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!
LeatherWalk 2024 Launches Leather Week
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!
The Walk started with greetings by Cultural District President Reika Faust, and a warm welcome by District Six Supervisor Matt Dorsey.
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.
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”.
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.
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!
Please visit this page galleries of photos and videos from the event.
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.
You can continue to make donations to the Leather Legacy Landmarks initiative here.
Safety in SOMA
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.
- Please view this Overdose Prevention in Nightlife – Training Video, featuring Kochina Rude
- 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.
- Do not leave your beverage unattended.
- Be part of the solution.
Play on the Plaza: September
PLAY ON THE PLAZA!
Saturday, September 14, Noon to 5pm
At Eagle Plaza
(12th Street, Folsom to Harrison)
Wear your Gear!
Join us for Play on the Plaza, and ignite some spark in your life! Every second Saturday of the month we feature a different local bay area BDSM, Kink, Leather or LGBTQ group right on Eagle Plaza!
Vendors! Gear Swap! Entertainment!
SF Queer Leather Happy Hour
15 Year Anniversary Block Party
Impact Play Area
Impact Play Host:
Queer Leather Happy Hour
Spanking Benches and Crosses will be available,
provided by:
IMPACT PLAY Host: Queer Leather Happy Hour! Special 15 Year Anniversary.
Special Performances: Twisted Windows
Demo schedule:
1:30pm – Shay Tiziano
2:00pm – DangerBones & elizamante
2:30pm – Naturalturn & Jade_Viper
3:00pm – Squeeks & Jackson
3:30pm – Alicia T-Corn & KleineVosje
4pm – Shay & Angel
Spanking benches and crosses available for signup, provided by Communal Toys.
Kink/Leather Gear Swap: shop, consign or donate items.
Kink/Fetish Gear & Art
Find new gear or art from our vendors!
Aphy Charcoal
Artwork by Cricket
Downtown Armor
Filthy Studios
Hernandez Chiropractic
Legacy Tarot
Leather Legends
RR Modern
Two Bald Guys Art
Free Admission! Donations welcome!
This is an adult (18+) event.
KINK / FETISH VENDOR MART
Vendor Info
GEAR SWAP
Shop for a deal!
Bring leather or kinky gear, toys or clothing for consignment or donation.
Gear Swap Info
See who else is coming by checking Plura (formerly known as Bloom)!
Consensual impact play is welcome
Alas, sex play is not