Whether you’ve been or not, everyone in the Bay Area knows about Folsom Street Fair: Hundreds of thousands flock to the world’s largest leather festival, which goes down—ahem—every year in SoMa. But have you ever wondered where SF’s leather daddies play on other nights of the week? Strip down, strap up, and check out these major fetish festivals and dance parties this week.
Every year, hundreds of gay men dress from head to toe in leather (think harnesses, straps and G-strings) and march from the Castro to SoMa; it’s a sight to behold (if you’re not squeamish) and a delight to take part in. The route is led by drag queen Sister Roma and includes stops at some of San Francisco’s best LGBTQ watering holes, including Powerhouse, Lone Star, Mr. S Leather and The Stud before raising the Leather Pride flag at SF Eagle.
Castro and Market Sts. Sept 20 at noon; $75.
Illustration: Harry Malt
Magnitude Dance Party
For those who just want to dance, this year the Magnitude party is going big with a new location: the Armory, SF’s castle-like historic landmark and the headquarters of porn site Kink.com. Headlining the event is music producer Ralphi Rosario, who’s worked with icons like Beyoncé, Lady Gaga and Mariah Carey.
333 14th St. Sept 23 9pm–4am; $100–$160.
Deviants: Adult Arcade
Once the tourists go home, the real fun begins. Head to Deviants: Adult Arcade for the official Folsom after-party. The DJ lineup features Jennifer Cardini and Honey Soundsystem spinning cutting edge techno, house and disco, and the club itself is transformed to something between a red-light district and a video-game arcade.
Mezzanine, 444 Jessie St. Sept 24, 25 6pm–2am; $35.
Folsom Street Fair
A true San Francisco original, Folsom Street Fair covers 13 city blocks, and more than 400,000 people attend each year in their most outrageous leather, rubber and fetish attire—or, you know, just plain naked. Stroll the length of Folsom Street to peruse hundreds of exhibitor booths showcasing fetish gear and toys, and see live indie, electronic and alternative acts perform on the multiple stages that line the route. Also on the agenda: two huge EDM dance areas, public play stations and an erotic artists’ area. And yes, it’s really legal to be naked, so make the clothes check your first stop.
Folsom St between 8th and 13th Sts. Sept 24 11am–6pm; free.