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San Francisco’s Folsom Street Fair canceled in favor of virtual event

A man in a leather hat
Photo: Shutterstock

San Francisco’s leather and kink celebrations, the Folsom Street Fair and Up Your Alley fair have been canceled and will be replaced with virtual events.

Organizers confessed they considered simply shutting down the long-running street festivals but felt obligated to provide an online alternative.

Related: San Francisco is creating an LGBTQ leather cultural district

“Ultimately, we’ve chosen to hold Folsom Street Fair and Up Your Alley virtually, because we feel it is the ethical and the responsible choice.”

The virtual events will still happen on the previously scheduled dates. Up Your Alley weekend starts July 26 and Folsom Street Fair weekend begins September 27.

“I want to thank Folsom Street Events for their careful consideration of the current situation, and for making a decision that is in the best interest of public health but still allows people to celebrate virtually,” Mayor London Breed (D) said.

“People come to [these events] to be in community, to see and be seen,” organizers said. They noted that there will “definitely be music and the productions from regular DJs and entertainers” and the adult themes of the event won’t be tossed aside.

“We’re going to find a digital partner to work with to allow for adult content to be streamed on the event,” FSE’s Interim Executive Director Angel Adeyoha told SFist.

Organizers say they will announce more details once they… work out the kinks.

 

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