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12 Amazing Ways To Enjoy San Francisco (Including The Hunky Jesus Contest)
Whether you’re visiting the City by the Bay or call yourself a local, we’re bringing you the best events this year San Francisco.
Mark your 2015-2016 calendar with this insider’s round up…
April
Hunky Jesus Contest
A San Francisco institution hosted by The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence every Easter Sunday. The twerktacular Hunky Jesus Contest pits loin-cloth clad Jesus lookalikes against one another as they vie for the distinction of being the hunkiest, most Christ-like being. In 2014, the group started a Foxy Mary contest, too.
When: Easter Sunday at noon, rain or shine.
Insider Tip: Be sure to bring blankets, dispensable clothing and a supply of beverages.
May
Bay to Breakers
This raucous annual event draws cosplayers, furries, nudists and pop culture characters in one of the largest footraces in the world. It’s more of a foot-walk, actually. Bay To Breakers stretches a whopping 7.5 miles from Howard Street (bay) to Ocean Beach (breakers), with most participants crawling across the finish line after hours of partying along the way.
When: Sunday, May 17.
Insider Tip: If you’re not going to be part of the action, grab a seat to watch along Golden Gate Park’s Panhandle.
June
San Francisco Pride
One of the largest pride festivals in the world, San Francisco’s homegrown version explodes with rainbow flags, visiting revelers and fabulous events. This year’s theme: Equality Without Exception.
When: Hightail it to Civic Center Plaza on either June 27 or 28 for a look at the street fair. The Pride Parade rolls down Market Street on Sunday, June 28.
Insider Tip: With the throngs of visitors don’t expect to get anywhere quickly this weekend—just relax and enjoy the show!
Noteworthy: Check out one of the largest LGBT film festivals, Frameline.
July
Up Your Alley Festival
Aptly called “Folsom Street Fair’s dirty little brother,” this midsummer leather festival attracts a smaller but kinkier crowd. If you’re fascinated by whips, chains, puppy play and other things we probably can’t mention, then check out this kinktastic carnival.
When: Sunday, July, 26. Dore Alley between Howard and Folsom.
Insider Tip: Come with an open mind and up for anything. Get there early to get the most experience and shortest lines for all booths and activities.
August
Lazy Bear Weekend
Thousands of otters, bears, and their admirers descend on Russian River in Sonoma County for Lazy Bear Weekend. Now in its 19th year, Lazy Bear is one of the largest events in the country for manly wildlife.
When: August 1 – 3.
Insider Tip: Snag your tickets early (on sale now), and book your hotel/cabin ahead. It’s one crowded den!
September
Folsom Street Fair
The world’s largest BDSM street fair, Folsom, is a spectacle for visitors and locals alike. Be sure to pick up a leather jock strap from one of fair vendors, and ask before you snap any pictures, of course.
When: Sunday, September 27.
Insider Tip: Catch the plethora of house and bar parties nearby. That’s where many would say the most of the fun takes place.
October
Halloween in The Castro
Halloween in San Francisco’s Castro district may not be as organized of a party as it once was, but you’ll still find sidewalks packed with bears and otters dressed as lumberjacks in outfits as skimpy as the law will allow.
When: Halloween weekend.
Insider Tip: Bring a bag or plastic pumpkin and see what you collect by the end of the night.
November
Thanksgiving Weekend
All of the city is aglow during the holiday season, and the weekend after Turkey Day is notoriously one of the heaviest party weekends of the year. Break away from the fam and join many of the native locals as they line Castro and Market streets for all the holiday events.
When: The weekend following Thanksgiving.
Insider Tip: Buy you tickets to events early, before they are sold out, to capacity, or change an arm and a wing at the door.
December
Santa Skivvies Run
This annual charity crawl affirms that certainly sometimes the best things come in small packages. Choose from over six routes throughout the city, depending on your favorite hoods and bars.
When: First or second Sunday of December.
Insider Tip: Be sure to don more than just a Santa cap—if you’re in your birthday suite and not your Santa suit, you’ll be left at the starting line.
January
New Years Recovery Brunch
Partying ’til dawn isn’t enough for many San Franciscans, and for good reason. Some of the best parties are the day after, like MASS and recovery brunches around the city. A day off is a day to sip mimosas and go out with friends, and what better way to break in some memories for the new year?
When: New Year’s Eve right through to New Year’s evening.
Insider Tip: Start the day outside at Dolores Park, where the drinks are cheap and space is not so crammed. It’s San Francisco after all, there’s a great chance for a sunny park day even in January.
February
SF IndieFest
A celebration of everything alternative, the San Francisco Independent Film Festival is a two-week, 85-film lineup at quirky venues across The City. IndieFest now runs concurrently with the Winter Music Festival, and with more music-themed films added to the schedule, there’s always a lively crowd checking out the screenings.
When: Runs the first through third week of February.
Insider Tip: Be sure to get the information for the pre and post-film parties at nearby venues for some free food, drinks, and chances to meet the stars.
March
World Naked Bike Ride
At first glance, this “bare as you dare” party may seem like a bunch of cyclists letting it all hang out. Well it is. The San Francisco edition of this climate-change movement is celebration of independence, the human body and some pretty sweet Winter weather.
When: March 14th, 11am.
Insider Tip: Show up early for a body painting party and to get to know the other riders. If you’re not riding, then be sure to grab a good place in the Castro to see all of the action as it whizzes by.
See what events are happening every weekend in San Francisco on the San Francisco city page.
Gabe Cooper
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