In case you hadn't noticed, what with the rainbows everywhere, it's time for Pride! Below, some suggestions for where to gay it up.
THURSDAY, June 27
Pride NightLife at the Academy of Sciences
The annual LGBT edition of NightLife is tonight, and this year it features sex talks with the founders of the Center for Sex and Culture, Carol Queen and Robert Lawrence; a craft area to make some Pride "flair"; music by Viennetta Discotheque, Stay Gold, and Hard French; and a drag show and costume contest featuring Heklina, Juanita More!, Peaches Christ, and Rupaul's Drag Race stars Pandora Boxx and Willam. Get info and tickets here.
West Side Story in Concert at Davies Symphony Hall
Theater, film and TV star Cheyenne Jackson will join singer Alexandra Silber and conductor Michael Tilson Thomas for concert performances of the Leonard Bernstein-Stephen Sondheim classic musical on June 27, 28, and 29. Get tickets here.
Pepperspray Reunion at The Eagle
Some of you may remember Pepperspray, the LGBT punk/alterna cover band, from the local scene, and tonight they're reuniting to perform for the first time in years, Princess Kennedy included. They'll play The Eagle at 10 p.m., followed by SHE-L-O (Electric Light Orchestra in half-drag).
PORNO at Beatbox
For those who just want to dance shirtless to some house music, here's where to go. $15 at the door, more info (and advance tickets) here.
Show Folsom Pride at Public Works
For the first time ever, Folsom Street Events is throwing a Pride party, and it's with local DJ collective Honey Soundsystem along with Bright Light Bright Light and Slow Knights. (The latter is the solo project of Scissor Sisters guitarist Del Marquis, a.k.a. Derek Gruen.) Should be a swell time. Advance tickets are here, they're $25, and it starts at 9 p.m.
FRIDAY, June 28
10th Annual Trans March
Let's not forget the T in LGBT this year. Second only to Dyke March is this annual Friday rally and march through town by our trans community and their loved ones. They'll be gathering in Dolores Park all afternoon, and at 6 p.m. will march from the Mission to the site of the former Compton's Cafeteria at Turk and Taylor, where trans folk rioted in 1966 in the face of police harassment. Get more info here.
The Bold Italic's Big Gay Birthday
For the first time the Bold Italic is throwing a Pride party in conjunction with the birthday of the City of San Francisco. It's happening at the Old Mint, on 5th Street, and features drag performances, a movie vault, a silent disco, DJs from Hard French, Stay Gold, and Go Bang, and a lot more. The fun starts at 8 p.m. Advance tickets only.
MR.
The annual mustache party kickoff to the weekend is back, and returns this year to Monarch at 6th and Mission. It's a collaboration between Juan Garcia of Beatbox Events and Fag Fridays, featuring DJ David Harness, Jeno, and Jim Hopkins. It's a fun space, especially the underground dancefloor, and mustaches are encouraged, but not required. Get tickets here.
ALSO on Friday: The Music of New Order at Truck, STEAM at the Powerhouse, Bearracuda at Public Works, Dads and Lads at Midnight Sun, SOMEThing is Really Gay at The Stud
SATURDAY, June 29
Dyke March
Always more fun than the actual Pride Parade is this more grassroots event that always kicks off with a massive afternoon gathering of lesbians (and gays, and bis, and transfolk) in Dolores Park. Everyone gets pretty drunk and then there's a march through the Mission and Castro, generally without a pre-announced route. The marching starts at 6 p.m., and will, as always, be led by some dykes on bikes.
Pink Mammoth Block Party at Mighty
This all-day and all-night party kicks off at noon and features dozens of DJs, multiple dance spaces, and an art car. $25 advance, $45 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Pink Mammoth camp at Burning Man. Get tickets here.
Colossus at Terra
Local party kingpin Gus Bean is back with his annual "Main Event" of Pride, which this year is beach party themed. DJs include Carlos Gallarda and Rupaul's Drag Race star Nina Flowers. Tickets are $25, and a $200 pass gets you into all 5 of Gus Presents' Pride weekend events.
ALSO on Saturday: IndieCent at Underground SF, Dark Room at Cafe du Nord, Pink Saturday at The Edge
SUNDAY, June 30
Juanita More's Annual Pride Party at Jones
It starts at noon this year, and note that it's not at the Phoenix Hotel. All the festivities at this traditional climax of Pride Week will be at 620 Jones this year, with its massive patio, and proceeds will benefit OutLoud Radio. DJs include Kim Ann Foxman, Severino (Horse Meat Disco), Robin Malone, and Derek Opperman, and there will be an art installation by New York artist Desi Santiago (details about each of them are here). Advance tickets are sold out, but some tickets will be available at the door for those willing to line up early.
Hard French Hearts Les Homos at Roccapulco
It's Hard French, hosted by Lil Miss Hot Mess, and a few doors away from its usual location at El Rio. It kicks off at 4 p.m., which gives you plenty of time either to wake up, or get over to La Lengua from Civic Center. Get tickets here.
Hero at Ruby Skye
It's a big old Sunday tea dance to finish off the weekend at Ruby Skye featuring DJs Moto Blanco and Freemasons. Advance tickets are sold out, but you may find some at the door.
Sanctuary
If you didn't get enough of the shirtless morass on Saturday night at Colossus, or if the drugs still haven't worn off, you'll want to check this out. Tickets here.
