Travel Recap: Folsom 2026
Folsom Street Fair is an annual BDSM and leather subculture street fair held during the last Sunday of September in San Francisco. It attracts visitors from all over the world and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse crowd, and celebration of sexual freedom and self-expression. The event doesn't just include the fair on Sunday. There are parties and events all weekend long. It's been an event weekend I have always been told I should attend at least once, and this year I finally had the chance to attend.
Preparing for the Chaos
I'm not new to large-scale leather and kink events, as I have attended and staffed many over the years. Folsom however has been known to be larger than any of these events combined. I've seen and heard a lot about the event: packed streets, warm weather, and sex everywhere you look. I was also told the event can feel "touristy" at times, with many attendees who are there more for the spectacle than for the community. Despite this, it was hard not to be excited about the event and what could happen. I try to keep my expectations low (it's easy to feel disappointed if something doesn't pan out the way you hoped.), but damn does a crazy amount of debauchery and sexual liberation sound heavily to me.
Like I mentioned, there are a ton of parties and events that occur before and after the fair at the various bars and venues throughout the city. Most of them were circuit parties, known for their loud music, packed houses, sex, drugs, and generally a wild time. Honestly, I wouldn't know myself. Circuit parties are not really my thing. Sure, I enjoy the music, and the sex and drug culture doesn't really put me off, but the crowds are what get me. I can get claustrophobic quickly in packed spaces, and without anywhere to escape, it can quickly become overwhelming for me. If I want to dance, I want to dance freely, not trapped like a can of sardines. They can also be VERY pricy. Some of the parties had tickets listed at close to $80 or more, way out of my budget. I don't know how folks manage to attend every party throughout the weekend. Maybe one year I'll book a party (and I'll cover one particular one later in this post), but for this year, my friends and I focused on bar hopping, the Mr. S Leather party Saturday afternoon, and the fair itself.
Speaking of budget, I thought I had it fairly figured out going into the weekend. There was just something I forgot about: yearly subscriptions that renewed automatically right before the trip. Dammit. I was nervous, and felt bad because it meant I may have to rely on my friends to help me through the weekend financially. Sure, I know they are willing and able to help, but I can't help but feel bad asking. Normally, this would be a reason I'd cancel the trip, but with flights booked, I really couldn't back out. I just had to plan ahead on my next paycheck to pay them back. Note to self: freeze my credit cards before a big event. I'd rather a subscription lapse than not having enough funds when traveling.
MSN -> ORD -> SFO
After a day of work and packing the night before, my flight departed from Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) on Thursday the 24th. A quick "puddle jumper" flight that too about 30 minutes (beat the 2 hour long drive and expensive parking). I had about an hour layover and while waiting, met a couple also attending the event, easily noticed by the IML t-shirt one was wearing. We chatted briefly and it sounded like they were going to a bunch of the parties that I forwent. It was also their first time going too, which was nice to chat with more newbies. Unfortunately, I didn't see them for the rest of the weekend, which I wasn't surprised about. Oh well.
The flight from O'Hare to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) was much longer, taking about 4 hours. This was also where I learned that, on flights longer than two hours, to book the aisle seat. I felt bad keeping asking the person next to me to get up several times so I can pee, especially since it looked like they were busy working on the flight. Oops.
After landing, I hopped on the BART and made my way to my friend Tyr's apartment. While this is my first time to Folsom, it's not my first trip to San Francisco, or to Tyr's apartment. I was just here a year prior for a work conference, which was when I finally got to meet Tyr in person. We've been friends online for years, and time allowed us to finally hang out. Now we have the chance to spend some time together without work getting in the way. It also helped that the BART let off very close to his place. I got to the apartment, settled in, and hung out there for the rest of the night along with other members of our "crew" for the weekend: Bengalo, Diego, and Crash. Crash and Bengalo are both also from SF (Diego is from Atlanta), so we had a good group of locals and veterans to show us around. They are also the bar hopping types, which was perfect.
Friday: Brunch and the bar crawl
Tyr and I kicked off Friday with brunch at Sam's American Eatery. Such great food and had a great mimosa flight to kick off the weekend. The rest of the day was pretty chill at the apartment, with the rest of the crew coming over, including our friend Kevin, who also came over to hang out with us too. He caused a bit of trouble too (in the best way 😈). After that, we ordered in some dinner, got ready, and headed out for a bit of bar crawl action.
Our first stop was Lone Star Saloon. They were having a Leather and Gear happy hour, followed by a bear-theme event called "Big Boy". We got there at the tail end of the happy hour and there was about an hour in between events. I enjoy Lone Star usually, but it was suprisingly light on the crowd, and didn't seem like it was picking up anytime soon. Ultimately, after a drink, we decided to head to the next destination. We later found out the crowd definitely picked up.
Our next destination was the SF Eagle. This was much more well attended and we even got there before the cover started (Score!). I've always enjoyed the Eagle and this was no different. The atmosphere was great and the music was perfect. For my outfit of the night, I was wearing my orange and black Cellblock 13 singlet. At one point in the night, someone from Chicago asked me if it was merch from the Cell Block Chicago bar! Haha. I let them know that the singlet and the bar had no connection, but it was a fun interaction nonetheless. Talk about a small, queer, kinky world. After a few drinks and chillin, we hit our last bar of the night.
Our final bar of the night was the Hole in the Wall Saloon. This space is a lot smaller than other gay bars in the area, with a very heavy biker aesthetic. This is also Tyr's favorite bar, and I can see why. It was a much more chill atmosphere to just hang out, chat, and drink. Near the end of the night there, there was this really hot ginger bear I got to make out with while on line for the bathroom. I wish I got his info but I lost him after. Dang. Oh well.
We were home before 1 and after winding down a bit, we hit the hay. Overall it was a fun night out and exactly the type of speed I enjoy.
Saturday: Mr. S, and the body fights back
Saturday began with brunch again, this time at Nosh Box. This was on my list of must-visits, as it was a spot owned by a good friend of mine. I was so happy to get there, see my friend, and enjoy some delicious food. Their grilled cheese was incredible! After that, we headed straight for Mr. S Leather's block party.
While walking there, I mentioned to Tyr that I was excited because I've never been to the Mr. S store. He was actually surprised I never been. This was a constant theme throughout the trip, as Tyr was constantly surprised that I was having so many "firsts". First trip to Mr. S, first Folsom, hell even my first time in SF on an actual vacation. I travel a lot and am very heavily involved in the leather scene, so I get why he was surprised. But nope, I was a complete Folsom virgin.
We made it to Mr. S, stripped down to more fun outfits (I was wearing my orange neck bandana, leather bar vest with my Chicago Hellfire Club colors, a leather jockstrap with leg harness pouch, and my tattered wolf cap) and got on line to enter. Entry was $20, which isn't bad, but seemed to shock others. In the past, it apparently was just a suggested donation rather than a fixed entry fee, so it caught some folks off guard. The boys think this is what also deterred some locals from attending this year, as it felt like a lighter crowd than usual. I have no frame of reference, but it seemed pretty dang well attended to me. There was also free unlimited beer, so maybe the $20 was worth it for that alone. The party took place in the alleyway next to the store, fenced off to create a private space for attendees. There was even a playspace set up for more intimate fun (which I definitely took advantage of). The store itself was huge with a lot of great items tempting me and my wallet. I definitely have a "shopping list" for the future, especially for a custom neoprene pup hood. I could get one off the shelf, but I'd like to get one in custom colors similar to my fursona.
The party was a great time. I ran into a few other friends I knew at other events or online. I also ran into a few club brothers I haven't seen in a while, and a friend I haven't seen in person since back when I lived in NY 13 years ago! it was great. And I want to reiterate I had truly had a great time, because as the day went on, my face and stature didn't give that. First, remember that grilled cheese from Nosh Box? Well, maybe that wasn't the best idea when I was hoping for more playtime. My gut wasn't feeling right despite all I did to "prepare", and I could have been fine (I checked myself a few times and things seemed ok?) but I didn't trust myself. So those plans were gone, oh well. #BottomProblems right? 🤪. The more contributing factor to my mood was my feet and back starting to be in pain. We were standing a LOT and so my feet took a toll. I stuck it out, but damn did my body hate me. Finally, I also have severe ADHD, so I tend to stare off into space or doing some heavy people watching, so my friends thought I was bored and thinking the event was dull. Truly, I was really enjoying myself. I was just dealing with pain and unmedicated ADHD. That's all 😊.
After the party, we walked (I hobbled) over to Rocco's for food next. Mmmmm pasta and cheese (with no regrets). Afterward it was back to Tyr's for weed, beer, chilling, friskiness, and eventually bed early. Tomorrow was the fair and I could use all the recovery I can get.
Sunday: Fair Day
Morning saw us at Folsom Street Fair at around 11, right when it opened. This was perfect as it allowed us to walk the whole fair before it got crowded. Like at Mr. S, there was so much I wanted to buy, and so much discipline I had to have not to. I did good, but I will be better prepared for next time. Overall, Folsom Street Fair itself was pretty much what I expected. Like Market Days in Chicago, but more leather, kink, sex, and nudity. I'm an exhibitionist and nudist, so this is my element. I saw some friends walking the fair too, and never saw them again. It definitely shows the sheer volume of people that attend. I was definitely not the slut I (and others) expected me to be. I didn't engage in any heavy play. Some fun stuff happened within our group, but honestly, I was taking it all in and it was definitely overwhelming at times. It was cool to recognize some of the play spots from videos and pics online. The large intersections were the main public site you can find play happening. At one point one was a sea of furries playing. It felt like I was back at a fur con room party 🤪.
There is one thing to note about the fair that pictures and videos don't fully capture. The crowd is incredibly diverse when it comes to gender and sexualities. It was definitely heavily queer, but there were also plenty of straight folx there as well. For context, I am used to primarily gay, mostly masculine spaces. I was so happy to see such a wide variety of people of all genders and sexualities there. I've always been an advocate for spaces for all, and Folsom is a perfect example of that. I just wasn't used to it. Honestly, I felt a bit out of my element, as if I was stepping into the community for the first time again. It definitely gave me a bit of social anxiety, but I'm glad I experienced it. I just couldn't hit on every hot guy I saw. LOL. We walked the fair and hit up a couple bars (Hole in the Wall and The Willows) for cheaper drinks and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the fair.
Then the feet pain came back. And the back pain. And began thinking it was time to call it a day, and I was getting frustrated with myself. Tyr and I also haven't eaten yet (and it was already 3 PM), so we headed to the food trucks. While I was on line for some (severely overpriced) chicken tenders, my mom texted me. Funny story, my mom has my instagram bookmarked on her computer. No, she doesn't follow me, just bookmarked for whatever reason. She decided to check it out and saw posts of me heading to SF. I keep my Instagram fairly PG-13, so there was nothing too "naughty" to see, but I also didn't mention to her I was going on vacation. I texted her back to let her know I was on vacation in SF, and she was a bit surprised that I was (finally) taking a larger vacation trip that wasn't just to visit home. She told me to have fun and enjoy myself, and then surprised me by Venmo'ing me some "vacation funds". This actually was a huge relief in the weekend, as it allowed me to enjoy the rest of the weekend without worrying too much about expenses, and I could pay Tyr back sooner rather than later. It definitely lifted my mood.
After food, I did feel like I was having some gut issues again, and my mood began to drop a bit more. I really hate when this happens but, c'est la vie. Around 5, about an hour before the fair ended, instead of going home, Tyr brought us along to a garden/house party hosted by a friend of his. I was still in pain and kinda wanted to go home, but I decided this was an opportunity I may not get again, so fuck it. Let's push through.
I'm so glad I did.
The space was a lot smaller, and more queer and masculine focused. Booze was frat-party style, and the music was fantastic. It honestly felt like I was more in "my element". I met some awesome people, had some great conversation, and even got to play more than all weekend combined, proving I need to trust my gut (heh) more and relax. The heavy play I had made up for the day before; my hole was really happy 😈. Definitely the highlight was the hot, bearded, ginger, british cub who railed and bred the FUCK out of me. It was the perfect capstone to the weekend and definitely took my mind off the pain and exhaustion I had been feeling all day. I felt calmer, less distracted, and overall having a blast. When we left, I was back to hobbling and waddling. Owwwwwww.
We made it back to Tyr's, ordered some sushi, and chilled watching Star Trek. I got a message from a friend then that he had an extra ticket to one of the biggest closing parties, Real Bad. I declined as I was exhausted, but he was really insistent on me going. He felt the party, which included the leather flag drop at midnight, was a big part of the Folsom experience and shouldn't be missed. I was grateful he thought of me, but I had to explain it'll have to be for next time. My feet and back would not handle anymore at this point. He seemed to understand, but maybe next year I'll need to try one or two of the parties. Maybe I'm wrong about how I'd feel? Maybe Folsom gives a different experience at those parties than others I've attended? Who knows. We'll see in a future trip.
Reflecting back
Was this trip what I expected? No.
Was I prepared for what was in store? No.
Did I have a blast of a time? Absolutely.
I didn't do Folsom “right”, whether that is of my own interpretation or others of "right", but it was a great experience with my friends in a city that is increasingly accepting of LGBT and kink. There are many places where you can feel free to be who you are, but this was a place and time I've felt the most free. There is a reason why Folsom is described as a liberating experience in the LGBTQ+ and kink communities. I loved it and wish I can be in that kind of space more than just a weekend.
I also realize that in most spaces, I don't like standing in just one place for an extended period of time. I usually hop from group to group. I didn't know many people, so I ended up sticking with one group. Not a bad thing at all, was just odd behavior on my part that I'm not used to. Lol.
I'm also definitely not the slut folks who know me think I am. Not for a lack of trying, but I and others did assume I was going to have a lot more play than I actually did. My “antics” at the garden party is more “me”, lol, but folks tend to assume I'm one that will be fucking and sucking all day all weekend long. I don't know how I got that reputation. Sure, I enjoy sexually charged events, but that doesn't necessarily mean I'm having a lot of sex. Hell, I've gone to events for a weekend, got no action, and am not believed by folks when I tell them that. I'm not disappointed. Not in the slightest. It's not make or break for me. I never go in with high expectations. If more happens, it just makes it better. But, maybe next time will be a sluttier time, now that I got to experience it and take it all in.
Will I go again? Yes.
Next year? Well...
As much as I want to say YES to that question, there are a few factors at play. First, I'm considering trying Up Your Alley (also referred to as Dore Alley and run by the same group that runs Folsom Street Fair) next year, as (from what I'm told) it's smaller and much more LGBTQ focused. There's also Bearrison Street Fair, the “bear” scene version of Folsom. I might want to try one of those instead. The bigger factor though is finances. My money is tight as it is, and I probably wouldn't have done this trip at all if I couldn't finance the plane ticket, but next year will be harder. My student loan payments are kicking back in, so everything is going to be even more tight beginning in November.
I had a blast, and the FOMO will be HARD if I can't make it to SF again. I swear I fall in love with SF every visit. The friends I have there, the friends I've made there, the heavy LGBTQ friendliness, the sights I've seen and still to see, San Francisco is increasingly becoming a favorite city. Any city that makes me rethink living in a big city gets points in my book (I'm from NYC originally and never want to live there again. I thought I'd never want to live in a bigger city again but Chicago and SF have both so far proved me wrong).
Folsom was an incredible experience, one that I will remember for a long time. Regardless of the pain, I don't regret going at all. I am so grateful for the friends I have who helped make this experience possible and even better than I imagined.