San Francisco is unapologetically queer on any given day. However, on the last Sunday in September, the city hits its gayest extreme. This is thanks to the Folsom Street Fair, the world’s largest leather event. The fair is all about embracing your wild side. It encourages you to be true to your desires, free from judgment. Think of it as a loving slap in the face to societal norms (with consent, of course!).
The History of Folsom Street Fair
The Folsom Street Fair dates back to 1984. It began as a celebration of the kink and leather community. This was during a time of intense social stigma from the AIDS epidemic. Additionally, the fair was a political statement. It pushed back against the view that South of Market (SoMa) was a slum needing urban renewal.
Now, the fair is celebrating its 41st birthday. It’s named after SoMa’s Folsom Street, the heart of the leather scene. Over 400,000 attendees are expected to gather and fly their freak flags high. Folsom Street Fair has grown into a cultural touchstone. It offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into leather, kink, and alternative sexuality. In short, walking through the fair gives you a deep appreciation for this diverse, vibrant subculture.
The Basics: Get Your Kink On
When: The Folsom Street Fair is Sunday, September 28, 2025. This all-day fête runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: The fair’s home is Folsom Street in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood. It now spans 13 city blocks, from 8th to 13th streets. Consequently, there’s plenty of room to roam and explore.
What: This event is a massive celebration of sexual liberation. Imagine public play stations, erotic artists, and countless gear vendors. There’s also live music, dance areas, and plenty of skin. This is definitely not your childhood block party.
Who: People of all genders and sexual orientations attend. However, the “Not for Children” warning is spot on. Organizers suggest not bringing anyone under 18.
How to Dress: Attendees often wear their best latex, leather, and rubber. Expect to see lots of nudity, as it’s legal at San Francisco’s street fairs.
Event Highlights: What to See and Do
Get ready to explore exciting BDSM activities at public play stations. For instance, you can learn how to throw a flogger. You also won’t want to miss the captivating shows on the erotic artists’ stage.
Beyond the kink scenes, the fair features live music stages. Local and international DJs pump out tunes all day long. You’ll also find hundreds of vendor booths selling everything from leather gear to artisan crafts. Plus, there is plenty of food and drink to keep you fueled. There’s even a cannabis lounge, since recreational use is legal in California.
Of course, don’t forget the people-watching! Folsom Street Fair is famous for its wild and creative outfits (or lack thereof). While costumes are encouraged, they aren’t required. Above all, respect everyone’s boundaries. Clear communication is key. After all, consent is the sexiest thing you can wear.
Lastly, remember the Folsom Street Fair is a charity event. Although entry is free, donations are encouraged. So, while you get your kink on, you’re also giving back to the community.
Folsom Street Fair Community Stages
When you step onto Folsom Street, you enter a world where kink is celebrated. The fair is committed to a safe, open, and inclusive environment. It centers equity for BIPOC and LGBTQA2I+ people. To achieve this, there are 8 different community stages.
Here’s the rundown:
- Stud & Oaklash Drag Stage: Shows by STUD Collective and Oaklash.
- Playground Stage: Performances for women, trans, and nonbinary folks.
- DJ & Gogo Stage: Fawkstales presents hot beats and heavy performances.
- Rope Stage: Twisted Windows and KinkPOC Bay Area showcase rope art.
- Folsom Street Live!: A stage for whips, chains, and live rock and roll.
- The Eagle Stage: The Eagle Bar hosts sensual dancers and cold beer.
- Wrestle Stage: A new stage with real live wrestling.
- BDSM Demos: Society of Janus hosts BDSM demonstrations.
Getting There: Your Travel Playbook
Let’s be real: driving to the Folsom Street Fair is a terrible idea. With thirteen blocks closed off, SoMa traffic becomes a nightmare. Instead, your best bet is public transit. BART and Muni are your loyal chariots. They will drop you right in the heart of the chaos. Just check which stations are closest to your preferred entry point.
Once inside, it’s a full-on street festival. This means lots of walking and gawking. Therefore, wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated. Plan to meet friends at a specific spot, as cell service can be spotty.
Where to Stay: Hotels & Rentals
If you’re making the pilgrimage to Folsom, book accommodations early. Hotel rooms fill up fast for this weekend. Luckily, you have plenty of choices. You can find hotels and boutique stays all over SoMa and nearby areas.
For a more local experience, consider a short-term rental. Airbnb and VRBO offer apartments, lofts, and homes. This gives you more space and flexibility. You can also find rentals with kitchens, which is perfect for late-night snacks. Whatever your budget, book sooner rather than later.
Do’s and Don’ts of Folsom Street Fair
Do:
- Participate in the fun. Come with an open mind to discover new things.
- Wear comfy shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring water and sunscreen. Stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
- Make it a vacation. San Francisco heats up in September, so enjoy the city.
Don’t:
- Bring your kids. This is not a family-friendly event.
- Touch without consent. Respect is mandatory. Always ask first.
- Bother performers. You can often talk to them after their shows are done.
Wrapping Up Your Adventure
So there you have it. If you’re free, willing, and open to leather, this trip to San Francisco is for you. With proper planning, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time. So, pack your sense of adventure and embrace the unexpected at the ultimate leather event.
Photos by Flickr user JBetac used under the Creative Commons Attribution license and courtesy of San Francisco Travel Association