What To Expect At The Castro Street Fair 2022

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Happening on Sunday October 2nd from 11am to 6pm is the brilliant Castro Street Fair, a yearly tradition that brings together local artists, vendors, performers, and more to the historic Castro neighborhood to celebrate the creativity, community, and resilience of San Francisco's LGBTQIA+ residents.

Set on Market and Castro Streets, this year's 48th anniversary is promised to be even bigger and better than years prior, jubilantly commemorating not only the return of gatherings since the pandemic lockdown, but also the accomplishments and perseverance of the city's vibrant queer community. Here is a look at both the history of this can't-miss event, as well as what all to expect.

See also: Find Your Perfect Pride Outfit At These Best Castro Fashion Shops

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First founded by Harvey Milk and his group, the Castro Valley Association, the inaugural Castro Street Fair premiered in 1974 and gathered over 5,000 people to the colorful neighborhood. Since then, the historic event has become a beloved city tradition, inviting local businesses, especially queer-owned and operated ones, to showcase their work in a safe and welcoming space.

Today the Fair comes alive with mesmerizing entertainers, artists, dancers, and more all enlivening every corner of the festival's four blocks, curating exclusive handmade queer art, stunning performances, and fabulous accessories not typically found or seen every day.

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This year acts to expect include four highly-skilled and trendy DJ sets all spread out during the day, including Auntie Sam + Devereaux, Oscar P + Five, Jordee + Day Thief, and Robin Malone Simmons + Elaine Denham. Walk around and feel not only the irresistable music bellowing from each of the electrifying stages, but also the deeper feeling of reverence and pride these talents have at this momentous event.

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Drinks and provisions will also be thoughtfully provided here, with several booths with cocktails ready to nourish you and keep you energized to partake in the Dance Alley's enticing line dances, challenging carnival games, and more.

The surrounding bars and clubs, like The Lookout, Beaux, Hi Tops, and more, are also set to open for the public, creating immensely fun coves to pop into for day drinks and chill lounging.

See also: The Ultimate Guide To The Castro's Gay Bars & Clubs

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To get to the Castro Street Fair, the K, L, M, or T Muni Metro lines all stop in the Castro Station from downtown and the Embarcadero on the east. There is also the vintage F Market streetcar you can take near the Ferry Building that will give you a historic ride down Market before ending up right in front of the equally iconic Twin Peaks Tavern.

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You can enter the Fair from either 18th, 17th, Market, or Castro Streets, as the entire circumference of the spectacular party will encompass all four blocks. Don your most colorful and fierce outfits and be sure not to miss this sunny extravaganza happening all day!

You can find more information on their website.

See also: Our Ultimate Food Guide To The Castro District