Event Dates
From: Saturday, September 20, 2025
To: Saturday, September 20, 2025
San Francisco Leather Walk 2025
San Francisco’s Leather Walk is one of the most diverse marches in the city.
San Francisco Leather Walk 2025
San Francisco’s Leather Walk is one of the most diverse marches in the city and mixes a party atmosphere with an important charity raising event, while promoting the leather community and all its attractions. People walk together to celebrate leather, kink, family and community — all while raising funds for three great agencies.
- Visiting San Francisco for Folsom Fair? Stay at the Hotel Via, Our readers have rated this hotel as “Fabulous” with spacious rooms offering amazing views of Bay bridge. The rooftop bar is a great place to kick start your weekend in San Francisco.
The Leather Walk
- Next Edition: Sunday 20th September, 2025
- The annual Leather Walk takes place on every year in September in the lead-up to the Folsom Street Fair. Each year, hundreds of Leather Walkers take over Market Street and march from the Castro to SoMa.
- On-site registration and check in begins at 10:00am at 440 Castro. Each marcher received a collectable Leather Walk pin.
- While you’re waiting for the action to get started, grab some breakfast at The Cove on Castro, San Francisco’s favourite local diner.
- Entertainment starts at 11:30am at Jane Warner Plaza. The walk itself plans to start moving at 12:00pm from the front of Castro Theatre. The walk features performances by some of San Francisco’s most amazing vocal and drag talent.
- The Leather Walk will include the following stops stops: Stop 1: SF Oasis, Stop 2: Powerhouse, Stop 3: Mr-S-Leather, Stop 5: The Lone Star Saloon, Stop 6: SF Eagle Final Stop.
- Events continue at the Leather Pride Festival at Eagle Plaza with the Flag Raising and Beer Bust.
San Francisco’s Leather Scene
- The Leather community in San Francisco is quite diverse. The city has a designated Leather and LGBTQ District in part of the city’s South of Market neighbourhood.
- The neighbourhood remains home to gay and kink bars and the popular Folsom Street Fair, which draws thousands of people every year to celebrate leather sexuality.
- Stay close to the Eagle at the InterContinental San Francisco, with a great gym, stunning views and delicious breakfast and just a 5 minute ride away from the bar.
History of the Leather Walk
- Leather Walk was founded in 1992 by Art Tomaszewski, former AEF Board President, Bare Chest Calendar Man and former Mr. Headquarters Leather.
- Art was inspired to start an event that would raise visibility, comradery and funds for AEF. In 2001, Sandy ‘Mama’ Reinhardt, a tireless community fundraiser and founding advisor at BCEF, took over event production of Leather Walk. Each year, Mama and Mama’s Family hold Leather Walk fundraisers across the country.
- Today, Leather Walk raises vital funds for Folsom Street Events and Positive Resource Center.
Where to Stay?
- San Francisco is divided into several neighbourhoods. The Castro and Soma are home to the city’s bustling gay neighbourhoods.
- Soma is home to Folsom Street and most of the leather and fetish bars.
- Other popular neighbourhoods include Mission District. As the modern hub of San Francisco’s most vibrant district, Valencia Street is home to some of the city’s hottest destination eateries, funky independent shops, most crowded watering holes, and eye-popping murals.
- Stay close to all the tourist attractions in some of the best hotels in the city, in the downtown/union square district
Recommended Hotels
The following hotels are close to the gay bars and the city’s top attractions:
InterContinental Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott , Palace Hotel, Hotel Zelos,
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The W Hotel is our preferred hotel close
to the gay area with a gym & large rooms
Official Website
For further information and advice on
San Francisco Leather Walk website
Gay Map of San Francisco
We have divided the map into two areas, the Castro, San Francisco’s world famous gay district and SOMA, the are where the Folsom Street Fair takes place each September.
Map of Gay San Francisco (SOMA)
2 New Montgomery St San Francisco, CA 94105
Famed bars, an awe-inspiring crystal chandelier restaurant, a fitness area and a glass dome are featured at this landmark Financial District . ’s vibrant is 5 minutes’ walk from Palace Hotel.
Leather tufted headboards, 11-foot , bedside lighting, high thread count linens and pillow-top bedding set the stage for a night’s sleep in each room at the Palace Hotel, a Collection Hotel, San Francisco
55 5th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
This Central San Francisco hotel offers rooms with a 46-inch flat-screen smart TV. Free WiFi, an iPod docking station, a portable wireless Bluetooth speaker, and double-panned windows for quiet. A seating area, work desk, and an Illy espresso coffee machine, walk-in shower, bathrobes & premium toiletries. A state-of-the-art fitness centre & laundry services
501 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Offering French-inspired architecture, The Marker San Francisco, provides guests with an ideal city centre. The guest rooms and suites at this upscale hotel boast amenities such as an LCD flat-screen TV with on-demand movies and an iHome alarm clock radio. All guest rooms feature ironing facilities, a hairdryer, a make-up mirror and boutique bath products.
351 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102
This San Francisco hotel is located in Union Square, it offers an outdoor pool and rooms with an MP3 connection. It features a barbershop and a business center. Access to a fitness centre one block from the hotel and an on-site sauna. Each classically-designed room is equipped with a flat-screen cable TV and mini-refrigerator. Free coffee and tea are also provided
240 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA 94133
The apartment is fitted with 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a fully equipped kitchen that provides guests with a dishwasher, a microwave, a washing machine, a fridge and an oven. a fitness centre, free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk,
903 Pine St, San Francisco, CA 94108
This is spacious and bright Luxurious Victorian One Bedroom Apartment in San Francisco Historic District Large Living aria with Smart TV. Office space Full bathroom, Hard floor a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and a fridge.
1330 Mason St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Absolutely the best location in San Francisco! Situated in Nob Hill one of the city’s most desirable neighborhood enclaves just steps away from Union Square, the Financial District, Chinatown, 3 Bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchen
Bay St, San Francisco, CA
This air-conditioned holiday home Villa near the waterfront is equipped with 3 bedrooms, a living room with cable TV, and a fully equipped kitchen with a washing machine & dishwasher. a bathroom with bath and shower featuring free WiFi,
BOOK NOW
401 6th St San Francisco, CA 94107
Known as San Francisco’s most legendary after-hours nightclub, The EndUp celebrates dance culture like no other venue. Conveniently located on 6th & Harrison in the SoMa district, the thumping bass heard as you approach The EndUp tells you this place is not for the faint of heart.
298 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Sprawling gay nightspot in a former bathhouse featuring cabaret & drag shows, DJs & dance parties.
1190 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
Large gay club with exposed-brick walls & theme nights offering 2 dance floors and 2 bars
3079 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States
Smart gay bar can be a lot of fun
1357 Folsom StSan Francisco, CA 94103
Leather, denim, bears gay bar
1437 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Small, melting-pot bar where gay, straight & bisexual crowds gather over drinks & rounds of pool.
398 12th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Revival of a legendary Gay leather bar with periodic drag shows, theme nights & big heated patio.
4149 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Both themed events & street-facing windows enhance the people-watching scene at this Castro gay bar.
4121 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States
Techno & '80s hits play at this veteran gay club with a lively dance floor & lots of drink specials.
440 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114
We are a neighborhood bar that’s home to locals and tourists. If you’re visiting for San Francisco Gay Pride, Up Your Alley Dore Alley Fair, or the Folsom Street Fair, 440 is a great place to meet up with friends and make new ones.
1354 Harrison St San Francisco, CA 94103
San Francisco's famous bear bar with patio
2247 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Gay bar supplying top-shelf fast food & drinks plus TVs tuned to sports in a setting with gym decor.
3988 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Small, neighborhood bar with a fireplace and old school jukebox. Located in an old carriage house that has been operating as a bar since the 1971. Mellow vibe and friendly clientele
3600 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Gay Castro hangout for drinks with a variety of DJs, and a wraparound balcony overlooking Market Street regular Drag shows
401 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Gay bar serving classic cocktails & beers on tap, also boasts vintage furniture & big glass windows.
4086 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
This small gay bar has a patio & pool table, plus frequent happy-hour specials
4146 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Gay Bar offering live DJ's, music videos, dancing, a full bar of great cocktails, beer, and always great prices! We offer a large dance floor inside with a full bar, seating and booths - plus, an outside patio for smoking and mingling complete with it's own bar. Regular Drag events, Karaoke, dance competitions, beer busts and more make Toad Hall a good time any day of the week!
4 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Patrons belt out show tunes and down large specialty martinis at this popular gay piano bar.
4049 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Moby Dick has been at it's present location for over thirty years. One of the few bars in the Castro from the beginning. This longtime gay watering hole exudes a laid-back vibe with pool, pinball & video games.
3158 Mission StSan Francisco, CA 94110
Gay bar full of fun for everyone
2344 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Happy hour, live entertainment & dance music showcased at a vibrant, edgy gay lounge.
4067 18th St #2535, San Francisco, CA 94114
video bar located in the heart of the Castro with strong drinks & a mixed crowd.
43 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
This hopping gay hangout offers a dance floor with a domed ceiling, plus happy hours & drag shows.
2700 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Laid-back gay bar & restaurant serving American fare & weekend brunch, plus pool, dancing & shows.
2369 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114
The Café has been a staple in the LGBTQ+ Castro community for almost 30 years, and we are thrilled for our amazing patrons to experience our brand new, state-of-the-art bar & nightclub.
1225 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103
DRIFTWOOD is a cozy gay neighborhood cocktail bar with great local beers, fun music and good friends.
399 9th StSan Francisco, CA 94103
We're a 50-year-old queer bar, nightclub, performance space, and community center in the heart of San Francisco's SoMa district. The Stud is the first worker-owned cooperative nightclub in the US!
1060 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Gay Sex Bar
What looks like a very small space actually turns out to be a pretty large two level space broken into lots of separate play spaces each with it's own play furniture and fun. Slings, beds, custom built play equipment... it's got pretty much everything you could imagine. The crowd is always very playful and no one seems to be left out of the play, unless they want to be of course. The awesome music and lighting give the place a sexy, mysterious vibe and enhance the experience. Management is very attentive to the customers and the place and, as a result, it is always very clean and you always feel safe
424 Haight St San Francisco, CA 94117
Very busy gay bar with go go boys
1369 Folsom St San Francisco, CA 94103
A rough and tumble gay biker bar
133 Turk St San Francisco, CA 94102
The original gay drag show bar
225 Church St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Darts, pool & TVs tuned to sports are standards at this gay bar, which also boasts a garden patio.
3464 19th StSan Francisco, CA 94110
Popular lesbian bar
1723 Polk StSan Francisco, CA 94109
fun gay bar with drag shows and 80's music
The only surviving gay bar from a bygone era where almost every bar on Polk Street was Gay.
Map of Gay San Francisco (The Castro)
520 Church Street, San Francisco, California 94114
Situated in San Francisco, Parker Guest House features accommodation with a garden and private parking. This 3-star hotel offers a concierge service and luggage storage space. The hotel has newspapers and a fax machine and photocopier that guests can use.
With a private bathroom fitted with a shower and a hair dryer, rooms at the hotel also boast free WiFi. At Parker Guest House, rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels.
2222 Market StSan Francisco, CA 94114
The colorful Castro District in San Francisco is home to this charming motel, nestled on a tree-lined street near local attractions. Free WiFi and free parking are included.
A small refrigerator and cable TV are provided in each guest room at Beck's Motor Lodge. An en suite bathroom is included.
345 Twin Peaks Boulevard, San Francisco, California 94114
The apartment features 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a patio with city views. With a balcony and free WiFi
551 Castro Street, San Francisco, California 94114
This 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom remodeled flat in Heart of Castro offers a terrace, a balcony and free WiFi. A living room with a TV and a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher and Washing machine
9 Douglass Street, San Francisco, California 94114
This 2-bedroom 2-bath house offers a formal dining room and a chef’s kitchen. It has a tropical-themed master-suite with a up-lit thatched ceiling, a multi-head glass enclosed rain shower
732 Guerrero Street, San Francisco, California 94110
The apartment features 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower.
440 Castro St San Francisco, CA 94114
Gay leather, denim and bears bar
21 AND OVER ONLY! Your neighborhood gay bar.
Located in the heart of the Castro, 440 is a great place to meet up with friends and make new ones.
2367 Market St San Francisco, CA 94114
Big gay bar with party nights
The Café has been a staple of the Castro night scene for over 20 years, and now with its recent renovations, has become one of the most unique venues in San Francisco
4049 18th St San Francisco, CA 94114
Small but very popular gay bar
Last year marked our 40th year in the same location in the Castro. In 1977, a bar at the corner of 18th and Hartford formerly known as The Corner Store officially became The Moby Dick Bar. it has been 40 years, the bar adapted to the many changes in the times and in the community, but one thing has remained consistent. Moby Dick remains the consummate neighborhood bar, with friendly faces, affordable drinks, and enjoyable entertainment.
2247 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Gay bar supplying top-shelf fast food & drinks plus TVs tuned to sports in a setting with gym decor.
4121 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States
Techno & '80s hits play at this veteran gay club with a lively dance floor & lots of drink specials.
2200a Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114
This gay bar is really fun spot for an evening out. Loads of arcade games to keep you amused and drag bingo on a Wednesday, fun staff and good drinks.
456 Castro St San Francisco, CA 94114
Small fun gay bar with regular events
QBar SF is a gay bar in the Castro hosting Parties Nightly with rotating DJ's, dancers and drink specials.
2344 Market St San Francisco, CA 94114
BEAUX, the French word for “boyfriends,” is one of the Castro's premier LGBTQIA+ venues. we offer a 2-for-1 cocktail Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3-7pm, and a party every night of the week starting at 9pm. Beaux transforms from a craft cocktail lounge by day into a full dance club with revolving themed parties at night,
500 Castro St San Francisco, CA 94114
Gay bar offering pub food
In the heart of the Castro since 1996 is named after the late Mayor of Castro Street, Harvey Milk. Step back in time to San Francisco in the late 1970's.
4149 18th St San Francisco, CA 94114
Popular gay bar for all ages
Landmark LGBT community bar in the historic Castro neighborhood for over 20 years. Noted for friendly staff, cruisey ambiance, generous, well-priced drinks, & fun benefit events.
4067 18th St San Francisco, CA 94114
Popular cruise gay video bar
Midnight Sun, SF's premier LGBTQIA+ video bar in the heart of the Castro.
4086 18th St San Francisco, CA 94114
Fun gay bar with BBQ weekends
This small gay bar has a patio & pool table, plus frequent happy-hour specials.
3600 16th St San Francisco, CA 94114
Gay bar with shows
Voted Best Gay Bar in San Francisco 3 years running! Wrap around balcony offers best view in the Castro - Best in local and international DJs nightly.
225 Church St San Francisco, CA 94114
Big gay bar offering over 30 draft beers
Since 1980, Pilsner Inn has been entertaining and quenching the thirsts of San Francisco's gay community. Over the years we have maintained a deep commitment to many of our community's sports teams, including softball, bowling, pool and many more. Voted Best Beer Selection in San Francisco several years
4146 18th St San Francisco, CA 94114
Popular gay bar 20s to 40+ crowd
Fun music, great drinks, great beer, and great prices! A dance floor and patio for smoking and mingling make Toad Hall a good time any day of the week
401 Castro St San Francisco, CA 94114
One of the oldest and most popular bars in Castro
Affordable drinks, relaxed atmosphere, good views and fabulous soundtrack! Nice to be able to have conversation in nice surroundings
2124 Market StSan Francisco, CA 94114
Sophisticated gay bar with good cocktails
Neighborhood bar with craft beer, cocktails, wine by the glass and a pool table. Happy Hour M-F from 5-8
3988 18th StSan Francisco, CA 94114
Local gay bar older crowd 30+
One of the most beautiful and welcoming gay bars in the Castro District. Swing by and enjoy happy hour every day from noon 'til 7pm!
476 Castro St San Francisco, CA 94114
Amidst a cozy décor, our trained staff will guide you through a selection of some 50 wines offered by the glass, part of our extensive wine list (120 wines by the bottle).
To accompany our wines, we offer a flavorful and authentic cuisine - antipasti, small plates, entrees. Blush is also proud to be a unique home for live Music and Arts in the Castro.
198 Church St San Francisco, CA 94114
Nicely themed gay bar
Come on over to Churchill and enjoy one of our specialty cocktails, or choose from our extensive whiskey list and back it up with one of our 10 craft beers on draft. Shoot a game of pool, or throw some tunes on the jukebox and kick back
Recommended Hotels in San Francisco
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in San Francisco that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Palace Hotel
5 Star, Luxury
- 5 Star – Crystal Chandelier Restaurant, Indoor Pool
- Close to the gay district
- Marble bathroom, rain shower
- Landmark hotel with crystal chandelier restaurant, fitness area, indoor pool, luxurious rooms with high-end furnishings.
Hotel Zetta
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 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
- 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
- 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 Of San Francisco Leather Walk
Leather Walk 2017, SF Folsom Kick-off
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
Photo: Eixample is home to some of Barcelona’s most popular gay bars
- Located to the east of the city, SoMa has an edgy and industrial feel, with a mix of gay bars, clubs, and art spaces.
- SoMa is also home to the world-famous Folsom Street Fair, held at the end of September each year.
- The neighbourhood is home to the stunning San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
- Discover the best things to see and do in San Francisco.
The Castro
One of the world’s most famous gay districts since the 1960s, a focal point for LGBTQ+ culture.
Union Square
In the heart of downtown, a great choice if you want to be close to major tourist attractions.
The Mission
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
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