Weekend of July 4
Your curated guide to Independence Day weekend
Dear fabulous reader,
You’ve survived the last couple days at work following Pride, congrats!
And while you may not be feeling particularly patriotic this weekend, you are ready to go back out again after a week-long marathon of delivery and Grey’s Anatomy re-runs (the earlier seasons, obviously). That’s why Gay Agenda SF has got your curated list of events and activities for this upcoming holiday weekend. No matter if you plan on getting turnt-up or keeping it low-key, there’s something for you.
A heads up: it’s typical for Gay San Francisco to be a little more mellow over July 4th weekend as folks flock to summer weather in Guerneville or Fire Island. The larger parties take the week off until later in July, trading in rainbows for leather and raunchier debauchery. Check out our upcoming special post for our July picks that require advanced tickets.
Your Guide to July 4th Weekend
FRIDAY JULY 1, 2022
Preamble: If you’re looking for something to do earlier on or just low-key, check out the screening of Fire Island at Manny’s at 6:30pm. Manny’s is a civic & community gathering space that holds many events throughout the year. The space features a livingroom set-up, cafe, and book shop. Recently, the Castro Theater screened this film featuring a Q&A with the writers, director, and actors including a friendly Joel Kim Booster (who we saw many times at SF Pride events).
Top Pick: J Balvin & Bad Bunny Oasis Party @ DNA Lounge at 9:30pm
Rabbits, Rabbits. Kick-off the month with your favorite bunny to shake some tail. While you can certainly dance to Latin pop and reggaeton during the week in The Castro (see calendar), it’s our pick because it’s uniquely celebrating these genres with two Bay Area DJs Audio1 and Otebnsolrac, putting their own house spin on these legends tracks.
Alternatives:
Roosevelt (DJ) @ 1015 Folsom at 10pm
A lot of great dance music this weekend. Roosevelt released a new album called 'Polydans’. We really like the 1015 Folsom venue for its curated lineup and great acoustics. It seems like it’ll be a fun show, even if you aren’t a superfan.
Rorshok: Memento Mori @ The Eagle SF at 9pm
The final Rorshok party to end them all, the devil will certainly get you. Dress as hellish as you can get. Leather and kink, experimental and just…mental.
SATURDAY JULY 2, 2022
DAYTIME
Top Pick: Art Walk SF on Divisadero Street at 2PM (1st Saturdays)
Put on a tank top, fill your thermos with Sauvy B., and head to Divisadero Street for this month’s Art Walk SF, featuring local artists (of all sexual and gender identities), music, and food (we hope there is fried dough). In our experience, this is an ideal event to go with friends, and perhaps, bring along that cutie from Pride you’ve been meaning to reunite with.
We recommend hitting this up before heading to the Fruit Shelf//Gay Beach @ (Dolo)res Park at 12pm. If you’ve never been here before, it’s a whole vibe.
Pro Tips: Bring a waterproof towel for the oftentimes dewy grass, sunscreen, booze and snacks for an afternoon looking at shirtless eye candy and the stunning view. You can get anything you want here and park rangers turn a very blind eye. There’s a Bi-rite on 18th street for your needs.
Looking for a change of scenery? It’s not a strictly gay event, but the Toasted Life Block Party @ 13th Street in Oakland promises to be a hit and worth venturing from the city. It starts at 2pm and will feature Hip Hop, R&B, Afrobeats, and International Vibes.
If you are in the mood for a big crowd and electronic music, The Midway has got you covered all day and night on Saturday with illum, a block party featuring EDM fave Kaskade (and Le Youth, who opened for Lane 8 at Bill Graham in September). A ticket costs a little over $70, which isn’t bad if you are a fan and you can purchase a combo with the after-party raging until 2am for $110 + fees.
NIGHTIME
Top Pick: Princess Presents: Britney at Oasis SF at 10pm
You’re toxic, I’m slipping under. Yep, it’s a Britney--themed disco dance party, featuring a ton of local Drag talent including the very fun bubblegum pink Lindsay Slowhands and the terrifyingly entertaining Carne Asada. Britney is free, so go celebrate her. Shave your head, dress up all schoolgirl slutty or in red spandex. There are SO many lewk options. Don’t you feel '‘lucky’?
Alternative: Powerblouse @ Powerhouse at 9pm (benefitting Q foundation)
Brought to you by Juanita More!, it’ll be a campy time transforming an audience member into full drag for a virgin performance.
But, let’s be real. You’re really there to pregame with cheap well drinks before the party starts. Powerhouse is always fun on a Saturday night, typically with exceptional house music to get you sweaty, brimming with sexual energy. Don’t be surprised if you end up shirtless or getting sticky on the dance floor. If you are offended by sexual imagery, either illustrated or recorded, this venue may not be for you…we suggest unplugging and trying to enjoy. Wear a jock, harness, and a skimpy tank.
SUNDAY JULY 3, 2022
DAYTIME
Gay Agenda SF wants to challenge you to do something a little different. Theoretically, you could go to brunch at your usual place after Barry’s, but why not support some local drag? There are at least four that take place every Sunday. Make sure to look ahead to see if you need a reservation for your party.
Top Pick: Go to a Drag Brunch.
Princess Poppy Drag Brunch @ 620 Jones at 11am-4pm
This venue makes pretty damn good food with poached eggs, salads, and craft cocktails. Service can be a little slow, but you’ve got a performance to watch anyway.
Lips & Lashes Drag Brunch @ The Lookout at 12pm
Food is mostly burgers, sandwiches, and tots.
Sunday Brunch & Burlesque Show @ Jolene’s at 12pm
We like Jolene’s because it is more of a more queer, inclusive space, especially for the ladies. Let us know how the food is? gayagendasf@gmail.com
Drag Brunch @ Beaux at 12:30pm*
This is an option…yes…but the food is from Taco Boys next door. Great for 2am…but you have better options. Maybe go to Starbelly across the street, first? You’ll need to book a resy early.
Alternative:
Summer Sunday DJ Series @ The Phoenix Hotel at 1pm
If you missed the Mighty Real Pride Weekender, here’s an opportunity to enjoy a similarly fun party at the same venue with a more intimate crowd. They also do brunch at the restaurant Chambers. Get there early for your choice spot.
NIGHTIME
Top Pick: Dancing Queen ABBA 70s Glitter Disco @ The Great Northern at 9:30PM
Slap on bell bottoms and shake your peach while you travel to the 70s (maybe ask your daddy for access to his closet?). Dance to ABBA, Beegees, and feel all the good vibes. And hey, there will be glow paint, too!
Alternative: (Kink) dom Party @ The Eagle SF at 7pm
If ABBA seems incredibly tame to you, then go to the damn Eagle SF already and quit whining. Here, you can experience your BDSM fantasy and more at this party where Kink is actually in the title. Can it get anymore clear? Bring your paddles, whips, chains, hankies, nipple clamps, etc.
Don’t have gear but want to explore? Try going to Mister S Leather ahead of time (NSFW website, you’ve been WARNED.)
MONDAY JULY 4, 2022
DAYTIME
Even though the country is kind of a dumpster fire mess, you can still find a reason to celebrate by seeing friends. Gay Agenda SF really thinks that your best bet during the day Monday is to find a house party/BBQ. We also anticipate that there might be spur-of-the-moment demonstrations to get involved in or dare we say…plan? (viva, la revolution!)
Craving a hot dog? Go to the Weiner Bust @ The Eagle SF which starts at 4pm.
NIGHTIME
After you plan the rebellion or get twisted on hard seltzer, check out the usual repertoire of local bar happenings on the Gay Agenda SF calendar. We recommend heading to Munro's Drag show @ Midnight sun at 9pm. If you’re up for more action, you can sing musicals at The Edge up the block.
Want to grab a low-key drink with a cutie? It’s a bummer that The Lobby Bar is closed for the 4th. Instead, check out Blush! Wine Bar on Castro for a glass of wine. Oftentimes, there are small performances by singers and tarot card readings. Hours may differ for this holiday, so we recommend checking ahead of time.
And there you have it! I hope that whatever you do, you feel like you can take the edge off. Always remember that consent is sexy and that no fboy is worth you time!
XOXO, Baron Whistlebottom
P.S. Check out the recently posted Pride Musings. We’d like to get your stories and any juicy questions for us. E-mail us at gayagendasf@gmail.com. Consider us your research hub on what’s what and who to do for the gay in you.