October 15 is shaping up to be the final blast in San Francisco's LGBTQ street fair season.
Several events of interest to bears and their admirers, as well as the leather and kink communities, are planned throughout the day beginning with LeatherWalk, the Bearrison Street Fair, and the San Francisco Leathermen's Discussion Group's Fetish Fair followed, of course, with a play party.
Postponed after a rare September rainstorm, LeatherWalk will kick off the day's activities. The march, which has traditionally included participants from myriad leather- and kink-oriented clubs and groups, will begin gathering at 11 a.m. at the Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett steps on the Polk Street side of City Hall. The march departs at 11:30, and after stopping at a number of popular watering holes and locations en route, the walk will end up at Eagle Plaza (398 12th Street) around 2:30 p.m., joining the ongoing Bearrison Street Fair.
"The Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District is thrilled to continue the treasured community tradition of LeatherWalk for a second year," said cultural district manager Cal Callahan, just before the original walk date. "I was fortunate to have not only participated in the walk in previous years, but to help organize it for AIDS Emergency Fund and then PRC. We are excited that so many younger members of the leather and kink community have embraced LeatherWalk and are making it their own."
For those with mobility issues, a vehicle (provided by Cruise & Grooves Experience) will be available for those who cannot walk any or all of the 1.25 mile route. Anyone interested in taking advantage of the vehicle should email [email protected] at least 24 hours in advance, as capacity is limited. "The vehicle cannot accommodate wheelchairs, but wheelchair users are welcome to participate," according to information from LeatherWalk.
The Bearrison Street Fair, organized by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and Bears of San Francisco, will run from noon to 6 p.m., at Harrison and 11th streets, and features numerous performers on the main stage, a wrestling stage, and the first-ever Barbells, Bears, and Butts Deadlift Competition. Organizers call it "a supportive, welcoming, and inclusive event for all members of the adult LGBTQ+ community." There will be plenty of live entertainment from performers, DJs, and the Boys of Bearlesque.
As if that isn't already enough, SFLDG will hold its first Fetish Fair since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic, beginning at 3:30 at Transform1060, 1050 Folsom Street. "Some of the San Francisco Bay Area's foremost experts on various kinks will present and share some of their best tools and tricks of their kinky trade," said organizers.
Fetish Fair will be followed, beginning at 8 p.m. in the same location, with Gear Up's post-Fetish Fair men-only play party, including trans men. The doors will remain open until 11 p.m., with play continuing until 1 a.m. Attendees must be 18 or over to attend. Clothing check will be provided by the SOMA Guardians. General admission is $20, or $10 for military, student (ID required), and play party first-timers.
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