Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Pride Parade

Hands down, the year's biggest party. Pirates in pink and giant-winged fairies toss candy and condoms from overflowing fanny packs, while pit bulls in rainbow-hued tutus trot alongside. Stilt-walkers in glitter, trannies on unicycles, queens on roller skates – anything goes. Crowds pour from BART and Muni, climbing streetlight posts for better views, and float-dancers strut atop moving stages. Growing almost every year since 1971, Pride draws about a million participants and sidewalk supporters, running the gamut from sweater queens to granola dykes, bondage masters to GLBT seniors. Afterwards there's an all-afternoon festival at Civic Center. Hotels fill; book early. The night before the parade, don't miss Pink Saturday on Castro St (6pm to midnight). Ongoing controversy reigns about Pride's aggressive corporate presence. To avoid it, head to Faerie Camp, the only advertising-free zone of the party, where Radical Faeires gather naked on blankets and smoke out.