National AIDS Memorial Grove, Golden Gate Park
Come enjoy the sun, music, flora, and friends in the beautiful National AIDS Memorial Grove. This event is open to all flow artists – fanning, flagging, poi, staff, hoopers and their supporters. Flags are available for use or just relax and take in the fun dance music and colorful visuals. Bring a beverage, a lunch, something (non-plastic/grass-friendly) to sit on, and enjoy!
Music By
DJ Fernando Delás Carnevali
Soon after moving to the New York area in 1990, Fernando’s passion for music was deeply influenced by his mentors and friends, including Michael Fierman, Phillip Kimball, Robbie Leslie, Sharon White, Randy Bettis, Warren Gluck and Susan Morabito, among others. Fernando has been a resident DJ at several clubs such as Transmission and Feathers in NJ. He has played a number of parties and events in New York City including the “Pisces Party” at the Ritz, “New Music Tea” at the iconic Monster, “Brunch and Soul” at Delicatessen and “Begin the Beguine” at Hudson Terrace, “White Party” at the Gilded Lily and Jersey City Gay Pride.
He continues to stream weekly on Twitch where he enjoys spending time with his followers, many of whom are skillful flaggers. His eclectic style continues to be requested and heard by many around the world and among the New York City area house music enthusiasts.
Fernando is both happy and honored to spin for this July 2023 event in the Grove.
Find Fernando on Podomatic
Beneficiary
National AIDS Memorial
Healing, hope, remembrance, and history about the AIDS epidemic in America
By sharing the story of the struggle against HIV/AIDS, we remember, in perpetuity, the lives lost, we offer healing and hope to survivors, and we inspire new generations of activists in the fight against stigma, denial, and hate for a just future.
The National AIDS Memorial Grove is a dedicated space in the national landscape where millions of Americans touched directly or indirectly by AIDS can gather to heal, hope, and remember. For all the promising prospects on the horizon, AIDS continues to invade our lives, violate our past, and rob us of our comfortable assumptions about the future. The sacred ground of this living memorial honors all who have confronted this tragic pandemic both those who have died and those who have shared their struggle, kept the vigils, and supported each other during the final hours.
Annual Silent Auction
Held only once per year during our July Flagging in the Park, our annual Silent Auction offers amazing tie-dye flags, fans and poi from various tie-dye artists; event tickets for several different parties; as well as a few other San Francisco treats. Here’s your chance to buy or gift something unique! All proceeds benefit the National AIDS Memorial Grove. View the list of auction items on the Flagging InThe Park Facebook page a week before the event.
Where to Go
National AIDS Memorial Grove (map/directions)
Taking public transportation is encouraged since finding a place for your car can be challenging. Never been there? We suggest you pair up with someone who has. If you drive, go early for better parking — map here.
Walking directions:
- Walking directions from 2nd and Irving (N-Judah).
- Walking directions from 9th and Judah (Bus #6, #43, and N-Judah).
- Walking directions from Stanyan and Hayes (Bus #21, #5).
- Walking directions from Haight and Stanyan (Bus #33, #7, #71).
What to Expect
The National AIDS Memorial Grove is a gorgeously secluded meadow near the East end of Golden Gate Park. Often the fog is licking at the sky above – especially in the summer, bring sunscreen and a wrap. Bring something to sit on; pack a lunch or bring snacks and beverages; flags are available for use; usually a few furry friends roaming. There are little or no services nearby but port-a-potties will be available. Our DJ spins vocal fun-filled dance music, and flow artists eagerly enjoy and share their art with newcomers. There is no pressure to participate — come relax and take in the color and beauty of our tribe!
About Flagging in the Park
In 1997 a group of San Francisco flaggers started a tradition of celebrating life by gathering in the newly dedicated National AIDS Memorial Grove. Twenty-four years later, Flagging in the Park has grown into a treasured, quintessentially San Francisco event where DJs, organizers and participants donate their time, energy and love to help raise money for local and national charities.
2023 Partners
Flagging In The Park is proud to partner again with Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation, the nonprofit behind REAL BAD – they will be offering a $2,000 matching grant for each of our 2023 events. Proving it takes a village, this event would not happen without the support of these partners: National AIDS Memorial Grove, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Pretty in Ink, Flagger Central, the Lookout, Ryan Clouse, the many donors that fund us so every dollar collected in the Grove goes to our beneficiaries, and the many volunteers that help with set up and strike. Make sure to let them know you appreciate their help with FITP!
2023 Producers
Amy Lam, Daniel G. Van Olst, Fiona Davidson, Jack Whiteford, Jeff Kennedy, Markus Thorndike, Michael Rackley, Tom Steele, William Barros, and Xavier Caylor.
