SF Pride march 2018: Parade routes, street closures, and times

San Francisco Pride is upon us, and while there are a gaggle of events happening to commemorate 48 years of queer activism in the city and beyond (and plenty of historic sites to visit if you’re in town for Pride), the full monty is the Pride March, happening on Sunday, June 24.

This year’s Sunday parade route will be similar to last year’s, beginning at Market and Beale and ending at Market and Eighth Street.

The theme of this year’s merriment is “Generations of Strength.” The Grand Marshals are Pose writer and producer Our Lady J; Jose Xtravaganza, member of the legendary House of Xtravaganza and dancer on Madonna’s Blonde Ambition tour; Kin Folkz, award-winning educator, human rights activist, and founder of Oakland Pride; and Soni Wolf, founder of Dykes on Bikes—just to name a few.

However, Sunday’s parade isn’t the only march happening this Pride season. Au contraire. The Dyke March, happening on Saturday in the Mission, has only grown in numbers each year. And the Trans March, arguably the most important and unadulterated Pride event, kicks off on Friday. (Sunday’s Pride parade now has more to do with amplifying mega-corporations and less about the voices and history of the LGBTQ community, hence the need for smaller, local-focused marches.)

What do you need to know if you want to attend? Here’s a handy breakdown of everything you need to know about San Francisco Pride, including street closures, public transit reroutes, parking, and more.

San Francisco Pride Parade, Sunday, June 24

What time does the Pride parade start?

Beginning at 10:30 a..m. on Sunday.

What route will the parade follow?

The parade runs along Market Street from Beale to Eighth Street. The march will proceed west on Market to Hyde and Eighth streets, where it will funnel off from Eighth Street and in Civic Center. Don’t even think of driving into this area, because you can’t.

Which streets will be closed for SF Pride Parade?

Many. Continue reading for the entire list of street closures and Muni reroutes.

How to get to the SF Pride Parade

You best bet is to take public transit. If you’re coming from outside the city, take BART, which will let your off smack dab on Market Street. If you’re within the city, you can take either BART or Muni, which share stops on Market Street along the parade route.

SFMTA staff will also sell fare receipts so you won’t have to wait for a vending machine.

Note: Don’t even think of driving to Sunday’s parade and party. Just don’t.

What will the weather be like?

Sunny and warm. Temperatures should reach the high 60s/low 70s. Smear on your highest SPF if needed.

What if I don’t like crowds?

Good news: You’re not alone. The SF Pride Parade will air live on KPIX Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It’ll also stream live on KPIX’s website.

What streets will be closed?

Starting at 9 a.m., Thursday and continuing until 3 p.m., Monday:

• Fulton Street between Hyde and Larkin streets
• Grove Street between Polk and Larkin streets

Starting at 7 p.m., Thursday and continuing until 6 a.m., Monday:

• Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place between McAllister and Grove streets

Starting at 9 a.m., Friday and continuing until 6 a.m., Monday:

• Grove Street between Hyde Street and Van Ness Avenue
• Larkin Street between McAllister and Market streets

Starting at 8 p.m., Friday and continuing until 6 a.m., Monday:

• Dr. Tom Waddell Place between Van Ness Avenue and Polk Street
• Polk Street between Grove and Market streets
• McAllister Street between Van Ness Avenue and Leavenworth Street
• Hyde Street between McAllister and Grove streets

Starting at 8 p.m., Saturday and continuing until 6 a.m., Monday:

• Continuum Place from Golden Gate Avenue to Terminus
• Elm Street between Van Ness Avenue and Polk Street
• Golden Gate Avenue between Van Ness Avenue and Leavenworth Street
• Hyde Street between Turk and McAllister streets
• Larkin Street between Turk and McAllister streets
• Polk Street between Turk and McAllister streets
• Redwood Street between Polk Street and Van Ness Avenue

Starting at 12:01 a.m., Sunday and continuing until 5 p.m., Sunday:

• Leavenworth Street between McAllister and Market streets
• Sutter Street between Sansome and Market streets
• Sansome Street (northbound lane only) between Bush and Sutter streets

All northbound traffic coming from Ninth Street will be directed to use Hayes Street to either Van Ness Avenue or Franklin Street. Southbound traffic on Polk Street should use Golden Gate Avenue to Hyde Street until Saturday evening when both Hyde Street and Golden Gate Avenue will be closed.

Where can I catch a taxi?

Lyft and Uber might be tough or amped up with surge pricing. So the city has added temporary taxi stands at specific locations.

From 10 a.m., Saturday, June 23 through 9 p.m., Sunday, June 24, there will be limited number of spaces at these locations:

• The west side of Van Ness, in front of City Hall, eight spaces
• The north side of Turk Street, east of Polk Street, five spaces

Also, why are you driving in SF during Pride Sunday?! If possible, don’t.

Dyke March, Saturday, June 23

What time does the Dyke March start?

5 p.m. on Saturday.

What times does the rally start?

Rally begins at 11 a.m. in Dolores Park.

What route will the march follow?

The march starts from Dolores Street along 18th Street to Valencia Street to 16th Street and up into the Castro to 18th and back to Dolores Park.

Which streets will be closed?

The following street closures will be required from 9 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.:

• Dolores Street between 17th and 20th Streets.
• Intersections: Dolores Street at Dolores Terrace, Dorland, 19th, and Cumberland Streets.
• Local Access: 19th Street; Cumberland Street; 18th Street between Guerrero and Dolores; 20th Street between Dolores and Church.

Which Muni lines will be affected?

The following Muni lines and routes will be affected:

F Market & Wharves; J Church; 22 Fillmore; 24 Divisadero & Owl; 33 Ashbury/18th Street; 35 Eureka; 37 Corbett; and 55 16^th Street.

Extra service: Service on the K Ingleside, T Third, L Taraval, and M Ocean View lines will be provided by two-car trains.

Trans March, Friday, June 22

What time does the Trans March start?

6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in Dolores Park.

What times does the rally start?

3 p.m. in Dolores Park.

What route will the march follow?

The following streets will be used as the procession marches: Dolores Street, Market Street (between Duboce and Sixth Street), and Taylor Street

We will continue to update this piece throughout Pride weekend!

• SF Pride [official]