This iconic festival was founded by Harvey Milk in 1974.
That’s right, the Castro Street Fair is back! This beloved festival takes the Castro by storm every October, welcoming hundreds of local artists, vendors, organizations, and more to line the streets along with live music and dance stages. This year’s fair will take place on Sunday, October 3 from 11am-6pm on Castro and Market Streets. Donations of $5 or $10 are encouraged upon entry and will go to local nonprofits.
The most lively part of the fair is Dance Alley at the intersection of Castro and Market! A series of talented DJs will bring the house down throughout the day:
- 11:00am-12:45pm: Trevor Sigler
- 12:45pm-2:30pm: Rich King
- 2:30pm-4:15pm: Infinite Jess
- 4:15pm-6:00pm: Jordee
This lively event will raise funds to support the following nonprofit organizations:
- Buen Dia Family School: Bilingual (Spanish/English) arts-focused preschool
- Castro Community on Patrol: Community volunteers who perform safety patrols in the Castro neighborhood
- Haight Ashbury Community Nursery School: Exploration-based, parent-led community school
- Imperial Council of San Francisco: Raises money for diverse organizations lifting up LGBTQ+ and other oppressed communities
- Instituto Familiar de la Raza: Benefits the Chicano/Latino/Indigena community of San Francisco
- Most Holy Redeemer: AIDS Support Group through MHR Catholic Church
- Queer Life Space: Mental health services for the LGBTQ+ community
Since 1998, the Castro Street Fair has raised $1.5M for community beneficiaries like these. They also maintain the Rainbow Pride Flag that flies in Harvey Milk Plaza.
The fair will take place on Castro Street and Market Street. Street closures will be in effect on Castro Street between 17th/Market and 18th; Market Street between Noe and Diamond; and 17th Street between Noe and Castro.
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The event will not require proof of vaccination to enter, but face coverings are highly encouraged. There will be a Covid vaccine center and testing area just past the food court on Market, courtesy of the SF Department of Public Health!
Harvey Milk founded the Castro Street Fair in 1974 in order to celebrate the Castro neighborhood’s diversity. Thousands of people participated, and the event has since grown into one of the city’s largest festivals!
Remember, the fair will be in full swing this Sunday, October 3 from 11am-6pm! In order to avoid parking nightmares, the fair recommends taking Muni on the K, L, M, and T lines which all stop at the Castro Station. Be safe and have fun!
Featured image: @CastroStFair via Twitter