San Francisco Gay Pride Parade 2022 dates, times, route and restrictions
The city-wide spectacle returns with a massive in-person parade this year, but where is the best place to watch the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade?
After two years of socially distanced alternatives, the San Francisco Pride Parade is beck with an in-person spectacular this year. The 52nd annual event is organised by the non-profit San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Celebration Committee.
The parade will begin at 10:30am on Sunday, 26 June, but the annual celebration will take place in a number of venues across the city throughout the weekend. You don’t need a ticket to watch the parade as it winds its way along streets, but admission for the Grandstand between 7th Street and 8th Street is ticketed.
Where can I watch the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade 2022?
San Francisco Gay Pride celebrations are largely based around the Civic Center Plaza in downtown San Francisco, but there is a wide range of Pride 52 events taking place across the city.
The Pride Parade begin on Market Street and will cover from Beale Street to 8th Street, before ending at the Civic Center festival venue at around 4pm.
As mentioned, you don’t need a ticket to enjoy much of the spectacle but San Francisco Pride ‘22 packages are available, giving additional access to community stages and grandstand seating. For the hardier reveller, spectators are often seen climbing bus shelters and walls to get the best view, although this is certainly not advised.
In fact, the best way to feel a part of the massive spectacle is simply to get involved. Once the parade has passed down the street onlookers are normally allowed to sneak through the barriers and join the back of the parade, following it all the way down to the final festival venue.
Who will be involved in the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade 2022?
A wide range of LGBTQIA+ members and allies will be taking part in the parade, with involvement too from certain LGBT-affirming, religious, political and corporate groups. Often these contingents also take part in the parade.
Here are some of those contingents who typically appear in the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade:
Dykes on Bikes – Usually the parade’s first contingent; an all-women motorcycle group
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) – An all-inclusive contingent, one of the largest to appear in recent years
Local LGBT-oriented businesses and non-profits – Various groups of local residents who typically make up more than half of San Francisco Pride Parade participants