I'm not sure how we got on the topic of the Folsom Street Fair, but he said he'd always wanted to go, and I said I'd always wanted to go, too. I checked my phone, and said, "Hey, it's this weekend!" Next thing you know, my date is wearing a leather collar. He joked, "Are you going to write about this on Yelp?" And I said, "Yes, actually, I am." For anyone who does not know, Folsom Street Fair is the world's largest annual outdoor BDSM fair. Five city blocks are closed off and filled with merchants selling every leather accessory one could possibly imagine. Numerous contraptions are set up in the streets to demonstrate the how-to's of spanking, bondage, suspension, etc. Drinking and smoking are allowed within the fair grounds, and clothing is entirely optional. (Smoking being allowed everywhere, rather than in designated areas only, was my main reason for rating this event 4 stars instead of 5.) We originally arrived at opening, excited to see absolutely everything, and afraid that we would not have time to see it all. We had to wear masks to get in, but once we showed our vaccination cards and paid the suggested donation, it was a free for all. We were directed to where we could check our clothing, should we decide to go without. After walking around the grounds a few times without seeing much, we realized we were too early. We ordered a couple of White Claws from a booth in the fair for $8 each. We considered hanging out in one of the numerous bars which were open on the edges of the fair until more people showed up, but we were hungry, and none of the food looked appealing to us. We decided to leave to go have lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, and come back afterwards. When we came back, it was lit. At one point, we had worried that no one would show up because of the pandemic, but that worry turned out to be completely unfounded. This time around, we had to wait in line for five to ten minutes before getting back in. Multiple food trucks had shown up, but of course now we were full. As I mentioned, clothing was optional, and most people opted to wear none, or very little. I wish I could write about all of the things we saw, but most of them are not appropriate for a Yelp review. I would note that the photos on Yelp are extremely mild compared to what I saw in real life. Let's just say that I saw things in person that I had never even seen on the internet prior to attending this event. This was really and truly a day that I will not, and can not, ever forget. Again, I have pics and videos, but most of them are simply not appropriate for Yelp. For those who are curious, you'll have to turn to Google for a more complete idea of what you might see at the fair. read more

Folsom Street Fair - Folsom street fair - Festivals Near Me - San Francisco, California

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It looks like people are having a great time. If this is your type of thing go for it! Leather little clothing techno house music and lots of vendors and music for blocks! I believe they section off 8th to 12th street on Folsom. I took some pics from an apartment above in 2022. (Sunday September 25, 2022) I believe it just ended so next year be sure to be outside at 10 am or so and it seems to end at 6pm. read more

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It has been years, but my husband and I went 2-3 years in a row. But we forgot about it until this year. My husband and I have a friend who was selling T-shirts and posters. So, we went, hand in hand to see what was going on, people watch, and find our friend. But my goodness...there were so many people that it was hard walking around. First we waited in line so that someone could look at my purse to make sure there were no weapons. They only had three people looking in the bags of thousands. There were three other stations to do that, however, we didn't find out until we were at 8th and Folsom and at that time, I didn't have the heart of energy to walk back. But we paid $10 each ($20) for the sticker that gave us $2 off all drinks. But the lines were so long, that I didn't want to wait. I was hot, tired, overwhelmed, and was scooching along naked, half-naked, people. That didn't offend me. We wanted to walk up one side of the aisles and walk down the other to see all of the booths, something that you do at a normal festival. But the roadblocks were intense. We didn't want to look at the foodtrucks, because we were worried about getting to and from and finding a place to eat (sit down/relax). It was clear that wasn't happening. The only thing that I can say is that it got us into the city. After 1.5 hours of madness, we decided to walk to the mission district. That was the best decision ever. My husband and I decided that we were never, ever going back. Even if we're curious, have a friend showing art, etc. What they need is for us to have more space for people to walk by and maybe control the traffic. We can go up one side and go down the other. At one point, we could do that. However, now that isn't the case. It isn't worth the time or the donation. I have attended my last fest and boy and I glad. read more

Folsom Street Fair - A waste of $10. - Festivals Near Me - San Francisco, California

Of all places, My house is the only residential building on the block, all other buildings are commercials , you had to place the public toilet stations in front of my house, how stupid can you be. Respect your neighbors. I personally had to move them to the side to avoid the smell. read more

*Disclaimer: The following review may not be appropriate for everyone. For readers 21 and up. Emotional maturity not required * Friend: "man, these buns are hard" Janice: "I know, right? but I'm really here for the sausage" It was quite peculiar to see so many sausages on display. Polish. Footlongs. Weiners. Some quite edible looking, others just plain shriveled up and dry. (left too long on the grill?) I'm talking about my overpriced yucky $7 hotdog. I drowned that sucker in ketchup and sweet relish, but nothing could save it. At least I had plenty of napkins. You know, to clean up my hands. ;-) This is San Francisco's most uninhibited and freakiest side. Whether you like it or not, I'm sure you won't feel indifferent about it. Leather is the name of the game and people wear it with no shame. (or wear none of it at all) This is one SF tradition that I hope continues on, because it guarantees some type of a reaction from you which ranges from "oh, that's interesting" to "hell. no. that is some disgusting shit." The fair stretches for a good 6 city blocks, with stages set-up for bands, DJs, and naked twister (I saw body parts where the sun don't shine!). The cage dancer in mid-air. Don't forget the Charity Spanking booth, which drew a lot of onlookers. It was a well-attended fair with a lot of gawkers and I saw couple of tourists as well. My friend just had to take a pic with the famous Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. I had my shot with a good-looking Caesar. Not a lot of food selection so don't go looking for a salad. Although there were some bars/restos open around the area where you can get food to go. Indian Garden restaurant was heaven sent with its samosas, curry and basmati rice set-up right outside their restaurant on a makeshift table. Ice cold beers or frozen margaritas were on hand to cool you especially on a warm day like Sunday. I already get enough torture at work, so the S & M materials for sale were just for perusing. (sure...) You can find whips made from cheap leather ($24) to higher end ones ($70) for sale. For ladies in love with leather corsets, the ones sold here were beautifully made. Cheap DVD's, toys, cuffs, leashes, collars, all you can ever think of and imagine, you'd see it here at Folsom Street Fair. There is a $7 "suggested" donation (i.e. required) at the entrance. Just fork it over, it's really people watching at its best. (Or worst, however you look at it) And you WILL look at it. Overall, I had a good time. My curiosity was satisfied. I just found it really amusing whenever I turned around, somehow there was always a naked person in front of me. Hellooo dick! It's. Staring. At. Me. "um, yeah, that's too small" "OMG. that is TOO big" "Hmm......this one is just right!" who the eff am I? Goldicocks? read more

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Leather BDSM Assaults On All Your Consenting Senses! SITREP "My eyes! O' my eyes! And I need brain bleach! AND I NEED BRAIN BLEACH!!!" Yeah, some of these images I'm NEVER gonna erase from my mind. Still, it has always been quite the fun time. THE SETUP First hit the Folsom Street Faire back in 2000. Or was it 1999? I can't remember for sure. I think the retinal burns from what I see has an impact on my memory to some degree.... THE BARS & CLUBS It is really nice that the clubs are open, allowing us the opportunity to pop into a nice cool lair, out of the sun, and to imbibe in some degrees. Cat Club is my favorite because the music is going on during the day, people are dancing, and the drinks are strong yet cheap. You can't ask for a better lay-over during the height of the Faire. In fact, it was easy to lose track of time and spend 2 hours in Cat Club before we realized the time had slipped by. THE EXHIBITS & VENDORS So much to see and so much to BUY! Shana and I were like 2 little repressed shoppers who had been stuck on some research island and finally made it back to civilization and went bonkers on all the cool items for sale, like KILTS, and WHIPS, and ROPES, and MASKS, and ACCESSORIES, etc. etc. It was so much fun checking out the merchandise. THE BANDS We totally missed them! I mean, we HEARD them....from afar. But with all of the wandering, and hitting the clubs, etc., we just didn't "get to them." Ce la vie. Next Year. THE SPANKING I mean, you couldn't miss this. Wherever you were. At the sound of the first *crack*, it was a little startling, especially when followed by some cute little girl's scream, but then you realize it wasn't a little girl but a tranny, who was being wailed on by a cute little girl. (I got really confused). But even by the end of the day, my compatriot got into whipping others and she enjoyed it thoroughly. [I kinda made sure I kept well in front of her when she had that whip in her hand...] THE PICTURES! I took a LOT. And yet, I probably only posted about a quarter of them (about 85 have been posted) for reasons of propriety and decorum. I kinda thing that even of the ones I posted will somehow mysteriously disappear after a while, so look at them now while the gettin's good! THE LOWDOWN Not your usual Sunday afternoon, and that's the god's honest truth! read more

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The Folsom Str. Fair is a freedom of expression and offers a sense of freedom to share without concern of legal issues. I personally enjoy being nude outdoors. I enjoy nude hiking, camping, and anything outdoors. Being able to publicly walk around nude on the streets gives me a great sense of freedom. Most people don't care and that is the way it should be. Nudity is natural and it is a crime that we as humans are forced to wear clothes. This year I greatly enjoyed dancing while nude. It was a great day. The only bad part of being at the fair was having to put clothes on as I left the fair area. read more

You know what? I LOVED attending this festival, and I would definitely go again in a heartbeat. For the open-minded, it's by-and-large a fun, positive and respectful atmosphere. Remember to bring sunscreen, water and maybe even a hat! read more

Missed The Presets : ( Missed Shiny Toy Guns : ( Saw Berlin play : ) Terri Nunn still looks hot : P They played a new song FAIL They played a cover of "Dope Show" FAIL Missed meeting up with half of my friends thx to AT&T : ( By the way, "What happens at the Folsom Street Fair, stays at the Folsom Street Fair" Really? My friends and I have photos proving that the afore mentioned statement couldn't be further from the truth. Extra star this year for NOT seeing the masturbating guy Here is just one reason i can't give FSF 5 stars http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/NTIl5Npg1NHTgJtj1EFPrw?select=UwEJTG8ivm8jrcD0ePrWzg read more

Folsom Street Fair - This is just one reason I cant give FSF 5 stars - Festivals Near Me - San Francisco, California

Q: How many naked men jacking off in public does it take before I stop giving a fuck? A: 1. read more

I came, I saw, I'm happy I did, but not sure I ever need to again. It's a fun, let it all hang out (literally...you will see a lot of nudity, mostly penis) environment that covers many blocks of Folsom Street. There are dozens of vendors, but so many people it's hard to shop. Not to mention, it's sensory overload and overwhelming...there is just so much to look at and take in. I mean really, where else can you see piss pigs in kiddie pools begging to be peed on by strangers, ass licking competitions, sybian demos and human pups in full dog gear, complete with tails fighting over toys?!? read more

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The "experience" = 5 stars The "slight discomfort" = 3 stars The "dungeon bed" = 4 stars The "hot-wax-on-skin display" = 3 stars The "older, naked men's barely-covered-in-leather butts" = 1 star The "people-dressed-as-animals" = 3 stars The reptiles that I'm afraid of = 2 stars The fights I saw break out = 1 stars Eating at the fancy restaurant, Lulu, right afterward = priceless! read more

I had been looking forward to this event since I moved to San Francisco. A few years ago, my friend sent me a photo album of his visit, and I could not wait to see the "human urinal" and the bicycle pedal powered "fuck machine". I had two out of town visitors this week, both from my home town, but one was living in Detroit, and the other now resides in Austin. We purposely planned their visit to coincide with the Folsom Street Fair. I learned a few things here: 1. A fanny pack is no longer an accessory, but an entire ensemble! 2. It is completely acceptable to beat off out of a second story window, and shoot your load onto the crowd...They will cheer and love you for it. 3.You are NEVER too old and saggy to go out of the house nude. (You may be very surprised to find that your parents/grandparents are into some twisted shit) 4. It is totally possible to become numb to seeing people without clothes on. 5. If you are walking around naked and someone else is walking around naked, it's completely fine to touch your privates to their privates, even if you do not know them. 6. It is quite cheap to be spanked by a stranger. 7. It is hilarious to see naked people eating corn on the cob. 8. I know exactly where to hold my arms and hands when I walk, so I do not accidentally touch a strangers wiener in a crowd. 9. If you're old and only wearing a hat, masturbating in the street, and more people are taking photographs of another guy doing the same thing near you, go stand by him if you're jealous. Outrageous. I can't wait until next year. read more

Folsom Street Fair - Folsom 2006 - Festivals Near Me - San Francisco, California

Ranky...skanky...with a touch of hanky panky The Folsom Street Fair is gradually becoming the next Lombard Street twist-n-turn experience. I'm sure those double-decker red buses would pass by if they could. Most residents come at least once to say they have experienced the true San Francisco. I come (...and I spelled that correctly) because I live a block away from the east entrance, and well...it is a fascinating socio-cultural study. Uh yeah. It's no surprise that it's turning from a Masturbatory Magic Mountain to a Spanking Disneyland. In fact, I think I saw Snow White, and he looks like he drifted...to sleep. Lots of almost-naked men in chaps and straps, but as we all know, only a few of them should be. Most of the others must have skipped the gym this past year. Cross-dressers were a more successful lot since they usually went all the way in their glittery decollete wardrobe to Whoville with several stopping at Joan Crawford-land and Casa Carmen Miranda. There were several spanking booths but apparently not enough since most were too crowded to actually witness the punishment in full. Just as well as it usually wasn't a pretty picture. There was, of course, jerk-off row where all the digital cameras seemed to be focused. You can even pick up a nice tschotske as a loving remembrance, a glass dildo or a spanking paddle or an iron sculpture shaped in your favorite male genitalia. Practical things really. And the foot traffic usually gets the most brutal around 9th and 10th where the food and most of the variety entertainment is. Depending on your attitude, that is either the most heinous part of the fair or the most thrilling. FOOD - 2.5 stars....the standard street fair stuff...pass the Pepto AMBIANCE - 4 stars...a leather wonderland but be wary of lingering tourists with cameras SERVICE - uh, no comment TOTAL - 3 stars...once pretty daring, now just meeting expectations read more

This event is for people who are open to wearing just leather fetish clothes or being totally naked aka exposure of genitals. First, the event starts at 11, always at last Sunday of September. Get there before noon or there will be very long lines and enter on Howard Street instead of Folsom Street for shorter line. There is $10 mandatory donation for entrance fee. This event could take all day until 6 pm if you are interested in BDSM activities. There are series of BDSM booths from all over Bay Area to purchase goods or experience BDSM. Each BDSM experience from spanking to tying costs $20. The workers are experienced and they understand each client's needs. The food is okay but on expensive side. Once you get sticker for the event, the beer is $2 off. The ratio for naked men and women is about 7:3, and watch out for some disgusting scenes for some such as piss pool and some public sex. Finally, bring sunscreen and empty water canteen because its hot almost every year. Also, bring a water canteen for water fill up at water stations throughout the event. read more

Oh, wow. Where does one even begin to talk about this hot mess? I mean, how can you not give it 5 Stars - anything that can cause me to throw my hand over my eyes, recoil in horror and say "Holy Shit, what the fuck was that?" has got to be some lewd and freaky (and therefore awesome) shit. And it is. If you like Golden Showers, Poop Sex and Public Masturbation well then this is the place for you. I have never EVER seen so much penis in my life. Its funny - after awhile you dont even notice it. You become Zen and at one with the multitude of peen and hairy butt crack which surrounds you. Last time i was here I felt like i needed to go to church after just watching this freakshow. However, i did witness the Dore Alley party this year and it made Folsom Street look like Disney Land. I dont even know how thats possible - but i'm not even joking. The thing is, i live directly smack in the middle of this fair. I dont really have a choice whether or not to go to this event. So, you know - When In Rome... I'm just always scared i'm going to run into some guy i used to date being flagellated by his master on top of a Great Dane or something along those lines. Wouldnt that just be a trip and a half? I dont know why i'm so afraid this might happen, but hey you never know. San Francisco is weird like that. read more

Folsom Street Fair - Welcome to the Neighborhood - Festivals Near Me - San Francisco, California

You gotta do it at least once.... :0 I'm one of the straights who attends for the fun and I'm also a photographer. It all happens here, anything you can think of happens here and I've heard stories of the Folsom Street Fair of the past and I can only imagine. I did it but I probably won't be rushing back. read more

Folsom Street Fair - Festivals Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I never understood what people meant by culture shock until I visited Folsom. I come from a repressed nation where our fetishes are mostly indulged behind closed doors. Perhaps Frank Bough would have had an easier time when he was exposed for being a cocaine abusing S&M fiend had he had been the presenter of KRON4 news rather than presenting Nationwide on the BBC, but I digress. For once a year, Folsom Street Fair comes to town and really anything goes. In my first year at Folsom I was given a pot brownie by a policeman (off duty I might add), watched a man masturbate to a crowd of people who bestowed a thunderous round of applause when he lost his sticky mess all over the pavement and more displays of public fornication than I had ever seen in my life before. That wasn't the shocking part, the shocking part came when I saw a family, mother, father and two of their young teenage kids wandering around as if it were an every day occurence. Of course, now I realise this is San Francisco and it really isn't anything out of the ordinary. Folsom is upon us once a year, I may not be ready to join in the festivities but I'm certainly looking forward to being an observer once again! read more

Interesting people watching. At first the costumes intrigued me, but after about an hour I was over it. The good: The women's area was cool. I liked the booths with handcrafted hats. Some costumes were clever. The bad: I was hoping to be shocked by things, but really I just felt sad for people who like to be flogged, tied, or pretend to be dogs. The men jerking off, giving blow jobs, or licking butt holes was gross. Everywhere smelled like ass. Im glad I went. I won't go again. read more

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It may have gotten a little tamer through the years. With its popularity, I feel like more people come as spectators than participators and lifestylers. I was guilty of that this year. I didn't dress up. I didn't participate. I DID buy a few toys that I could've gotten on any other day in the area (I actually work in the area). I DID watch many, many exhibits we all know and love...if you're into that sort of thing. Leather and BDSM is not unique to San Francisco, but the Folsom Street Fair is oh-so-local-flavor! The energy is beautifully accepting and playful. If you're not used to the scene, but you're intrigued, GREAT! Just be respectful. Date of Event: Last Sunday of September read more

Holey ass chaps, Batman! I hope everyone that dared to bare at this event was wearing sunblock! The Fair is a bit bigger than I thought it would be but not as interesting. I think watching men swelled up with saline doing nasty stuff in the middle of the street is good fun but it just seemed like the whole thing was about people wearing leather just standing around. There's food booths, vendors, models, a couple exhibitionist stages, and 3 sound stages. Still, overall, it just felt like it lacked variety. I think the best thing there were some of the corset vendors. I'd give it a 2 but since it's unique local flavor kind of thing, it gets 3. Times visited: 1 read more

Folsom Street Fair - Who's your daddy?! - Festivals Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Rules to FSF: Leave the kids behind Watch your ass Look totally straight Wear old shoes Bring the camera and DON't piss in anyone mouth! (see pics) read more

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Had a bit of a scare this year: I overheard a young lady say as she passed me, "That was the smallest dick I've ever seen." I was most relieved to discover upon quickly double-checking that this year I was in fact wearing pants. read more

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Folsom Street Fair is a gay version of the Exotic Erotic Ball and orgy in one. A lot of people come in some weird outfit made of rope or sometimes nothing and walk around the place. Towards the later afternoon, some get so drunk and excited that they end up having sex in the streets. If someone wants to see the costumes come early, before noon. After 1pm, it becomes a big crowd of people where one can't even see the ground 2 feet in front. read more

Folsom Street Fair - Festivals Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Raunchy dirty man on man pig's all over... What more could one ask for??? Honestly I look at it like the "powerhouse" in the San Francisco streets!!! It's wonderful.. Best photos best fun best time of the year I do have to admit that it has been far tamer .. A lot more PG-13 or CW, not Pay Per View or X (or R rating for that matter) which is a pity.. It's turning to crap well not crap crap, because one once upon a time saw that read more

Ehhhhhh yeah I said it. I think I may be desentized to all things kinky. I blame growing up in the internet age. Here was me: "cool you're naked, I see that in the Castro daily" "nice, you're getting spanked in public" "so why are you licking that dudes shoes? He spill some chocolate ice cream on there or something?" "yes, you have a vagina, boobs and a penis - high five" I was more excited to see Little Boots with the entire crew. Which she killed and I danced around to like there wasn't some 300 lbs sweaty, smelly, naked and hairy dude behind me. read more

Folsom Street Fair - Festivals Near Me - San Francisco, California

Fetish, Leather...Hot Dogs... Yeahh uhh. WHO else is just as EXCITED as I am?!?! AHH... The most entertaining and fun loving people at this festival... and it's cummin up. YES! *Fist in air* read more

Folsom Street Fair - Folsom Street Fair - Festivals Near Me - San Francisco, California

We enjoyed the 3 guys with their penises chained together the most. The human urinal guy stayed dry cos they wanted $100 to spray him. It was cheaper to use the port-a-potty. We felt sorry for the guy whose skin was all red from being flogged but he seemed happy. It's nice to know this place wasn't full of poseurs. There was one dude who tried to get people to put heavy things on a little scaffold hangin off of his balls. That was kinda freaky. I went 5 years ago and swore I'd never come again. The margaritas were kind of expensive. read more

To all of your questions..the answer is YES. leather daddies? check gay boys who drank one too many protein shakes? check goths in their best getups? check bears? check furries? check exposed genitalia? check bjs and hand jobs on the street? check Naked transvestites? check spanking? check whipping? check doms and their leashed human pets? check 4 stars for entertainment value. My curiosity is satiated, won't need to come back again! read more

Folsom Street Fair - looked owwwwieee :( - Festivals Near Me - San Francisco, California

I like this street fair a lot. It offers lots of interesting sights and people. However, in recent years, there have been too many gawkers. And it drives me crazy to see parents with their kids who don't understand what's going on. read more

So here's what I've learned from my time at the FSF: 1) We normally swing our arms when walking, right? Don't do that here. With this much nudity everywhere, who knows what your hand will graze on the upswing. 2) You will be tempted to cut down the girl who is tied up & hanging face down by ropes. Don't, she "likes" it up there. It's all part of the bondage act. 3) If you see the "Human Urinal" booth, walk on by. Don't stand & stare unless you want a golden shower. You will NEVER get that image out of your head (or out of your hair.) 4) If you don't know what HJs & BJs are-- there are at least 100 men willing to give you a demonstration. Fun & educational! The debauchery & totally uncensored activities are amusing for the first 15 minutes then you start thinking, how many more public fistings & floggings do I have to watch before I can go home & shower? read more

Overheard at Home: Mom reading out loud "Who's your daddy?" from the plastic paddle I picked up at the Folsom Street Fair... Should've put that away. Oops. What most people know and think about when the Folsom Street Fair is mentioned is that there is a whole lot of everything unmentionable going on in broad daylight. What they don't really think too much about is that many of the tables [if you can get to them] provide valuable information on community-specific resources [and condoms, lube, paddles, etc], and at the end of the day, the street fair is for a good cause. Aside from letting the exhibitionists out and adding to the flavor that makes San Francisco crazy and unique, the fair raises a lot of money for local charities. In 2007, $350,000+ was raised from the Folsom Street Fair. The 2008 numbers aren't in yet, but the 2008 beneficiaries are: - AIDS Emergency Fund - Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center - Community United Against Violence - Frameline - Healing Waters - Lyon-Martin Health Services - Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) - Positive Resource Center - Project Open Hand - Quan Yin Healing Arts Center - San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus - Shanti Project - St. James Infirmary - Tenderloin Health - Transgender Law Center - Triangle Martial Arts Association This was year #2 for me, and after being shocked the previous year after wandering about for half a block, I told myself that I'd venture out of my friend's apartment and actually see the fair. I navigated my way through the crowds from one end to the other, checked out some of the booths, stood around the Twister game going on stage, watched a little bit of this and that, hung out by the Charity Spanking area, etc. Even with 3-inch platforms on, I couldn't see over some of the crowds and had to catch glimpses through other people's cameras... And there went another year. I still don't understand why some people bring their dogs or babies. PS - Where was the human toilet? Walgreens on 9th/Market wouldn't let me use theirs. it's a lawsuit waiting to happen. read more

Most people who are interested in attending this fair don't need this review. They're enthusiasts. They're buying their chaps and their harnesses and their cat o' nine tails. They're going anyway. Other people go to watch the spectacle. They want to catch a glimpse into this strange fetish world. They want to know if the rumors are true. Well, they say they want to know. That's what they say. Attending the fair guarantees that you will see more than your share of naughty bits. And you might also unexpectedly see Internet sensation, Kelly, performing her song, "Shoes". You'll see lewd acts performed everywhere you look. And you might inadvertently kick off a huge photo opportunity with the police officers who are watching over the event. Some people like to play with model trains, other people like to wear furry chaps and leather wolf masks. Who are we to judge? read more

I think its pretty cool that we live in a city where they can recruit cops at the gayest fair of the year. And I'm not referring to the leather outfit wearing, dildo holstering kinds of cops. I'm talking about the "To Protect and Serve" kinds. I also don't know if "cool" is the word for what else I saw. Lets just say that i can check "seeing someone being pissed on in public" off my list of things I need to take do before I die. Disclaimer: this fair is soooo not for everyone. If you cant handle seeing sidewalk masturbation, pierced everything, and butt plugs the size of a small babies head, then don't come. Some of the people you might see can be "unpleasant" ... And please...keep your children at home. read more

The Folsom Street fair is many things. It is: 1. Eye-opening - I saw some people I would have never seen outside of the 19th Century, naked. Bizarro World. 2. Educational - I didn't know how to apply a cock ring prior to this event. 3. Supportive - With all the various groups on hand I felt that it was OK to like different things. 4. Practical - I got free condoms and some other useful swag. Like a paddle. 5. Self-affirming - I walked away from it realizing that I am bigger than most men. Nevertheless, there were way too many people and the human traffic jam made me impatient. I also walked by the guys jerking off saying to myself, "PLEASE don't finish just yet." My roommate probably also has many pictures of his ass on random people's computers. It's OK though, he lost his dignity long ago! read more

Half-festival, half-spectacle. Not for the squeamish or faint of heart. One of my favorite places to enjoy the sunshine and photograph people embracing and showing off their inner kink. It's funny how quickly desensitized one can become to the sight of a penis in public though. One of these days, I swear I'm investing in a rubber corset. --------- note: this is NOT a child-appropriate venue. read more

i enjoy it every year but i don't know what it will be like in 2021 with covid safety restrictions to follow. I'm quite confused though by other reviews here complaining about crowds when crowds are pretty much the entire reason for the event existing. Why complain about an event you are not required to attend? You can't mold such gatherings to your own personal preferences and if you dislike crowds then simply don't go. The jovial atmosphere and sense of community is so wonderful and intense I don't generally even notice I am standing for 3 or 4 hours. It's one of the few times of the year you can express yourself as you like and not be disrespected for it. It's also one of the few times gay men and gay women party together. My gratitude to the producers, the volunteers and the SFPD for all their hard work making the day so much fun. read more

I think FSF needs a new slogan. How about: "Where Fanny Pack Isn't a Noun: It's A Verb." And a publicly, repeatedly performed verb at that. I was actually kind of disappointed. My lovely wife and I went because we heard they had $3 pitchers. What we didn't know was that they also had $2 catchers. Tip for the casual tourist: Go early. We arrived just after it opened at 11:00, spent a fun hour or so wandering around, taking pictures (a few are in my profile), and chatting with people. It was relaxed and not crowded. Perfect if you neither want to sweat the petty things (like waiting in line) nor pet the sweaty things (and there were plenty of sweaty things around, if you know what I mean). Food: Try the chicken (from a vendor, not the kind served by Michael Jackson). $8 buys a a flavorful one pound skewer of white meat. Most likely a popular entree, come to think about it. read more

I must say, I've heard many people talk about it, so I just had to go see for myself. Let me start off by saying if you are into the S&M and leather community, this is definitely your place, but mind you, somethings should really just left in private (in my opinion of course). 20 minutes of it and I was completely overwhelmed, not to mention being visually traumatized by what was happening in one of the apartment building's front window. 1. Multiple stations and stages with public flogging and spanking. Ok. 2. Men and women walking around from full nudity to straps, harnesses and whatever your heart desires, OK. 3. A man having anal sex for full display. NOT OK. I think this is where I had to draw the line. I mean, first of all, I don't want any fluids flying out the window and secondly, the whole scene just burned my retinas. Exhibition as its lowest. No thanks! read more

Talk about flying your freak flag. I saw all manner of strange my first (and most likely my last) visit to San Francisco's famed Folsom St. Fair. Latex fetishist? Leather fetishist? What do you need? There was a group wearing only body paint. I saw people who had to be well in to there 8o's walking around in ass-less chaps. I saw people lined up to have there bare bottoms paddled by strangers. There was the old man only wearing Raybans and a cock ring posing for pictures (Just give him a minute to get the blood flowing). I saw half naked people being lead around on leashes. I saw Dominatrix of all ethnicities, shades and sizes and I'm fairly certain I saw "The Gimp". But I have to say the strangest thing I saw all day was a "yuppie" couple pushing around a four year old in a stroller. (You could tell they were yuppies because it was a Baby Jogger) WTF? Most memorable things overheard at the street fair... "I love it when it's big and brown, cause then I know I really got a hold of it!" "I could totally eat his ass!" "I came here to see boys spanking boys, not girls spanking girls!" And my personal favorite... RS 1- "Is someone getting f*kd?" RS 2 --- "No, just spankings" *RS = Random Stranger Warning : Not for the faint of heart but you should go at least once, especially with someone from out of town. read more