#1 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
With 200 parade contingents and exhibitors, more than 20 community-run stages and venues, and some one million attendees, the event is the largest gathering of the L.G.B.T. community and allies in the U.S. The cast of Transcendent, chef Melissa King, and actor Michael K. Williams will serve as the 2016 celebrity grand marshals, and Randy Harrison from Queer As Folk will be a special celebrity guest. Next: June 25-26, 2016
#2 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
Since 1981, the event has honored the contributions of the U.S. Armed Forces while advancing cooperation and knowledge among civilian- and military-based humanitarian assistance and disaster response personnel. The event attracts more than one million visitors and generates upwards of $10 million in revenue for the city each year. Next: October 3-10, 2016
#3 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
Started in the 1860s—and currently sponsored by Southwest Airlines—it’s the largest celebration of its kind in the world, attracting over three million spectators and television viewers. The highlight of the parade is the 268-foot Golden Dragon ("Gum Lung"); it takes a team of more than 100 martial artists to carry the dragon along the parade route. Next: February 11, 2017
#4 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
Billed as the largest multicultural celebration on the West Coast, San Francisco’s gathering is a Memorial Day weekend tradition with more than 400,000 revelers turning out to celebrate sounds, tastes, and sights of Latin American and Caribbean cultures. Next: May 2017
#5 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair (up from #9)
A Mission District celebration since the early 1970s, the procession is an opportunity to remember and honor deceased loved ones. The volunteer-organized event draws thousands in traditional skull face paint and Mexican dress for a candle-lit walk memorial procession through the Mission and the Festival of Altars in Garfield Park. Next: November 2, 2016
#6 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair (up from #7)
The two-day festival takes over sunny North Beach for a weekend each summer with 125 arts and crafts booths, gourmet food booths, two stages of live entertainment, Italian street painting, beverage gardens, a kids’ chalk art area, and a blessing of the animals at the National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi. Next: June 2017
#7 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair (up from #10)
It may be known as the world’s biggest leather fair—400,000 people peruse 200 booths and exhibits spread out over 13 city blocks—but even the less adventurous locals will stop to take in the spectacle. With music, cocktails, and dance zones, there’s something for everyone—but only for guests 18 and older. Next: September 25, 2016
#8 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair (new to the list)
The gathering is a festive, heart-warming Christmas Eve performance by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Early evening and late night concerts include traditional favorites along with new works, appearances by Santa, a 1980s nativity scene, and an ugly sweater parade. Next: December 24, 2016
#9 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair
The most outrageously fun Easter celebration in America: San Francisco’s “leading-edge order of queer nuns” host their annual Hunky Jesus and Foxy Mary pageants, along with an Easter bonnet contest and burlesque performances in Golden Gate Park. Next: April 16, 2017
#11 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair (up from #13)
Guests head to Half Moon Bay and feast their eyes (and taste buds) on the pumpkin-flavored festival in the “world pumpkin capital.” This event celebrates the fall season with art, music, food, and a whole lot of gourds. Next: October 15-16, 2016
#12 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair (new to the list)
The event is an elegant and whimsical celebration of art, music, theater, fashion, technology, circus, and the beloved creations of the late author and illustrator Edward Gorey. Over the last 15 years, the ball has grown from an underground club party into an internationally recognized festival of the arts—and costume party. Next: January 2017
#13 Parade, Holiday Event & Fair (up from #14)
A winter wonderland in the traditionally snow-free Bay Area finished with holiday lights and free snow sledding. More than 5,000 people turn out to watch the parade and tree lighting ceremony. Next: November 25-26, 2016
