AIDS Candelight Memorial And Mobilization
In memory of all those that have succomed to the AIDS virus features hundreds of participants marching from Castro to City Hall. Yearly, last Sunday in May (415) 863-4676.
Castro Street Fair
Booth after booth of food, fun, and arts and crafts attract thousands to this popular fair every year. Highlighting this year’s event is live musical entertainment and other performances on a gigantic stage. Located at the corner of Market Street (1 block) and Castro Street (2 blocks). Yearly, first Sunday in October. (415) 467-3357.
Dance Along Nutcracker.
Annual event that supports the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving the Bay Area community. Don't forget to bring your Tutu.
Festivals Academy of Friends
One of the largest fundraisers in the Bay Area, attracts more than 1,500 on the night of the Oscar awards in March for a gala evening including dinner, a silent auction and a dance party. On Academy Award Night, generally in March (415) 252-0713.
Folsom Street Fair
Catering to the leather-clad, alternative, adult gay and lesbian crowd, the Folsom Street Fair is the Bay Area’s largest one-day street fair (300,000 + in attendance annually). The day long event features a variety of booths, arts and crafts and two stages of live entertainment, including a dance area. Yearly, last Sunday in September. (415) 861-3257. www.folsomstreetfair.com
Gay & Lesbian's Day at Paramount Great America
Join the fun for a special Gay & Lesbian day at Paramount Great America. Yearly, last Sunday in May. (408-988-1776)
GLAAD Media Awards San Francisco
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. The GLAAD Media Awards honor individuals and projects in the media and entertainment industries for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives. June 10, 2006, 877-252-7814.
San Francisco Halloween Celebration
Attracting unbeliveable crowds who come to watch the glitz and glamour. This event is San Francico’s drag extravaganza that has taken place in the Castro for many years, but has moved to the Civic Center to accommodate the incredible crowds. Street closure every October 31, and generally a big bash the weekend before.
San Francisco International Gay And Lesbian Film Festival
Marking over 20 years as the oldest and largest film festival of its kind in the world, more than 200 films and videos as well as over 80 programs will be shown in three theaters. Theater sites are: Castro Theater, Victoria Theater and the Roxie Cinema. Yearly in June, in conjunction with the parade.
The Annual Dyke March
More than 40,000 women are expected to converge on Castro and Market streets for this year’s march, "Generations In Action, Still Fighting For Our Rights". The evening’s end will close out with a street party in the Castro district. Yearly in June, in conjunction with the parade.
The San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual And Transgender (LGBT) Parade
Celebrating almost 30 years as the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LBGT) pride event features an annual parade and a two-day festival with live entertainment, guest speakers, and more than 300 booths of merchandise, arts and crafts and food. Attracts over 500,000 supporters and on lookers. Yearly, last Sunday in June. (415) 864-3733. Web Site: www.sf-pride.org
Up Your Alley Fair
Considered one of San Francisco's naughtiest gay street fairs, catering to the more sinful crowd of adults. (415/648-3247)
