Where to celebrate Pride Month in the Bay Area
Don't miss San Francisco's 55th annual Pride Celebration. Photo courtesy of Josh Edelson/Getty Images.
Pride Month is here, and the Bay Area is ready to celebrate with BARTable parades, performances and community gatherings. Whether you're looking to learn more about LGBTQ+ experiences and history, shop at LGBTQ+-owned businesses or cheer for diversity, equality and love at fun festivities — we've got you covered. Here are some of the top ways to celebrate Pride this June in the Bay Area. Don't forget your Clipper card. We'll see you there!
Use BART’s Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.
Learn and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community at Bay Area events
Enjoy the infamous San Francisco Pride Parade this June in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Travel Association.
San Francisco Pride: “Queer Joy is Resistance” | Embarcadero
San Francisco’s 55th annual Pride Celebration is on June 28-29. It’s the largest LGBTQ+ gathering in the nation, and this year’s theme is “Queer Joy is Resistance.” Head to the Civic Center to find the Main Stage, alongside community spaces and stages, an 18+ zone and an LGBTQ+ street fair with over 300 artists and exhibitors. The iconic parade on June 29 starts on Market St. at Embarcadero Plaza (just 0.2 miles from Embarcadero) at 10 a.m.. Typically lasting around four hours, the colorful procession ends at Market St. and 9th St. Click here for tips to riding BART to San Francisco Pride. BARTy the BARTmobile will join the celebration so be on the lookout for us during the festivities.
Black Pride Festival | 19th St/Oakland, 12th St/Oakland City Center
Oakland Black Pride on June 26–29 celebrates Black and LGBTQ+ identity with art, wellness and activism. Highlights include the Queer Expo, a brunch crawl and the annual Queer AF Day Party. Festive venues are located throughout Uptown and Downtown Oakland. This grassroots, inclusive and community-driven event is celebrating its 5th anniversary. Keep an eye on this space, as the full schedule is yet to be announced!
Trans March | 16th St. Mission
The Bay Area’s 21st Annual Trans March — San Francisco’s largest transgender Pride event and one of the largest trans events around the globe — is on June 27. This year’s gathering starts at Dolores Park, where a resource fair, performances and speeches will be held before the march. The event uplifts trans voices and calls attention to the community’s urgent issues. Everyone is welcome to attend and stand in solidarity. Dolores Park is just 0.6 miles from 16th St. Mission, making participation easy.
San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival | Multiple
Frameline, the San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival, is in its 49th season. It runs from June 18-28 and showcases queer cinema premieres at a number of BARTable locations. This legendary showcase of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender cinema screens groundbreaking documentaries, features, touching short films and cinematic classics.
28th Annual National Queer Arts Festival (NQAF) | Multiple
This annual arts festival is the largest of its kind in North America. Held in multiple BARTable locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, this year’s theme, “Pleasure in The Storm,” lifts up the need for collective liberatory queer joy during this time of ongoing cascading collective trauma. The festival runs from May 22 to June 13.
Drag Me Downtown | Multiple
Mark your calendars for Drag Me Downtown every Friday this June. This series of pop-up drag shows features new performers at a new venue each week and supports local businesses. Drag Me Downtown is free to attend, but you still might want to RSVP online as pre-registered guests get exclusive 2025 Drag Swag! Plus, a $10 registration fee will directly support The Transgender District, the first legally recognized transgender district in the world located in the heart of San Francisco.
Fremont Pride Fair | Fremont Station
The Fremont Pride Fair on June 21 is hosted by the City of Fremont Human Relations Commission and the Fremont Main Library. It's a joyful event that celebrates and supports our LGBTQIA+ community. Expect entertainment by Drag King Storytime, LGBTQ+ Short Film Screenings, on-site SF and food and beverages for purchase and an opportunity to communicate with local organizations and learn about available resources and services. Take BART to Fremont Station to celebrate Pride Month in the East Bay 0.6 miles from Fremont at 2400 Stevenson Blvd.
More events include the Be Free Festival on June 13, Castro’s Night Market Pride Edition on June 20, a special Pride concert at the San Francisco Opera on June 27, a Pride Show in Yerba Buena Gardens on June 28.
Explore LGBTQ+ history and community centers in the Bay Area
Explore the Castro neighborhood this Pride Month. Photo courtesy of San Francisco Travel.
The Castro | 16th St Mission
The Castro is one of the nation’s first gay districts and the perfect place to explore LGBTQ+ history. Head to the GLBT Historical Society Museum (to learn about LGBTQ+ history, culture and art), the 4,000-square-foot Pink Triangle Park (a memorial honoring victims of anti-gay persecution during World War II) and the Rainbow Honor Walk (where bronze sidewalk plaques pay tribute to LGBTQ+ trailblazers). Snap a photo at the rainbow crosswalks, dine at one of many fantastic eateries or dance the night away at one of the neighborhood's high-energy clubs. The Community Benefit District has a list of fun things to see in the Castro worth visiting. The vibrant neighborhood is about a mile from 16th St Mission.
San Francisco LGBT Community Center | 16th St Mission
Kick off Pride month in San Francisco on May 31 from noon to 6 p.m. The house party at the San Francisco LGBT Community Center, the iconic purple building, is free and offers valuable resources and community connections through Queer & Well programming, live entertainment, a clothing closet, an art exhibit and more! Reserve your space and enjoy the support well after the party’s over. Find the SF LGBT Center 0.7 miles from 16th St Mission at 1800 Market St.
The Tenderloin | Civic Center/UN Plaza, Powell St
The Transgender District, home to the world’s largest population of trans people, is also where you'll find San Francisco’s first openly gay bar and the site of the infamous Compton Cafeteria Riots in 1966, led by trans and queer resistance. The Tenderloin Museum is hosting an interactive theater piece titled, "The Compton Cafeteria Riot," where you can learn firsthand what happened at this historic event. From live entertainment venues to award-winning restaurants, museums and shops, there's a ton to do in the Tenderloin. Check out this guide to the Tenderloin's hidden gems and don't miss the Tenderloin Museum to learn more about LGBTQ+ history and experiences in San Francisco. The Tenderloin is located 0.4 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza and 0.5 miles from Powell St.
Rainbow Community Center | Concord Station
Since 1995, the Rainbow Community Center has offered support and social opportunities to the LGBTQIA2S+ community and its allies. Building community and equity in the community, this East Bay organization also has a few fun events, like the Louder and Prouder Pride in the Plaza at Todos Santos Plaza and a Queer Icons Drag Show. Find out more about their social and support programs here. You'll find the Rainbow Community Center and lots of fun happenings just 0.6 miles from Concord Station.
Support LGBTQ-Owned Businesses
Casements Bar is one of many must-visit LGBTQ-owned businesses in the Bay Area.
The Bay Area is loaded with fantastic LGBTQ-owned businesses to try this June. This is just a glimpse into a few fun BARTable spots.
Casements Bar | 16th St Mission
This modern Irish pub in the Mission district offers exposed brick walls, over 80 whiskeys, inventive cocktails and a lively mix of DJs and live music. Grab a bite or sip Irish coffee on the patio. You can't go wrong at Casements, 0.4 miles from 16th St Mission at 2351 Mission St.
Games of Berkeley | Downtown Berkeley
Gamers will love this historic shop that has everything from cards and board games to brainteasers and jigsaw puzzles. You'll also find painting and craft supplies and action figures at this East Bay gem. Learn more about their events and open gaming here. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley for games and more, 0.7 miles away at 2510 Durant Ave.
Third Culture | Walnut Creek Station
Third-culture kids are those who grew up with a different culture from their parents. Owners Sam Butarbutar and Wenter Shyu are just that and their popular bakery is a symbol of their devotion, love and hard work. Famous for Mochi Muffins and donuts, this LGBTQ-owned spot celebrates cultural identity and inclusion through food. Take BART to Walnut Creek Station and head 0.9 to 1310 S California Blvd. Enjoy the matcha!
Brenda’s Soul Food | Civic Center/UN Plaza, MacArthur
With a mix of Southern, Creole and French flavors, Brenda's Soul Food offers comforting and delicious cuisine you'll find yourself coming back to time and time again. Order everything from fluffy beignets and biscuits and gravy to fried chicken, shrimp and grits, or catfish Benedict. You won't be disappointed. Brenda’s Soul Food is 0.5 miles from Civic Center/UN Plaza (at 652 Polk St.) in San Francisco, and 0.6 miles from MacArthur (at 4045 Broadway) in Oakland.
How will you be celebrating Pride Month?
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