ArtSpan celebrates 50 years of open studios this year, and on October 5 and 6 they will host Open Studios in SOMA.
Dozens of artists’ work will be on display at various galleries and locations. Explore bustling group sites, private workspaces, alternative studios, and pop-ups at partnered commercial venues. Whether you are shopping for art or seeking to connect with the creative soul of the city, you are welcome to attend.
All galleries are free to visit. Visit between 11AM and 5PM.
The ArtSpan event runs four weekends: this weekend, October 5 or 6, it will focus on SOMA, East Cut, South Beach, Dogpatch, Bayview/Hunter’s Point, Potrero Hill, and Mission Bay.
Locations within the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District include Arc Studios and Gallery at 1246 Folsom, Liz Mamorsky’s studio at 739 Clementina, Gordon Sizelove at 721 Tehama Street, and Nick Aitken at 60 Rausch.
There is so much happening in San Francisco’s South of Market area this week, in advance of the Folsom Street Fair, that we don’t have room to list everything on our home page!
Kinksters massed at SF City Hall on Sunday, September 22, and proudly paraded through SOMA for LeatherWalk 2024.
The walk is over, though donations are still accepted until Sunday, October 13; donate today at www.leatherwalk.org!
LeatherWalk 2024 gathered on the steps of City Hall. Photo credit: Jovon Bright.
The Walk started with greetings by Cultural District President Reika Faust, and a warm welcome by District Six Supervisor Matt Dorsey.
LeatherWalk 2024 in progress. Photo credit: Jovon Bright.
Each walker received a free LeatherWalk 2024 pin as they lined up behind the color guard flags. Several local organizations organized fundraising teams for the Walk (including The 15, The Gauntlet, BLUF SF, the Yellow and Black Group, and the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District) and carried their banners in front of their members and supporters.
The Walk stepped out promptly at 11:30 am. SFPD officers stopped traffic, and volunteers helped keep everyone safe, as Walkers proceeded to the Walk’s first Stop, Oasis.
LeatherWalk 2024 gathered in front of the Oasis. Photo credit: Jovon Bright.
After a pause for libations and a massive group photo, the Walk continued down Folsom to Stop #2, where some Walkers visited the Hole in the Wall or Powerhouse, while others stepped across to Azúcar Lounge for edible refreshments. Stop #3 was Leather Etc., where Walkers received discounts on gear of all kinds. At Stop #4, Mr. S Leather, several authors and contributors signed copies of their new book, “Kink Is”.
LeatherWalk 2024 turns from Folsom onto 8th Street. Photo credit: Dave Fong.
After that, volunteers stopped traffic to allow walkers to proceed safely to Ringold Alley, where John Brett, Minister for the SF Night Ministry, offered words of inspiration and a “Blessing of the Leathers”. Then it was on to Stop #5, the Lone Star Saloon, for more camaraderie and cocktails.
The Walkers then regrouped and strode the final leg of the Walk, to the SF Eagle’s Leather Pride Fest which closed Harrison street from 11th to 13th Street.
The raising of the Leather Pride Flag, announcing the start of San Francisco’s Leather Week 2024. Photo credit: Jovon Bright.
At 3 pm, the huge Leather Pride Flag was ceremoniously raised above Eagle Plaza, officially heralding the start of Leather Week. Partying in the street continued until 7 pm. Many leather/kink festivities continued throughout South of Market and all of San Francisco, right through the Folsom Street Fair the following Sunday.
We estimate that roughly 200 Walkers enjoyed LeatherWalk 2024. Kink pride was visible in the District, and our LeatherWalk tradition was joyously preserved.
Fundraising for LeatherWalk continues until Sunday, October 13, to give fundraisers the opportunity to reach their goals. Proceeds from LeatherWalk directly support our Leather Legacy Landmarks sidewalk plaques initiative to install plaques at 77 iconic and sometimes raucous SOMA locations, honoring places that began serving our community in the 1960s.
Donors have contributed more than $10,000 towards our $22,000 goal of funding the installation of the first 17 plaques, all on Folsom Street. There is still time for your support get us over the top! Please making a meaningful donation today at www.leatherwalk.org. Support your favorite walker!
And please join us in extending thanks to the many individuals and groups – including our generous donors, the participating bars and businesses, the many volunteers, and the specialists at Do Good Stuff, – who deserve thanks for making LeatherWalk 2024 such a grand success.
Did You Know SOMA WEST Has A Safety Patrol? Read below!
SOMA West has a dedicated Safety Patrol, with uniformed Safety Ambassadors on bikes patrolling the neighborhood as part of its Clean & Safe Initiatives. These ambassadors provide a highly visible presence and serve as the eyes and ears of the San Francisco Police Department, helping to deter crime and maintain community safety.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the Safety Ambassadors handle street disorder response, trespass enforcement, alarm response, security escorts, and referrals to human service programs. Their constant presence and close communication with local police help deter panhandling, crime, and vandalism.
For assistance, call 1.888.415.SOMA (7662):
Dial 1 for Service
Dial 2 for Security
Dial 3 to Leave a Message.
Here are a few generic safety suggestions:
Pick up a free safety whistle at bars and other venues around the Cultural District!
Blow three times if you need assistance.
Narcan and fentanyl test strips provided by the Cultural District are also widely available.
For emergency safety or medical issues, please dial 911.
For non-emergency police matters, please call the SFPD at 415-553-0123.
For outdoor cleanliness issues please use https://sf311.org/ — The Soma West CBD will receive the notification, and get on it ASAP.
For graffiti removal, or other cleanliness- or safety-related services, visit somawestcbd.org/services.
If you are visiting from a location without dedicated bike lanes, be extra alert wherever you see green pavement markings.
Respect pedestrian crosswalk lights and “no pedestrian crossing” signs.
Be respectful and polite to people on the street, but remain alert.
Before you leave with someone you meet in a bar, introduce them to a friend, an event host, a bartender, or the door security staff, and listen to any feedback they may offer about them.
