM
Where: The Great Northern, 119 Utah St, San Francisco, CA 94103
This event features five stages both indoors and outdoors, showcasing a stellar lineup of local and national talent. As the day turns to night, the festivities continue indoor. Headliners include Ana Matronic, Juanita More, and David Harness, promising an unforgettable Pride experience.
Mighty Real Pride Sunday
When: June 30, 2024, 1:00 PM — 7:00 PM
Where: The Phoenix Hotel, 601 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Note that this is a poolside party. They do not actually let you enter said pool unless you have a room at the hotel. DJ sets from David Harness and Tedd Patterson, along with a live performance by Evelyn “Champagne” King.
VAMP X Pride — SF Pride Official Afterparty
When: June 29, 2024 9:00 PM — June 30, 2024, 3:00 AM
Where: Public Works, 161 Erie Street
I admit this one’s never been on my radar, but it looks like it was around last year, too. Probably the cheapest with $35 tickets still available. Featuring performances by Saint Hills, Lady Ryan, and Tender Bois Club. DJs, gogo dancers, and a special upstairs rave room Don’t miss presented by Histrionixx.
XoXo Presents Above & Beyond
When: June 29, 2024, 2:00 PM — 10:00 PM
Where: 900 Marin Street, San Francisco, CA
Featuring Ilan Bluestone, Mor Avrahami, Elevven, Blurr, and Mr Queen, this event promises an unforgettable experience. Enjoy music, performances, and installations in an inclusive and festive atmosphere.
Tips for an Unforgettable Pride:
- Stay hydrated: June can be warm, so carry a water bottle and stay hydrated.
- Dress colorfully: Embrace the rainbow! Wear your brightest and boldest outfits.
- Plan ahead: Events can get crowded, so arrive early and plan your transportation.
- Respect spaces: Pride is a time for celebration and inclusion. Be mindful and respectful of all identities and expressions.
- Have fun: Pride is all about joy, love, and community. Soak in the positive vibes and have a blast.
San Francisco Pride Month 2024 promises to be a month of unity, celebration, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re marching, watching films, or partying in the streets, there’s something for everyone.
Saul Sugarman is editor in chief of The Bold Italic.
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