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A San Francisco Pride travel guide - a colorful parade and flamboyant parties.

TIME : 2016/2/24 10:27:21
Take to the streets and wave rainbow flags in support of the Bay Area’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. The San Francisco Pride is a two-day celebration showcasing a parade and festival with live music, vendors and parties. Hotels in San Francisco during Pride go quickly, so book in advance.

Parade

The Bay’s Market Street forms the center of the San Francisco Pride Parade. Traditionally held on the second day, revelers dress up in flamboyant costumes to suit the year’s theme. The Grand Marshal leads over 200 floats to the Civic Center for a big celebration with stops along the way for beer and food from vendors. Dance to music from different stages and catch beads flung from floats. Enjoy the parade comfortably and pay for a grandstand seat on the UN Plaza.

Festival

After the parade it’s time to truly party. Join leather-clad revelers, drag queens and others at San Francisco’s Civic Center and let loose to techno music. Music and dance stages rock with renowned performers. Educational booths complete the picture. Book a San Francisco hotel near San Francisco’s city hall to be in on the action. The festival is held on both days.

Nightlife

Many of San Francisco’s nightclubs and bars provide various after-parties. The hotspots are around the Castro district. Don’t miss the Pink Party on the Saturday night, a huge underground street party with performers and dancers.

Practical information

When: Final weekend in June

Where: San Francisco

Tickets: Free, admission to parties vary