Pride month is big in San Francisco, and we mean big. With a month devoted to the pivotal LGBTQ+ history, efforts, and deep culture of the city, you can guarantee June will be jam-packed with all kinds of vibrant celebrations. All of these festivities of course culminates with our grand Pride parade at the end of June, which is globally known as one of the largest and oldest nationwide.
This year the 52nd annual parade makes its grand debut after two years of being on hold, and we have all your information on its two-day plans, as well as everything major in between, from the arts to sports participating in this colorfully monumental occasion.
And don't forget to see our article on all the best club parties to attend!
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Kicking off this spectacular month is something you just can't miss, literally. The pink triangle is a reclaimed symbol that was utilized before to distinguish and vilify the gay community, and now it is an emblem of resilience, hope, and strength. San Francisco takes this and supersizes it, proudly displaying a massive pink triangle on Twin Peaks beginning every June since 1996 that they ceremoniously illuminate.
This year, catch the lighting ceremony at 8 p.m. June 1st, or simply look up to see its 2,700 LED bright pink lights shining bright wherever you are in the city this month.
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The famed iconic Castro Theatre's 100th anniversary rightfully coincides with Pride's return this year, so you can expect incredible things. Starting from June 3rd, there will be 11 days of classic film screenings focused on the Castro, all concluding with a once-in-a-lifetime "Happy Birthday" special on the 22nd. See their website for the whole movie lineup and event information.
See also: Sandra Oh Talks To Michelle Yeoh On Her Illustrious Career And More
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This year is also the 35th anniversary of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, first created in 1987 right in San Francisco to memorialize those loved ones lost during the AIDS epidemic. Since then, the quilt has been nationally regarded, and this year 3,000 new panels will be brought to the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park for a free remembrance event, particularly honoring those lost to AIDS who were Black or of color who might have been previously disregarded.
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For those sports fans, the San Francisco Giants will also be proudly sharing their love and support to the LGBTQ+ community with their historically fun annual SF Pride Day. Come out to Oracle Park on June 11th for a sunny day full of fun and interactive festivities with other organizations in attendance, as well as the team all decked-out in their Pride-themed gear. Park goers can also purchase a Special Event ticket to receive exclusive SF Pride socks!
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Not only will Frameline, the world's oldest and largest featurer of queer cinema, be hosting their film festival in the Castro Theatre, but they will also be premiering in other famous theaters in the city, such as the Roxie, the AMC Kabuki, the SFMOMA, and more.
This Frameline46 festival's theme is “The Coast is Queer,” and will feature over 90 international films, as well as panel discussions, celebrity appearances, and award ceremonies. You can reserve tickets and see the film selections on their site.
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For those who love the opera, on Wednesday, June 19 at 7:30 p.m., it will be a night dressed to the nines and absolutely dedicated to love and pride. The inspiration for The Little Mermaid, Dvořák's Rusalka will be the fantastic performance of the evening, and the $85 tickets will also grant access to giveaways, Dress Circle seats, and a complimentary craft cocktail.
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Finally, the end of the summer month will signal the beginning of the jubilant two-day official Pride celebration at Civic Center Plaza. This year's theme is “Love Will Keep Us Together,” with the can't-miss parade being on Sunday June 26.
The length of San Francisco's heart on Market Street will be flooded with the most extravagant and joyful parade marchers, resplendent floats, and prominent queer figures. This parade will end right at City Hall, which will host a rally and festival plaza with community stages featuring a Trans Stage, API LGBT Stage, Latin Stage, and more all hosted by notable LGBTQ+ trailblazers.
Start marking your calendars, because June in San Francisco will be a remarkably radiant and unforgettably joyous month this summer!
See also: SF Pride's Interim Executive Director Gives Us The Scoop On This Year's Event
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