San Francisco Pride
A celebration of the LGBTQ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary & queer), Pride Parades were built from humble, yet historic beginnings. While it is a celebration, it is also a reminder of one of the most significant events that led to the Gay Liberation Movement. The Pride Parades take place at the end of June every year, near the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising (also known as the Stonewall riots).
Taking place in 1969 from June 28 to July 3, The Stonewall Uprising refers to an incident that happened in New York City. At the time, there was a general anti-gay sentiment within the legal system and it was common practice to raid gay bars and make things difficult for the community. On the night of June 28, the police decided to raid the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in Greenwich Village, and instead of accepting it, the patrons decided to fight back. While the main part of the riots took place on the first two nights and involved over 1,000 supporters, the uprising lasted until July 3. The aftermath helped band together the gay community and began a movement that continues to this day.
So, while Gay Pride is a fun celebration with parades, concerts and parties, it has a much deeper meaning as it represents the the beginning of the gay rights movement and the fight for equality in the LGBTQ community today.
The beginning of Gay Pride
Just a year after the Stonewall Uprising, the first pride marches were held in San Francisco, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. The initial events were much smaller and more of an activist event than a celebration, but every year, the movement grew and so did the crowds. Gay Pride is celebrated all over the world with the biggest events happening in New York City, São Paulo, Madrid, San Francisco, Cologne ad Toronto.
San Francisco Gay Pride Parade and Festival
San Francisco has one of the largest Gay Pride Festivals in the world with an estimated 750,000 to 1 million people attending every year. The event takes place over two days (Gay Pride Weekend) with a huge variety of events and activities on both Saturday and Sunday. Everything kicks off at Civic Center Plaza with over 200 exhibitors and contingents as well as throughout the city at over 20 venues and community-run stages. The Castro neighborhood in San Francisco becomes the epicenter of the event during the evening with attendees pouring out of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, The Pride Parade takes place on Sunday morning, starting at 10:30am. The parade runs along Market Street from Steuart St to 8th St and features thousands of participants, floats, community groups, live music and more. While the parade is the largest part of the event, you can also attend the Dyke March and Trans March.
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EXPLORE EVENTS
Upcoming San Francisco Events
03
November
2025
DESTIN CONRAD – LOVE ON DIGITAL TOUR at The Fillmore
04
November
2025
Jesse Welles (Night 1) at The Fillmore San Francisco
05
November
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Good Neighbours at The Independent San Francisco
05
November
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Jesse Welles (Night 2) at The Fillmore
06
November
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The Oh Hellos – Yours Truly at The Fillmore
07
November
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Drop Nineteens, sweet93, She’s Green & ee – The Fillmore
07
November
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Ethan Regan with Palmyra at The Independent
08
November
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The Beths (Night 1) at The Fillmore San Francisco
09
November
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A Very Special Evening With Pete Yorn at The Independent
09
November
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The Beths (Night 2) at The Fillmore
10
November
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Waylon Wyatt – Out of the Blue Tour at The Independent
10
November
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Sir Chloe at The Fillmore San Francisco
11
November
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Home is Where with Michael Cera Palin, Young Jesus, Gingerbee – The Independent
11
November
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Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners at The Fillmore
13
November
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THE DARKNESS: Dreams on Toast at The Fillmore
14
November
2025
Smallpools – LOVETAP! 10th Anniversary Tour at The Independent
16
November
2025
Yaelokre (Early Show) at The Independent San Francisco
16
November
2025
Yaelokre The Foreward Tour (Late Show) at The Independent
18
November
2025
Madi Diaz – The Fatal Optimist Tour at The Independent
19
November
2025
Joel Sunny at The Independent San Francisco
19
November
2025
Samantha Fish: Paper Doll World Tour at The FIllmore
20
November
2025
Tei Shi at The Independent San Francisco
20
November
2025
Leith Ross at The Fillmore San Francisco
21
November
2025
GoGo Penguin at The Fillmore SF
21
November
2025
GEE LEE at The Independent SF
22
November
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Rexx Life Raj – The Hella Slept On Tour at The Fillmore
22
November
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DARGZ at The Independent San Francisco
28
November
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Flamingosis at The Independent San Francisco
30
November
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Jens Lekman at The Independent SF
02
December
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Vincent Lima with Sydney Ross Mitchell at The Independent
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