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Dore Alley: Up Your Alley Weekend 2027

Where leather daddies rule the streets of San Francisco’s South of Market district.

  • Event Dates

    From: Wednesday, July 21, 2027
    To: Monday, July 26, 2027

  • Key Highlights

    • Dore Alley Fair
    • 50 adult vendors
    • Sound stage
    • Fetish enthusiasts
    • BDSM play
    • 15,000 fellow leather men
    • Leather daddies
    • Hog Wild on Friday
    • The Bay of Pigs on Saturday

A fun fetish fair in the Sun, San Francisco Style! 2027

More hardcore than its big brother, September’s Folsom Street Fair, Up Your Alley, or Dore Alley is a fetish market not for the faint of heart! Enjoy a weekend of fetish parties and circuit events in the lead up to the final Sunday of the month, when the fair comes to life and fetish lovers unite.

The Event

  • Wednesday 21st – Monday 26th July 2027 – While the main fair takes place on the final Sunday in July, a series of pop-up circuit events, after parties and recovery nights take place from the preceding Wednesday to the closing Monday.

The Dore Alley Fair

  • Next Edition: Sunday 25th July 2027
  • The Up Your Alley Fair is most commonly referred to by locals as Dore Alley Fair or simply Dore Alley,  a leather and fetish event held in San Francisco, California on the last Sunday of July on Folsom Street between 9th and 10th Streets and on Dore Street from Howard Street to half a block southeast of Folsom Street.
  • Up Your Alley attracts leather loves, hot guys, daddies and fetish lovers. Of course, if rubber, sportswear, biker gear, skinheads, punks, or any variety of built, hairy men turns you on, then you won’t be disappointed. As the organisers state, “If you’re into it, there’s a scene for you”.
  • Located in front of the legendary Powerhouse bar, an anything-goes gay leather bar, nearly 15,000 fellow leather men and fetish enthusiasts engage in BDSM play at over 50 adult vendor spaces! Spanking, punching, whips and floggers, bondage, domination and submission, creative water-sports, toys and so much more are in full effect.
  • A sound stage (for dancing) is located at the 10th Street end of Folsom Street.
  • Upgrade your Dore Alley experience with a stay at “The Line“, rated “Fabulous” by guests with spacious rooms, epic views and a superb gym, just 7-minutes ride to the alley!

Top Tips for a great Dore Alley Experience.

  • Arrive before midday. The streets and nearby bars become packed during the afternoon.
  • Wear boots or sturdy closed shoes. The fair takes place on busy city streets and lightweight footwear is not practical.
  • Bring sunscreen and drink water throughout the day.
  • Buy tickets for the main club parties before arriving in San Francisco.
  • Ask before taking photographs. A festival wristband or entry sign is not personal consent to photograph someone.
  • Carry only what you need and use a small secure bag.
  • Download or save your party tickets before leaving your hotel.
  • Expect queues at Powerhouse, Mr S Leather and the busiest SoMa venues.
  • Plan food away from the main fair. Nearby restaurants can become crowded and food inside the event is limited.
  • Check each party’s clothing policy. Some venues permit street clothes; others expect fetish, sportswear or leather gear.

Entrance

  • You can enter the fair at 9th and Folsom • Howard and 10th  or • 11th and Folsom
  • $15 Suggested Donation gets you a sticker for $2 OFF our outdoor bars!
  • CLOSEST BART STATION: Civic Center

Dore Alley Circuit Parties

  • Fun from Wednesday to Sunday- Many of the city’s top promoters are hosting some of the most anticipated parties of the Summer.
  • Pre parties kick off on Wednesday and after parties on Monday morning. Most events fall on Friday through to Sunday. The following parties typically take place during the event – Dates to be confirmed.
  • Dirty Alley – Mr S Leather and Powerhouse kick off Dore Alley Weekend with one of San Francisco’s biggest outdoor leather parties. Expect fetish demonstrations, DJs, gear vendors, go-go dancers and thousands of locals filling the streets around Dore Alley.
  • TUFF – LA’s acclaimed leather and fetish party returns to San Francisco with dark house and techno. Leather, rubber, sportswear and harnesses fill the dance floor for one of the weekend’s biggest opening parties.
  • LateXXX – San Francisco Rubber hosts its annual afternoon rubber social featuring DJ jvckietrvn, shiny gear, drinks and one of the friendliest gatherings of Dore Weekend.
  • Milked – Guerilla Jax’s legendary JO-only event returns with multiple play areas, equipment stations and a relaxed social atmosphere before the weekend really gets underway.
  • PRIME – Daddy Alley – TrophyDad’s signature daddy party features uplifting house music upstairs, while downstairs delivers darker leather bar beats for daddies and their admirers.
  • Stank – Powerhouse’s legendary musk party celebrates sweat, gear and natural attraction and is home to the famous Midnight Ripe Pit Contest.
  • Bark Before Dark – A welcoming social for pups, handlers and friends featuring DJs, social spaces and an easy-going start to the weekend before the late-night parties begin.
  • Alchemy – Progressive house and trance take over Public Works with international DJs delivering one of the weekend’s freshest dance events.
  • HorseMarket – Fresh Meat – HorseMarket’s opening play party welcomes newcomers into its European-inspired stallion-and-mare experience with multiple themed play spaces.
  • Big Muscle – The annual muscle celebration returns with the famous Bare Chest Calendar presentation, top DJs and one of the largest crowds of bodybuilders, muscle bears and fitness fans.
  • Sneaks – Polyglamorous’ hugely popular sneaker and sportswear party transforms the San Francisco Mint into a giant playground for trainer lovers, singlets and athletic gear.
  • BRÜT – Gear HEAD – Brian Kent’s internationally renowned BRÜT party features world-class DJs and thousands of leather and gear enthusiasts.
  • Truck – Inspired by San Francisco’s legendary Truck Bar, this warehouse party combines industrial production, dark beats and a sexy leather crowd.
  • HorseMarket – The flagship HorseMarket event continues the famous stallion-and-mare format with live performances, fetish play and an international crowd.
  • CUMUNION + BEARUNION – One of the weekend’s largest men’s play parties, combining CUMUNION and BEARUNION across multiple cruising and dungeon spaces.
  • Up Your Alley Fair – The world’s second-largest leather and fetish street fair fills SoMa with live entertainment, vendors, demonstrations, DJs and thousands of visitors celebrating San Francisco’s leather community.
  • Nocturnal – A Sunday morning after-hours event featuring uplifting house music inside Halcyon’s renowned sound system.
  • CUMUNION – Dore Alley Edition – Running as the fair winds down, CUMUNION fills two floors with cruising, play areas and an international crowd.
  • ROMP Dirty Discotheque – The official closing tea dance featuring disco-inspired production, lasers and a packed dance floor.
  • REAL BAD presents RITUAL After Hours – The legendary after-hours event keeps the music going into Sunday morning with an outstanding house music line-up.
  • SOMA – A high-energy closing circuit party featuring international DJs inside Halcyon’s immersive dance space.
  • HorseMarket Unbridled × Fornication – HorseMarket joins forces with Fornication for one final night of fetish play, performances and unforgettable Dore Weekend energy.
  • Deviants Adult Arcade – The official Up Your Alley afterparty transforms the historic San Francisco Mint into a multi-room playground featuring DJs, immersive performances and late-night entertainment.
  • Dore Alley Recovery – Round off an unforgettable weekend with drinks on the Lookout balcony overlooking Market Street as locals and visitors gather for one final celebration before heading home.

Horse Market

  • HorseMarket SF – Modeled as close as possible to the famous Fickstutenmarkt party that is held in Europe. This to some people, is known as the Stallion and Mare party.
  • Before the event begins, every participant has to decide whether he wants to attend as a Mare (bottom) or as a stallion (top) and there are no changes.
  • HorseMarket now has four separate events across the weekend: Pulse (Thu) Fresh Meat (Fri) HorseMarket (Sat) Unbridled × Fornication (Sun)
  • On the day of the market, the Mares arrive and undress either to underwear or naked and then get hooded. After they are ready, the Stallions enter and can fully inspect the Mares at their leisure.When a Stallion has decided on a mare, he can then mount the Mare. When the Stallion has finished mounting the mare, they are then available for mounting by other Stallions.

The Venues

  • Powerhouse – Compact, no-frills leather and cruise bar known for its packed patio, themed kink nights and famously uninhibited Dore Weekend crowd.
    District: SoMa – Less than 2 minutes’ walk from the fair.
  • Mr S Leather – San Francisco’s landmark leather and fetish store, hosting demonstrations, performers and outdoor action during the Dirty Alley opening party.
    District: SoMa – Approximately 6 minutes’ walk from the fair.
  • 1015 Folsom – Long-running multi-level nightclub with several dance floors, powerful production and a strong history of hosting San Francisco’s largest gay circuit events.
    District: SoMa – Approximately 7 minutes’ walk from the fair.
  • The Stud – Worker-owned queer institution dating back to 1966, known for drag, underground performers, alternative club nights and community-led events.
    District: SoMa – Approximately 5 minutes’ walk from the fair.
  • Public Works – Independent club and arts space with a tall main room, mezzanine level and a programme built around underground house, techno and queer nightlife.
    District: Mission District – Approximately 18 minutes’ walk from the fair.
  • DNA Lounge – A sprawling late-night venue with two stages, four dance floors, seven bars and an attached pizza restaurant for post-party food.
    District: SoMa – Approximately 7 minutes’ walk from the fair.
  • The San Francisco Mint – Monumental former US Mint filled with stone vaults, grand halls and hidden rooms, creating a dramatic setting for Sneaks and large multi-room productions.
    District: Mid-Market – Approximately 20 minutes’ walk from the fair.
  • 888 Garage – Raw industrial event space near The Midway, built around warehouse-scale sound, minimal interiors and large underground dance productions.
    District: Dogpatch – Approximately 40 minutes’ walk or 10–15 minutes by taxi from the fair.
  • Club Six – Underground SoMa nightclub with separate upstairs and basement rooms, letting parties run contrasting house, techno and leather-bar sounds under one roof.
    District: SoMa – Approximately 18 minutes’ walk from the fair.
  • Transform1060 – Dedicated adult event space with social areas, dungeon equipment and several rooms designed for cruising and men-only play parties.
    District: SoMa – Approximately 7 minutes’ walk from the fair.
  • Halcyon – Intimate late-night club recognised for its high-spec sound system, low ceilings and DJ-focused house and techno programme.
    District: SoMa – Approximately 6 minutes’ walk from the fair.
  • Lookout – Popular Castro gay bar with a wraparound upper-floor balcony overlooking Market Street, hosting the traditional Monday recovery gathering.
    District: Castro – Approximately 30 minutes’ walk or 10–15 minutes by taxi from the fair.
  • StopGap – Private SoMa dungeon used for ticketed fetish workshops, community socials and smaller play-focused events away from the main club circuit.
    District: SoMa – Exact address and distance are provided to ticket holders.

Where to stay during Dore Alley Fair

San Francisco’s most popular gay neighbourhoods include, The Castro and Soma (home to the most famous gay fetish bars)

SOMA: InterContinental Hotel,     Courtyard by Marriott ,    Palace Hotel,    Hotel Zelos,
CASTRO: Beck’s Motor Lodge,

Gay Map of San Francisco

We have divided the map into two areas, the Castro, San Francisco’s world famous gay district and SOMA

Address: 1409 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

  • Historic 1881 Victorian mansion turned boutique hotel.
  • Elegant rooms with antique décor + modern comfort.
  • 24-h gym, parking, concierge and pet-friendly amenities.
  • Great location near central SF, LGBTQ neighborhoods & nightlife.
  • Perfect for travellers seeking style, comfort and city access.
  • Website

Address: 501 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA

  • Stylish boutique hotel near Union Square in downtown SF.
  • Mix of historic charm and modern, comfortable rooms.
  • Restaurant, bar, gym and pet-friendly amenities add convenience.
  • Friendly staff and attentive service praised by many guests.
  • Excellent base for sightseeing, shopping, nightlife or transit access.
  • Website

Address: 520 Church St, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA

  • Boutique B&B near Mission Dolores Park and the Castro.
  • Comfortable rooms with robes, Smart-TVs, and good bathrooms.
  • Free continental breakfast + evening wine social included.
  • Garden, shared lounges and quiet, friendly atmosphere.
  • Great base for LGBT-friendly SF stays close to gay nightlife.
  • Website

Address: 2222 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA

  • Motel in the Castro, ideal for LGBTQ-friendly stays near nightlife.
    Updated rooms with mini-fridges, clean bathrooms, parking + WiFi.
    Free parking and good value for a central SF location.
    Easy access to transit and walking distance to bars/clubs.
    Great choice if you want comfort & convenience without high costs.
  • Website

Address: 440 Castro St San Francisco, CA 94114

  • Gay bar & leather/bear-scene staple in the Castro.
  • Small, relaxed interior with friendly bartenders.
  • Mix of locals and visiting gay men, many bear-type.
  • Affordable drinks and regular themed nights.
  • Authentic, welcoming spot for casual nights out.
  • Open: Daily 12pm–2am
  • Facebook

Address: 4121 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

  • Gay bar and dance club in the Castro.
  • Spacious dance floor with high-energy music videos.
  • Mixed-age crowd of gay men and LGBTQ+ friends.
  • Friendly vibe with cocktails, DJs and party nights.
  • Historic venue revived for a fresh generation.
  • Open: Mon–Thu 4pm–2am, Fri–Sat-Sun 3pm–2am
  • Instagram

Address: 2344 Market St San Francisco, CA 94114

  • Gay bar and dance club in the Castro.
  • Drag shows, go-go parties and themed dance nights.
  • Day-lounge vibe early, club energy later.
  • Mostly gay male crowd, lively and social atmosphere.
  • Good spot for cocktails, dancing, brunch or late-night fun.
  • Open: Mon–Fri 3pm–2am, Sat–Sun 12pm–2am
  • Website

Address: 2367 Market St San Francisco, CA 94114

  • Gay bar and club in the Castro District.
  • Spacious dance floor, three bars and party vibe.
  • DJ nights, themed events and good music.
  • Mixed LGBTQ+ crowd, lively and social.
  • Ideal for drinks, dancing and late nights out.
  • Open: Thu 9pm–2am, Fri, Sat 9pm–2am, Sun 3pm–2am
  • Facebook

Address: 2247 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114

  • Gay sports bar in the Castro with big screens and pub food.
  • Casual atmosphere — friendly crowd, relaxed vibe.
  • Good for watching games, casual drinks or nights out.
  • Frequent events like trivia nights and themed parties.
  • Blend of sports-bar energy and gay nightlife spirit.
  • Open: Mon–Wed 12pm–12am, Thu–Fri 12pm–2am
  • Sat 10am–2am, Sun 10am–12am
  • Website

Address: 133 Turk St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA

  • Historic gay dive bar in San Francisco’s Tenderloin.
  • Small, neon-lit space with pool table and close-quarters vibe.
  • Regular drag shows and queer-centered dance nights.
  • Welcoming mix of older regulars and inclusive party-goers.
  • Cheap drinks, real community feel, and raw, authentic nightlife.
  • Open: Mon–Fri 12pm–12am, Sat–Sun 10am–12am
  • Website

Address: 1723 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA

  • Historic gay bar on Polk Street with dive-bar charm.
  • Wooden bar, pool tables, jukebox and relaxed ambiance.
  • Drag shows, karaoke, DJs and regular theme nights.
  • Mixed crowd: old-guard regulars + newcomers / queer community.
  • Saved from closure 2025 now entering a new era under new owner.
  • Open: Mon–Sun 10am–2am
  • Facebook

Address: 4049 18th St San Francisco, CA 94114

  • Gay bar deep in Castro with laid-back vibe.
  • Nautical decor with big fish tank over the bar.
  • Pool, pinball and video screens for easy fun.
  • Friendly, mixed-age crowd and regulars.
  • Good spot for drinks, chats, casual nights out.
  • Open: Daily 12pm–2am
  • Facebook

Address: 3988 18th StSan Francisco, CA 94114

  • Gay neighbourhood bar with a cozy pub feel.
  • Warm fireplace, jukebox and casual drinks.
  • 88’ or 90’s hits — laid-back soundtrack for chats.
  • Mixed crowd, comfortable for locals and visitors.
  • Great spot for a calm evening rather than a night out.
  • Open: Mon–Fri 12pm–2am, Sat, Sun 1pm–2am
  • Instagram

Address: 3158 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA

  • Gay bar and community hub with queer-friendly atmosphere.
  • Backyard patio, shuffleboard/pool, and casual dive-bar vibe.
  • Frequent live music, salsa, drag shows and queer Latin events.
  • Diverse multi-gender, multi-generation crowd; welcoming to all.
  • Founded 1978 — historic landmark of San Francisco gay nightlife.
  • Open: Wed & Thurs 5pm-12am, Fri 4pm-2am,
  • Sat 3pm-2am & Sun 3pm-9pm
  • Website

Address: 3600 16th St San Francisco, CA 94114

  • Gay bar & club in the Castro with lively, social vibe.
  • Upstairs balcony perfect for people-watching on sunny days.
  • Cocktails, bar food, DJs and regular themed nights.
  • Welcoming crowd — locals, regulars and curious visitors.
  • Great mix of chill afternoons and high-energy nights.
  • Open: Mon–Fri 3:30pm–2am, Sat 12pm–2am, Sun 1pm–12am
  • Facebook

Address: 401 Castro St San Francisco, CA 94114

  • Historic gay bar in the Castro.
  • Wooden bar, big windows and chill vibe.
  • Perfect for relaxed drinks and people-watching.
  • Mostly older gay crowd, friendly and welcoming.
  • A queer landmark with decades of history.
  • Open: Mon–Wed 12pm–2am, Thu–Sat 8am–2am, Sun 10am–2am
  • Instagram

Address: 4086 18th St San Francisco, CA 94114

  • Gay neighbourhood bar in the Castro.
  • Back patio, jukebox and pool table for relaxed nights.
  • Friendly bartenders and strong drinks.
  • Welcoming, down-to-earth crowd.
  • Good for drinks, chatter or late-night chill.
  • Open: Mon–Fri 12pm–2am, Sat–Sun 12pm–2am
  • Website

Address: 4146 18th St San Francisco, CA 94114

  • Gay bar in the Castro with both dance floor and chill patio.
  • Long bar, DJs, dancing and casual hangs.
  • Affordable drinks, friendly crowd mostly gay men.
  • Good mix of night-out energy and dive-bar comfort.
  • Easygoing place for drinks, socialising or late-night dancing.
  • Open: Mon–Thu 4pm–2am, Fri 3pm–2am,
  • Sat 2pm–2am, Sun 1pm–2am
  • Facebook

Address: 225 Church St San Francisco, CA 94114

  • Gay sports bar in the Castro with friendly, relaxed energy.
  • 30+ beers on tap, pool, darts and games keep things casual.
  • Back garden patio for outdoor drinks and chill vibes.
  • Big screens show sports, attracting a mixed crowd.
  • Welcoming and genuine spot for new friends or old regulars.
  • Open: Mon–Thu 1pm–2am, Fri–Sun 12pm–2am
  • Website

Address: 4149 18th St San Francisco, CA 94114

  • Gay bar in San Francisco’s Castro District.
  • Welcoming bar with pool tables and relaxed vibe.
  • Weekly drag, music-video and party nights.
  • Mixed-age male crowd; friendly and down-to-earth.
  • Good for drinks, chats or casual nights out.
  • Open: Mon 2pm–2am, Tue 2pm–1am, Wed 2pm–2am, Thu 2pm–1am
  • Fri 2pm–2am, Sat–Sun 12pm–2am 
  • Facebook

Address: 456 Castro St San Francisco, CA 94114

  • Gay club in the Castro with strong nightlife energy.
  • Dance floor, DJs and themed party nights.
  • Inclusive, mixed-age LGBTQ+ crowd.
  • Welcoming vibe for queer and trans people of color.
  • Reopened after fire; now revived and running again.
  • Open: Mon–Tue 6pm–12am, Wed–Thu 9pm–2am, Fri–Sun 5pm–2am
  • Facebook

Address: 2200a Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114

  • Bar + arcade combining games and drinks in one spot.
  • Retro and modern video games, board games and console fun.
  • Craft cocktails, casual food and welcoming energy.
  • Mixed crowd with inclusive, LGBTQ-friendly vibe.
  • Good for a relaxed evening or playful night out.
  • Open: Mon–Thu 5pm–11:30pm,
  • Fri 5pm–1am, Sat 2pm–1am, Sun 1pm–12am
  • Website

Address: 2124 Market StSan Francisco, CA 94114

  • Gay bar near the Castro focused on cocktails.
  • Modern interior with lounge seating and a pool table.
  • Creative drinks and rotating menus.
  • Mixed-age crowd with a relaxed social vibe.
  • Ideal for casual drinks and low-key evenings.
  • Open: Mon–Wed 5pm–12am, Thu 5pm–12am, Fri 4pm–2am,
  • Sat 2pm–2am, Sun 2pm–11pm
  • Instagram

Address: 476 Castro St San Francisco, CA 94114

  • Gay wine bar on Castro Street with relaxed, cozy vibe.
  • Wide wine selection, small plates and chill seating.
  • Soft lighting, couches — ideal for easy conversation.
  • Mixed crowd of locals and visitors, welcoming energy.
  • Good for wine, food and mellow Castro evenings.
  • Open: Mon–Thu 4pm–12am, Fri 4pm–1:30am,
  • Sat 3pm–1:30pm, Sun 3pm–12am
  • Website

Address: 198 Church St San Francisco, CA 94114

  • Cocktail lounge near the Castro with classic vibes.
  • Stylish interior, handcrafted drinks and pool table.
  • Relaxed crowd; quiet enough for good conversation.
  • Good for a calm evening or casual meet-up.
  • Friendly, easygoing alternative to busy club nights.
  • Open: Sun–Thu 4pm–12am, Fri–Sat 4pm–2am
  • Facebook

Address: 2223 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA

  • Queer-women oriented bar celebrating women’s sports and history.
  • Named after lesbian-bar pioneer Rikki Streicher; historic roots.
  • Screens women’s sports, with full bar and casual seating.
  • Frequent queer-women, women’s-sports fans and community crowd.
  • Perfect mix of activism, sport support and relaxed bar vibe.
  • Open: Tue–Thu 3:30pm–10pm,
  • Fri–Sat 11:30am–12am, Sun 11:30am–10pm
  • Website

Address: 398 12th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

  • Gay leather & bear-scene bar in SoMa.
  • Multiple bars, outdoor patio, nightlife-ready energy.
  • DJs, live shows and regular themed nights.
  • Mixed-age crowd with a raw, club-meets-bar spirit.
  • Essential stop for old-school San Francisco gay nightlife.
  • Open: Mon 6pm–12am, Tue closed, Wed–Thu 6pm–12am,
  • Fri 2pm–2am, Sat 12pm–2am, Sun 12pm–12am
  • Website

Address: 1347 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

  • Gay leather & cruise bar with a long legacy on Folsom Street.
  • Dark-room zones, dance floor, go-go dancers and strong music.
  • Regular themed nights — underwear, leather, fetish & kink.
  • Diverse gay male crowd, from bears to muscle-types.
  • Unfiltered nightlife spot for cruising, dancing and leather culture.
  • Open: Mon 4 pm–12 am, Wed–Sun 4 pm–2 am
  • Website

Address: 1354 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

  • Gay bear & leather bar in SoMa with a laid-back vibe.
  • Pool table, outdoor patio and easy-going interior.
  • Mostly men — bears, otters and regulars — friendly crowd.
  • Local-style events, beers, simple drinks and casual nights out.
  • Comfortable spot to meet people or unwind after a night in the city.
  • Open: Mon–Sat 4pm–2am, Sun 2pm–2am
  • Website

Address: 401 6th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

  • Gay after-hours club open since 1973.
  • Dance floor, patio, lounge and world-class sound.
  • Regular DJ nights and themed LGBTQ-friendly events.
  • Mixed-age crowd of gay men and clubbers.
  • Iconic, vibrant staple of San Francisco nightlife.
  • Open: Thu 10pm–4am, Fri 10pm–8am,
  • Sat 10pm–10am, Sun 8pm–4am
  • Website

Address: 1190 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

  • Nightclub in SoMa blending goth, fetish, indie and dance scenes.
  • Two dance floors, go-go cage, themed parties and alternative music.
  • Mixed crowd — queer, straight, goth, fetish and club-goers.
  • Raw, underground energy rather than polished mainstream-club vibe.
  • Good for nights of dancing, expression and alternative nightlife.
  • Open: Wed–Sat 9pm–3am
  • Website

Address: 1225 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

  • Cocktail bar in SoMa with cozy, nautical-inspired décor.
  • Leather sofas, warm vibes and casual seating areas.
  • Craft cocktails, beer selection and rotating drink menu.
  • Mixed, relaxed crowd — including queer-friendly visitors.
  • Solid choice for a quiet drink or easy night out.
  • Open: Tue–Wed 4pm–12am, Thu–Sat 4pm–2am
  • Website

Address: 1369 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

  • Gay biker-bar dive on Folsom Street.
  • Dim-lit interior, pool table and neon-lit decor.
  • Rock/metal or classic queer-bar music and laid-back mood.
  • Mixed crowd — bikers, leather crowd and regular gay men.
  • Affordable drinks and relaxed, local-bar energy.
  • Open: Mon–Fri 2pm–2am, Sat–Sun 12pm–2am
  • Website

Address: 424 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA

  • Nightclub & electronic-music bar with varied party nights.
  • Dance floor with underground music, plus a daytime coffee bar.
  • Mixed, inclusive crowd; attracts queer-friendly & music-lover visitors.
  • Relaxed vibe, small-club energy rather than flashy mainstream club.
  • Good for an alternative night out or casual drinks + music.
  • Open: Mon–Wed 7am–1pm; Thu 7am–1pm & 9pm–2am;
  • Fri 7am–1pm & 9pm–2am; Sat 10am–3pm & 9pm–2am; Sun closed
  • Website

Address: 1437 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA

  • Gay bar in Haight-Ashbury continuing the spirit of Trax Bar.
  • Dive-bar style with pool table, taps, and simple drinks.
  • Mixed crowd — queer community, locals and visitors.
  • Friendly, inclusive vibe; relaxed and unpretentious.
  • Good for casual nights, drinks, hanging out and meeting people.
  • Open: Mon–Fri 12pm–2am, Sat–Sun 11am–2am
  • Website

Address: 4 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

  • Piano bar & lounge known for martinis and live music.
  • Dark, intimate atmosphere with cozy seating and bar.
  • Mixed, inclusive crowd — many queer or gay-friendly visitors.
  • Live sing-alongs, cabaret-style nights and mellow energy.
  • Great for cocktails, relaxed nights or a low-key musical outing.
  • Open: Mon–Sun 4pm–2am
  • Facebook

Address: 2700 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

  • Queer-women and LGBTQ-friendly bar in the Mission.
  • Dance floor, DJ nights, brunch & themed events.
  • Pool table, cocktails, casual and party vibe.
  • Inclusive crowd — lesbians, queer women, trans folks & allies.
  • Great for nights out, meet-ups or a fun brunch & dance combo.
  • Open: Thu–Sat 7pm–2am, Sun brunch 12pm–4pm
  • Website

Address: 3079 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA

  • Queer-women / femme-centered bar in the Mission.
  • Cocktails, affordable beers, cozy bar + lounge mood.
  • Inclusive, mostly women/femme/trans crowd.
  • Frequent Latin-theme parties, drag, DJ sets and community vibes.
  • A rare, important queer-women space in SF nightlife.
  • Open: Mon–Wed 4pm–12am, Thu–Fri 4pm–2am,
  • Sat 2pm–2am, Sun 2pm–12am
  • Website

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Palace Hotel
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Hotel Zetta San Francisco, a Viceroy Urban Retreat
Booking.com
  • 4 Star – Central Location, 46-Inch Smart TV
  • Close to the gay district
  • iPod dock, Bluetooth speaker, quiet
  • Central San Francisco, rooms with smart TVs, free WiFi, iPod docks, Bluetooth speakers, and premium toiletries.

The LINE San Francisco
4 Star, Great Value

The LINE San Francisco
Booking.com
  • 4 Star – Free Bikes, Near Union Square
  • Close to the gay district
  • Safety deposit box, balcony options
  • Near San Francisco City Hall, offers bikes, private parking, fitness center, restaurant, and rooms with balconies.

Handlery
3 Star, Location

Booking.com
  • 3 Star – Outdoor Pool, Union Square Location
  • Close to the gay district
  • MP3 connection, mini-fridge
  • In Union Square, offers outdoor pool, rooms with MP3 connections, fitness center access, sauna, and barbershop.

Video Guide to Gay San Francisco

Discover the best of Gay San Francisco.

W San Francisco

Top Gay Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco is a vibrant and inclusive city with a long history of LGBTQ+ activism and culture. Here are the most popular neighbourhoods, including gay hot spots and districts close to the city’s most popular attractions. It is worth noting that the best-rated hotels are close to Union Square

SoMa (South of Market) | Gay Hotspot

SoMa San Francisco
Photo: Eixample is home to some of Barcelona’s most popular gay bars

The Castro

The Castro San Francisco

One of the world’s most famous gay districts since the 1960s, a focal point for LGBTQ+ culture.

Union Square

Union Square San Francisco
In the heart of downtown, a great choice if you want to be close to major tourist attractions.

The Mission

The Mission San Francisco

South of the city centre, known for its colourful murals, hipster culture, bars and restaurants.

Nob Hill

Upscale neighbourhood with beautiful city views, known for its elegant hotels and historic architecture

Other Events in July

Maschio Peloso Torremolinos

Maschio Peloso Torremolinos

From: Aug. 18.2026 - To: Aug. 18.2026
Maschio Peloso is the ultimate gay party for hairy guys who want to party hard.
Loco Bongo Barcelona

Loco Bongo Barcelona

From: Sep. 26.2026 - To: Sep. 26.2026
Loco Bongo Barcelona enjoy the craziest Saturday party in the city, where you can play, dance and have a lots of fun.
Madrid Pride

Madrid Pride

From: Jun. 24.2027 - To: Jul. 04.2027
Madrid Gay Pride is simply the best city pride in Europe. Held on the first weekend in July, the event is one of the largest of its kind with a stunning parade.
We Party Pride Festival Madrid

We Party Pride Festival Madrid

From: Jun. 30.2027 - To: Jul. 04.2027
Guys from all over the world come to visit Madrid during gay pride and the WE Party Pride Festival is proud to bring you the best gay events in the city
Cologne Gay Pride

Cologne Gay Pride

From: Jul. 01.2027 - To: Jul. 05.2027
Cologne Gay Pride or as it is better known Christopher Street Day is one of the bigger European gay prides attracting between 750,000 and one million people.