It was quite an icebreaker at the 12th annual opening for the Union Square Ice Rink, a holiday tradition that attracts thousands of locals and visiting tourists.

Under sunny October 6 skies, Castro and 18th streets filled with booths, live music, and cheerleaders flying above the crowd of thousands who strolled the 46th annual Castro Street Fair.

Folsom Street Fair is just days away. Among the crowd will be throngs of people who have traversed past Fairs multiple times. For them, it's an annual gathering for which they already know the ins and outs.

San Francisco bars often serve as more than a space for drinks and entertainment, but also for community gatherings. On a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon, August 11, two crowds gathered to wish their loved-ones Godspeed.

Under slightly foggy August 3 skies, fans of outdoor grooves and artistic splendor enjoyed the fourth annual Playa in the Grove, produced by the queer Burning Man camp Comfort & Joy, and held at the National AIDS Memorial Grove.

DJ Wayne G spun Prideful funky grooves at Brian Kent's Daytime Disco, a scenic airy rooftop party at the Virgin Hotel (250 4th St.) on June 15. Guests enjoyed the views, music and mid-Pride month fun, while some sported glamorous retro attire.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence celebrated Easter Sunday and their 40th anniversary on April 21 by returning to Dolores Park for a well-attended picnic-filled party of thousands.

Opening celebrations on Jan 31 for 'Two-Spirit Voices: Returning to the Circle,' the new exhibit at the GLBT History Museum, featured members of Bay Area American Indian Two Spirits (BAAITS).

The holiday season got off to a cool start at the November 7 opening day ceremonies for the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square.

With the holidays fast approaching, consider adding some locally-made delicious cheese to your party plates or brunch menu. Sonoma and Marin artisan cheese makers Laura Chenel and Marin French Cheese recently sent us some delicious samples.

On Friday September 14, dozens of gay men will converge upon Guerneville for River Raid 2018, a weekend of partying by the Russian River. Book your rooms and tickets now, because no one wants to be stuck in the fog while all the guys are at the river.

Northern California's Pride events continue on past June. These festivals may not have the big name entertainment or famous Grand Marshalls like San Francisco, but at their cores are groups of volunteers with big dreams and even bigger hearts.

If last week wasn't rough for you -and I'm not talking about your Pride hangover- you've somehow been avoiding the news, or you are stuck in a safe little bubble, then I really have no idea why you're reading this column.

Nicole Murray-Ramirez, aka Empress Nicole the Great (center), celebrates with other Imperial Court royals, and the film's producers and director, after the Castro Theatre premiere of 50 Years of Fabulous, at Twin Peaks Tavern.