The Bay Area is a known for being a step forward with its inclusive neighborhood landscapes. The streets of San Francisco will be a storm of bright colors when the Bay Area celebrates its annual San Francisco Pride event from June 23rd to 24th. For those looking to rally or to celebrate with your friends, here are some pride-friendly neighborhoods and supportive communities to check out during this lively weekend. 

General Information

Transit to the parade and other activities during Pride weekend may be difficult via your personal vehicle. You might want to take advantage of the city’s public transit options and plan your best route to get to the festivities in your favorite neighborhoods.

Also, take note: These community events and parties will each have their own regulations as to what is allowed. The parade doesn’t allow alcohol, coolers, or glass bottles. There are also technology restrictions including no drones, radios, walkie-talkies, or portable speakers. There will be a first aid center at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium via the Grove and Polk entrance, with an additional first aid center located on Hyde and Golden Gate on Sunday.

Van Ness-Civic Center

San Francisco Pride Parade photo by Shutterstock

In the heart of Van Ness-Civic Center, festival goers can gather at the Civic Center Plaza for the the 2018 San Francisco Pride celebration. The festival’s official activities like the Celebration and Rally event will be held on Saturday and Sunday. The two-day festival lineup features events, vendors, inspirational speakers, performers, food, and music. Main events and rallies start at noon and run until 6 p.m. on both days.

The San Francisco Pride Parade will be happening on Sunday at the Civic Center. Starting at 10:30 a.m., the route will head down Market Street from Beale to 8th Street. It’s an inclusive event that celebrates individuals of all genders and identities.

Want to watch the parade from a rooftop? Bluestem Brasserie is hosting a rooftop pride party where guests can watch the parade and drink on the Bluestem Brasserie's rooftop terrace. The event has some big sponsors, including DC Comics, and will feature a specialty drink—The Green Lantern, aptly named after the gay comic character.

After the parade, there’s an official San Francisco Pride VIP party hosted at the Civic Center Plaza. The celebration will feature food, dancing, music, and live performances (including a drag cabaret). 

The Mission

Photo courtesy of San Francisco Dyke March

On Saturday, June 23rd, everyone can rally together at the 26th annual San Francisco Dyke March. San Franciscan dykes (females identifying as  transdyke, transfeminine, transmasculine, transdyke, gender fluid, and genderqueer) will come together with their allies to celebrate their pride and dyke unity. Dyke identifying individuals are invited to take part in the march at 5 p.m. from Dolores Park in the Mission District to The Castro.

Twin Peaks

Photo courtesy of torbakhopper

Twin Peaks will host the annual Pink Triangle Commemoration Ceremony on Saturday, June 23. The annual event honors the gay individuals who were persecuted and killed in concentration camps in Germany, and the pink triangle is an important symbol among the LGBTQ communities.

Twin Peaks’ north hill facing The Castro will be adorned with an oversized triangle made of pink canvases. This is set to be so massive that it will be visible from other parts of the Bay Area. The installation will be on display for the entire weekend. It’ll go up on Saturday with the build starting at 7 a.m. and the commemoration ceremony starting at 10:30 a.m. The pink symbol will be taken down on Sunday after the parade.