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Castro Street Fair 2024
by Jill Loeffler •
Head over to the Castro District on the first Sunday in October to celebrate the annual Castro Street Fair.
The 2024 event is on October 6.
This fun SF festival was initially founded by the original "Mayor of the Castro," Harvey Milk, nearly 50 years ago in 1974.
It now continues to feature mouth-watering gourmet food, live music performers from around the world, and plenty of dancing in the streets.
This local tradition celebrates the LGBTQ community and their allies.
It's a time when everyone—no matter their gender, sex, or sexual orientation—can come together and enjoy the diversity within the city.
This lively SF event is held the first Sunday in October from 11 am to 6 pm at the intersection of Market and Castro Streets. Here you will find a live music stage, Cheer SF performances, Sundance Saloon and so much more!
This year's suggested donation is $10 to $20 per person, which will benefit dozens of local non-profits in the LGBTQ community.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Live Music and Entertainment
The main stage is in the heart of the action at Castro and Market Streets, with DJs spinning dance beats all day long. You will find a variety of performances here from 11 am to 6 pm.
This year, there are three stages.
Castro Stage
- 11 am: Trevor Sigler
- 1 pm: Subeaux
- 3 pm: Carrie on Disco
- 4:30 pm: David Harness
Collingwood Stage
- 11:30 am: The San Francisco Pride Band
- 12:30 pm: Gloomy June
- 1:30 pm: The Fell Swoop
- 2:45 pm: House of MORE!
Queer AF State
- 11:00 am: Charles Hawthorne
- 12:00 pm: Groovy D
- 1:30 pm: Drag performances by Nova Cakes, Yayah
- 1:45 pm: Jason Godfrey
- 3:00 pm: Drag performances by Mr. Steelio Gurl, Pangaea
- 3:15 pm: Black
- 4:30 pm: Live Performance by Tobirus Mozelle
- 4:45 pm: Charles Hawthorne
Other Activities at the Festival
Here is a peek at some of the other activities that will be held at the 2023 Castro Street Fair.
Cheer SF
Cheer SF will be performing their high energy routines at Castro and 18th Streets.
Sundance Saloon
Participants, put on your cowboy boots and enjoy the Sundance Saloon! This popular area features country and western dancing all day long.
It is located in the parking lot behind the Castro Theatre.
Food & Drink Vendors
This year's food court will offer a variety of yummy treats from Aunt Betty's Corn Dogs to Mayer's Fine Foods. There will also be several vendors selling their BBQ creations, ice cream from Ben & Jerry's and a seafood stand with local delicacies.
Other Exhibitors
Get to know the community as you check out the other exhibitors. In addition to arts and crafts, you'll find many booths from organizations supporting local causes.
As you peruse these booths throughout the Castro Street Fair, you'll also probably hear the SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band playing.
Are you interested in checking out other parts of the Castro? On this page, you will find other top activities and attractions in this colorful neighborhood. You will also find restaurant and hotel recommendations so you can stay close to the action.
Donations at the Door
The Castro Street Fair requests donations at the door of $10 to $20 per person. All donations go to support local beneficiaries.
Since 1998, this wonderful and fun event has raised over $1,500,000 for beneficiaries and charities. You donations also help Castro Street to keep the beautiful Pride flag that is in the Harvey Milk plaza all year long.
How to Get to the Castro
Public transportation is always your best bet in San Francisco. This ranges from the light rail train system to buses. Here are the best ways to get to the Castro Street Fair from popular spots in SF.
From Union Square
Muni Light Rail: Take the K, L, M or S trains from the underground MUNI station at Powell and Market Streets near Union Square. You will go four stops to the Castro Street Station. This puts you right in the heart of the action for the Castro Street Fair. This will take about 10 minutes.
F-Street Car: If you want to see the sites along the way, then take the F-Street Car. This is slower than the light rail trains, but runs above ground. You will take one of more than a dozen historic street cars from around the world from Market Street to the main entrance of this festival. You can pick it up anywhere along Market Street (there are stops every two blocks) and take it all the way to the end. It is about a 20-minute ride.
From Fisherman's Wharf
F-Street Car: The easiest way to get here is to take the F-Street Car. It's the only direct route from Fisherman's Wharf. You can pick it up at the beginning of the line on Mason Street at Beach and take it all the way to the end. This ride takes about 50 minutes.
- Transfer Option: If you want to shorten the trip, take this all the way to the Embarcadero Street MUNI station and then transfer to the K, L, M or S trains. Make sure you grab a transfer ticket and show the attendant. This allows you to pay just once for your entire journey. This trip will take about 30 minutes.
Places to Stay Around SF for the Castro Street Fair
Other Fun Events this Month in 2024
Here are some additional fun things to do this weekend and later this month.
2-Hour Champagne Cruise Around the Bay
October is beautiful in San Francisco and it's the perfect time to take a cruise around the bay. This isn't just any cruise, it's a Champagne and Mimosa cruise. What could be better? For two hours, you can enjoy cocktails as you relax on the deck of The Privateer. Along the way, you will see top SF attractions including Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Palace of Fine Arts.
Dates: Saturday & Sunday at 10 am
Location: Leaves from the Marina near Pier 39 in Fisherman's Wharf
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival
San Francisco's beloved annual bluegrass festival takes place this October in Golden Gate Park. Enjoy three days of free concerts on various stages. Most performers fall into the bluegrass/folk/Americana genre, but the festival always welcomes a variety of big names and up-and-coming stars.
Learn more: Read more about what to expect at this great outdoor music festival
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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