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Castro Street Fair Celebrates 51 Years of “Radical Happiness” in Defiant Response to Threats Against Our Community

At a time when LGBTQ+ residents and visitors face escalating attacks, the Fair rallies the neighborhood with joy, solidarity, and over $1.6 million given back to local nonprofits

SAN FRANCISCO, JULY 2025 — With vulnerable communities across the nation under increasing attack, the 51st annual Castro Street Fair returns on Sunday, October 5, 2025, to proudly celebrate Radical Happiness — a theme embodying joy, resilience, and defiant community spirit in the heart of San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood.

Founded in 1974 by Harvey Milk to support gay-owned businesses and celebrate neighborhood vitality, the Fair has grown into a beloved tradition that brings together hundreds of artists, vendors, and organizations each year. This vibrant celebration offers a safe space where the community can gather, express, and uplift one another through music, dance, and shared culture.

Entertainment this year will be featured across at least three dynamic stages,  spotlighting a diverse lineup of local talent. Applications for entertainers, volunteers, and participants are currently open online at castrostreetfair.org/fair/entertainment.

The Fair invites corporate sponsors, local businesses, Castro bars, and community partners to join in supporting this vital event. Following last year’s success, the official Bar Sponsor program is back, alongside opportunities for sponsorship at every level. With ongoing federal efforts threatening to defund DEI-based nonprofits, the Fair’s sponsorships are more crucial than ever to sustain visibility, joy, and community impact. Learn more and apply at castrostreetfair.org/fair/sponsorship.

Giving back remains central to the Castro Street Fair’s mission. Since 1998, the Fair has returned over $1.6 million to local nonprofit organizations supporting the Castro and surrounding neighborhoods. The call for 2025 Beneficiaries is now live, inviting 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving the community to apply online. Recent beneficiaries include schools, wellness groups, faith-based organizations, athletic teams, safety advocates, and more — all reflecting the Fair’s longstanding roots in education, safety, and neighborhood care. Find the application at castrostreetfair.org/fair/beneficiaries.

Last year’s celebration can be commemorated with exclusive merchandise from the historic 50th Anniversary Fair. From apparel to keepsakes, every purchase directly supports the Fair’s mission of community empowerment and charitable giving. Limited quantities remain—shop now at localtakesf.com/collections/castro-street-fair.

And finally, the Castro Street Fair is proud to announce Jason Bodnar as our 2025 artist and graphic designer, shaping our visual identity and translating the year’s theme — Radical Happiness — with a cohesive suite of digital and print assets. His bold, community-driven work includes visual storytelling for AIDS/LifeCycle and identity design for the Castro Night Market. Jason’s work will ensure the Castro Street Fair is instantly recognizable, inclusive, and resonant with the community it celebrates.
jasonbodnar.design

Castro Street Fair 2025 Celebrates Beneficiaries Bringing Radical Happiness to the Community
Over a dozen nonprofits receive support through this year’s Fair as event gives back more than $1.6 million over time

San Francisco, CA – September 2025 – In keeping with this year’s theme of Radical Happiness, the Castro Street Fair (Sunday, October 5, 2025) is proud to announce its 2025 Beneficiary Partners — local nonprofits whose work embodies joy, resilience, and community support. Through tireless volunteer efforts and generous donations, these organizations will receive a share of proceeds from this year’s Fair, bringing vital resources to the communities they serve. For more information, visit castrostreetfair.org/beneficiaries.

2025 Beneficiary Partners

Buen Dia Family School — A bilingual, arts-based preschool in the Mission District that nurtures creativity, culture, and belonging for 3-to-5-year-olds.

Castro Community On Patrol (CCOP) — Empowers neighbors with volunteer patrols and community safety trainings to keep the Castro safe.

Everett Middle School PTSA — Supports field trips, classroom resources, sports, and teacher development, ensuring students thrive.

Haight Ashbury Community Nursery School (HACNS) — A cooperative preschool since 1974 where children learn through play, art, and science.

Imperial Council of San Francisco — A historic organization raising funds with spirit and style for dozens of local Bay Area charities.

Instituto Familiar de la Raza (IFR – Sí a la Vida) — Uplifts Latiné LGBTQ+ communities with mental health care, HIV prevention, youth programming, and safe spaces.

Maitri Compassionate Care — Provides compassionate support for people living with HIV/AIDS, chronic illness, and gender-affirming surgery recovery.

Most Holy Redeemer AIDS Support Group — An all-volunteer group offering food, rental help, and emotional support to those living with HIV/AIDS.

McKinley Elementary School — A long-standing, diverse elementary school in the Castro fostering community, learning, and pride.

San Francisco CASA (SFCASA) — Matches foster youth with trained volunteer advocates to ensure every child has a caring adult in their corner.

San Francisco Pride Band — The nation’s first openly LGBTQ+ marching band, inspiring through music, education, and visibility.

The Fair is also proud to support the Castro Merchants Association in the purchase and maintenance of the iconic Rainbow Flag at Harvey Milk Plaza.

More Than $1.6 Million Given Back Over the Years
Since 1998, the Castro Street Fair has distributed over $1.6 million to local nonprofits. These partnerships are built not just on financial support, but volunteer energy, visibility, and shared purpose — all of which embody Radical Happiness in action.

About the Castro Street Fair
Founded in 1974 by Harvey Milk, the Castro Street Fair is one of San Francisco’s beloved neighborhood institutions. Taking place every first Sunday in October, the Fair honors the spirit of the Castro through celebration, visibility, and community support. Beyond vibrant entertainment, local vendors, and arts, the Fair operates as a key fundraiser — leveraging volunteer power and public participation to give back to nonprofits serving education, wellness, safety, arts, and community care. For more information, visit castrostreetfair.org.

Castro Street Fair 2025 Salutes Sponsors & Partners Fueling Radical Happiness
From returning supporters to inspiring new partners — including Civic Joy Fund, GAP, and Northwestern Mutual, this year’s sponsors elevate visibility, joy, and community

San Francisco, CA – September 2025 – As the Castro Street Fair (Sunday, October 5, 2025) gears up for its 51st year — themed Radical Happiness — we’re proud to acknowledge the sponsors and partners who are helping bring the magic to life. Their support enables everything from live entertainment on multiple stages, vibrant community activation, to equitable giving back.

RETURNING SPONSORS
Castro Community Benefit District — works year-round to keep the Castro clean, safe, and beautiful for residents, visitors, and merchants.
Local Take — a beloved Castro-based boutique showcasing over 140 Bay Area artists with gifts, home goods, clothing, and accessories.
Recology — trusted regional recycling, composting, and waste management services helping support sustainable waste practices at the Fair.
SF Mercantile — locally-rooted purveyor of home, décor, and lifestyle goods closely tied to the community’s aesthetic and culture.

NEW SPONSORS
CG Events — event planning and production partner bringing professional coordination and scale.
GAP — national apparel brand supporting community visibility and inclusion.
HRC Fertility — a leading clinic offering IVF, egg freezing, and LGBTQ+ family-building.
Mogu Mogu — a trendy beverage / lifestyle brand adding fresh flavor and energy.
Northwestern Mutual — financial services partner committed to community investment and fiscal stewardship.
Shutterfly — creative platform sponsoring memories, photos, and community storytelling.

BEVERAGE SPONSORS SPOTLIGHT
This year’s Entertainment Zone keeps the Fair truly local by inviting only neighborhood bars to sell to-go drinks — a move that prioritizes community over outside vendors and supports our beneficiary nonprofits.
We’re thrilled to welcome our 2025 Beverage Sponsors, each located on the Fair footprint. Together, these local bars embody Radical Happiness while fueling the Fair’s joyful celebration:
Copper Bar Kitchen & Microbrewery — Craft drinks with a community vibe
Lookout — Iconic Castro bar with DJs and sweeping views
QBar — Longstanding nightclub keeping the Castro dancing
Water Sponsor: Gyro Xpress — Bring your water bottle to refill

MEDIA PARTNERS
Axios SF — news platform sharing stories of community, culture, and inclusion in the Bay.
SF Bay Times — long-standing LGBTQ+-focused publication amplifying voices throughout the Castro and beyond.

WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM
Castro Merchants Association — iconic flag-raisers and commercial anchors in the neighborhood.
Civic Joy Fund — philanthropic fund supporting cultural and joyful public gathering.
Grants for the Arts — city funder investing in arts, equity, and public expression in San Francisco.
Office of Economic and Workplace Development — city agency supporting local businesses, equitable commerce, and economic vitality.

Thank You to Our Community
We extend deep gratitude to every sponsor, partner, and volunteer. Their belief in this Fair — through their financial support, in-kind goods or services, and efforts behind the scenes — ensures we can continue to gather, celebrate, and uplift during a time when joy is needed more than ever.

About the Fair
Since 1974, the Castro Street Fair has been a pillar of the community, founded by Harvey Milk to support gay-owned businesses and celebrate Castro’s vitality. Held every first Sunday in October, the Fair brings together local artisans, nonprofits, entertainers, restaurants, and residents with the goal of visibility, giving back, and cultural pride. Over the years, the Fair has given more than $1.6 million to local charities, all powered by community support, volunteer effort, and shared joy. This year’s Fair will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025 — centered at Castro and 18th Street in San Francisco. For more information, visit castrostreetfair.org.

The 50th Annual Castro Street Fair
Celebrating community and diversity

Sunday, October 6, 2024 | 11am – 6pm

New Beneficiaries Have Been Added for This Milestone Year
Artist Serge Gay, Jr. Has Been Selected as This Year’s Key Art and Branding Designer

San Francisco, CA — The 50th Annual Castro Street Fair, one of San Francisco’s signature events, returns on the first Sunday of October. Founded in 1974 by Harvey Milk, the Fair was designed to promote gay-owned businesses and celebrate the vibrant culture of the Castro neighborhood. The event continues to honor Harvey’s legacy, and is now expecting to draw thousands of attendees to the heart of the Castro.

This day-long festival features multiple stages with live entertainment, including DJs and dance areas, and showcases hundreds of local artists, vendors, and craftspeople. Attendees can explore a variety of merchant activations, and enjoy local arts and crafts, as well as food and beverage stations. Produced by a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the Castro Street Fair generates important support for dozens of local nonprofits and charitable causes, including funding for the iconic rainbow flag at the intersection of Castro and Market.

“The Castro Street Fair has not only been a beacon of hope and celebration for the LGBTQ+ community but also a substantial contributor to the local economy,” says Jenn Meyer, the Fair’s Board President. “Last year, the Fair generated an estimated $8 million in total visitor impact, benefiting retail, dining, and hotels significantly. This year, we aim to surpass previous records, both in terms of attendance and community support.”

The Fair continues to be a vital part of promoting inclusivity, activism, love, and hope, directly benefiting organizations such as longtime beneficiaries Buen Dia Family School, The Imperial Council of San Francisco, and Most Holy Redeemer; as well as new beneficiaries for 2024, Maitri and the UCSF Alliance Health Project.

We invite everyone to join us in this special celebration that not only uplifts the community but also showcases the best and brightest of the Bay Area!

2024 branding artist

The Castro Street Fair board has selected Serge Gay, Jr., to create the branding images and key art for the Fair’s 50th anniversary. Serge’s professional career has flourished in San Francisco, where he has become a pivotal figure in the local art scene, engaging in a wide array of projects from commercial graphic design to public and private murals. His role underscores his unique ability to capture and celebrate the spirit of the Castro community through his distinctive, colorful, and impactful visual style.

For more information, exhibitor pricing, sponsorship opportunities, our full list of beneficiaries and more, visit CastroStreetFair.org.

Available for interviews: CSF Board Vice-President Fred Lopez
For interview scheduling, contact Riley Manlapaz, riley@castrostreetfair.org

About artist Serge Gay Jr.

Serge Gay Jr. is a Grammy-nominated visual artist based in San Francisco, known for his richly narrative and vibrant artworks that reflect urban realities and social commentaries. A native of Haiti, Serge’s artistic journey began in his childhood, using his drawing skills to connect with peers as a recent immigrant. He honed his craft through formal education at a Magnet Arts High School in Miami and the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, where he delved into the complexities of social and economic disparities. Serge’s professional career flourished in San Francisco, where he has become a pivotal figure in the local art scene, engaging in a wide array of projects from commercial graphic design to public and private murals. His work, which often highlights the intersection of race and economics, carries the influence of his diverse experiences across major U.S. cities and his Haitian heritage. Serge’s commitment to community is evident not only in his art but also in his service on boards like the Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza and collaborations with various community and government organizations. SergeGayJr.com