San Francisco truly stands out as the ultimate destination for Pride celebrations, and in 2023, get ready for an even more remarkable experience. Pride is making a grand comeback, surpassing all expectations. Marking its 53rd year, this year’s Pride celebration carries the inspiring theme of “Looking Back and Moving Forward.” It will honor the invaluable lessons and monumental triumphs of the past while shining a spotlight on the influential figures championing social justice in the present.
Within the city’s vibrant 49 square miles, everyone is invited to embrace their true self and immerse themselves in a one-of-a-kind celebration of love, equality, and self-expression. San Francisco will be completely transformed, radiating a kaleidoscope of rainbow-colored hues from top to bottom. Prepare to be enthralled by the exuberance, liveliness, and unapologetic revelry that define the Pride festivities.
Frameline47
Celebrate queer cinema with Frameline’s 47th season, June 16-24. The beloved film festival hosts documentaries, feature films, conversations with film stars, and everything in between. Best of all, you can catch streaming encores of these special selections in the comfort of your home!
26th Anniversary National Queer Arts Festival (NQAF)
This annual multidisciplinary festival is the largest queer arts festival in North America and is held throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. This year’s NQAF will feature in-person and virtual events under the theme “Murmurations of Queer Power,” which celebrates the convergence of a swarm of queerness and the power of coming together in service of liberation.
Pink Triangle
In a reclamation of the symbol once used to shame the gay community, San Francisco illuminates a massive pink triangle atop Twin Peaks each year. The tradition began in 1996 and has served as a reminder of both a painful past and a hopeful future ever since. You can catch this nightly beacon of love, hope, and resilience each night through Pride.It started on Friday, June 17, and will run through July 1.
Civic Center Celebration
From noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, the public plaza in front of City Hall will be Pride central! More than 20 community stages—including the Urban Global Village Stage, the API LGBT Stage, Homo Hip-Hop, and Soul of Pride—will offer visitors incredible live performances. Don’t worry if you miss a show; most groups will be back the next day.
San Francisco Pride Parade
With participants representing every color of the rainbow flag and tens of thousands of spectators lining the route, San Francisco’s Pride Parade is like no other. From downtown, marchers will work their way west along Market Street toward City Hall, where a huge gathering of vendors and performers will encircle the plaza and welcome parade-goers to the celebration on Sunday, June 25.
This year’s Grand Marshals include: performer and activist Honey Mahogany, author and activist Paul Aguilar, executive director Laura Lala-Chávez, counselor and healthcare advocate Breonna McCree, physician and LGBT rights activist Dr. Nasser Mohamed and Drag Story Hour, Bay Area Chapter. Grandstand tickets are already on sale.
Juanita MORE!’s Pride Party
It wouldn’t be Pride without Juanita MORE!’s famous party! The esteemed drag queen hosts her annual shindig benefiting The Q Foundation at 620 Jones. Advance tickets are available for $60 (cash only).