June 15, 2021 will be remembered as the day California re-opened. And nowhere is the reopening more welcome than in the South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco.
The bars that were already open, like Powerhouse and the Lone Star Saloon, are now able to operate without the strict social distancing and mask requirements that kept patrons in their seats and at more-than-arm’s length from one another.
The Hole in the Wall reopened Tuesday night, and the consensus was that it was exactly the same as before the pandemic began, which was just the way folks wanted it.
The SF Eagle is keeping its re-opening plans quiet, and not formally announcing a grand reopening date. But word is trickling out about upcoming events.
Here are some of the parties and events that demonstrate that SOMA is alive and well:
SF Eagle |
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One of favorite regular events from the before-times, Leather Lounge, resumes June 26 at the SF Eagle.
Leather, Gear and Cigars will be welcome on the patio, with free cover before 9:30 for those in gear. |
| Bearracuda is expected to be a regular first-Saturday’s event at the Eagle, beginning July 3rd. Doors open 9pm.
More info (including accurate price*) is at bearracuda.com. |
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Other SF Eagle events include The KINK(dom), a show where kink and performance collide, hosted by Sadie Payne, to be held every first Sunday starting on July 4th.
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Powerhouse |
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| At the Powerhouse, Scott is planning a range of parties, including Underwear Thursdays.
This weekly celebration of near-nudity is made possible by the trustworthy clothes-check skills of the SOMA Guardians, and launches proudly with Thrust Thirst on June 17. |
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Friday is Santino’s birthday, which is reason enough for a party at Powerhouse. |
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Another classic Powerhouse tradition is Beatpig.
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The monthly “Stank” parties at Powerhouse are always worth postponing a shower or two for.
The first one is Pride Friday, June 25, starting at 10 pm.. $`15 cover.* Art created by Diego Gomez, scents created by 15 months of hibernation. |
| Powerblouse returns on July 3, with Juanita MORE! and GlamaMore treating one lucky volunteer to a full-fantasy drag makeover.The event benefits The Imperial Court of SF. |  |
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Also in the works at Powerhouse is a Creator event on July 11th. Queer artists who would be interested in exhibiting their merchandise should contact Uel Renteria or Jeremy Novy for details.
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Lone Star Saloon |
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| The Lone Star Saloon happily resumes its weekly Sunday Beer Busts, from 4 to 8 pm.
The first one is a benefit for SF PRIDE, on June 20. Expect Jello-shots, hot bears on the patio, and DJ Stefonik rocking with a revamped sound system |
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Pride Saturday |
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“Pride Saturday” (June 26, 2021) should be a very special day.
First, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence present an afternoon of art, music, performance, and dance called “Black, Blue and Pink All Over”. The celebration runs from noon to 6pm, in Dore Alley at Folsom . |
| That party leads up to the Bare Chest Calendar’s “Investiture in the Alley”, at 6 pm. It’s live, in person, with “lots of touching”, as Team 2022 is vested.
The party then moves into the conveniently-adjacent Powerhouse. at 7PM! (See also “Leather Lounge’ at the Eagle, above. Yes, it should be quite a night.)
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Expect more news soon. (Send corrections or additions to Web@sflcd.org.)
* NOTE: Do not trust Facebook if it says an event is “free”. This is a known issue.
Please patronize these venues, and all the small, independent, and queer-friendly businesses of the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District of San Francisco.
Most of these businesses are struggling to survive, pay off past rent and other debts, employ our friends, and create a safe, vibrant, loving community for all of us. Please support them in every way: pay cover charges gladly, obey the rules of the house, tip generously, be good neighbors when you depart, and have a great time!
And take PRIDE in the unique, exciting, decadent world of SOMA!
