One of San Francisco’s most popular and enduring street fairs turned 50 on Sunday under sunny skies and sweltering heat in the city’s iconic LGBTQ+ district.
Founded by Harvey Milk before he went on to become the city’s first openly gay elected official as a way to boost small businesses, the Castro Street Fair has stayed true to its roots all these decades later.
Attendees strolled through the Castro District block party checking out vendor booths staffed by local merchants as local dance troupes and musicians entertained the crowds.
While the city normally warms up in early fall after a foggy late summer, a regional heatwave Sunday cranked up the temps to 95 degrees, which had festivalgoers ducking under parasols and clutching cold drinks.
Juan Davila, dressed as Carmen Miranda. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
Crowds strolled through the fair amid a blistering heatwave. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
Cheer San Francisco entertained fair-goers. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
Alfredo Meneses, 33, pole dances on Market. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
Sabatino Fusco, 37, peruses vendor stalls with his French bulldog Minni. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The Pitayas Locas juice stand provided much-needed respite to the fair-goers. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
Dogs and people alike tried their best to keep their cool. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
Shade-seekers at the fair. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence during their blessing announcement at the fair. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
A hat with an embroidered homage to the street fair's long history. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
