San Francisco is gearing up to host one of the country’s largest and most fabulous Pride celebrations this weekend, and we’re all about it. But if a large-scale parade setting is not your jam, we’ve compiled a few alternative events for a more mellow type of fun—Pride-related or otherwise.
1. Film-Inspired Drawing Lesson at the Main Library
🗓️ Saturday | 10:30 a.m.-noon
📍 San Francisco Public Library
🔗 sfpl.org
If you’re looking to get a quieter start to your weekend, consider making your way to the San Francisco Public Library’s main branch for a Pride-related movie showing accompanied by a free drawing lesson. The library will be showing Paris Is Burning, a documentary about drag and ballroom culture in 1980s New York, pausing the film throughout to provide striking still frames for viewers to draw. Basic materials will be provided, and artists of all skill levels are welcome to this no-pressure space for creativity.
2. Sapphic Tea Party in the Mission
🗓️ Saturday | 2-6 p.m.
📍 Sour Cherry Comics
🔗 eventbrite.com
Offering up another option for low-key Pride celebrations, Sour Cherry Comics in the Mission will be hosting its "Sapphic Tea Party" at its 16th St. shop on Saturday. The sober mixer for women-loving women and friends will let attendees raise their pinkies, get to know each other and chat. Fun outfits are encouraged, and there’s a raffle to look forward to, as well. As June comes to a close, there are countless other Pride-themed pop-ups, marches and celebrations happening this weekend, too. Check out our guide to the final week of Pride for more.
3. Summer on Waverly in Chinatown
🗓️ Saturday | 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
📍 Waverly Place
🔗 cycsf.org
Tricycle races, virtual reality games and other family-friendly activities will fill Chinatown’s Waverly Place on Saturday. The event is organized by the Community Youth Center and is meant to give kids a proper start to their summer break, though there should be surprises enjoyable for attendees of all ages. Keep an eye out for the rest of the neighborhood’s summer programming, including a Chinese medicine fair and a local food festival, both happening in July.
4. Summer of Music Shows all over the city
🗓️ Saturday | 2-5 p.m.
📍 Various locations
🔗 summerofmusicsf.com
Returning for its second weekend, Noise Pop’s summer of music—part of the city’s Civic Joy Fund—returns to nine San Francisco neighborhoods with good vibes and local performers. Happening everywhere from the Bayview to Bernal Heights and plenty of spots in between, the event is designed to provide residents with as many opportunities as possible to get outside and get a taste of the city’s vast and diverse musical talents. Local businesses in each of the participating areas will serve as venues, so check the website for the full list to create the perfect musical walk through your favorite San Francisco neighborhood.
5. Circus Bella in SoMa
🗓️ Friday-Saturday | Noon (Friday), noon & 2:15 p.m. (Saturday)
📍 Esplanade, Yerba Buena Gardens
🔗 circusbella.org
If you’re feeling a silly, goofy mood coming on, there will be three free, all-ages circus performances at Yerba Buena Gardens—one show on Friday and two on Saturday. The Circus Bella Company presents "Bananas!," a modern reimagination of the traditional big-top circus stacked with talent and charisma from its troupe of acrobats, aerialists, clowns and more.