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 Paul Goodyear
Paul Goodyear is a veteran of the house music scene with over 35 years of experience on the dance floor and a multitude of releases as a remixer, writer, and producer. Known for his storytelling through music, Paul brings a unique touch and spins many types of music for people to dance to: “It’s all Disko as far as I’m concerned.”
Growing up in Sydney’s Greek neighborhood of Marrickville, Paul was influenced by a wide range of music, from Funk and High Energy to Disco and New Wave. He began collecting vinyl at age 12, with his first purchases being Sylvester’s “Mighty Real” and Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.” Paul started spinning in 1985 and gained prominence during Australia’s Summer of Love in 1988, playing at the Rat and Bacchanalia parties.
His career has taken him to high-profile events worldwide including London, NYC, Chicago, Madrid, and Hong Kong, where he has shared the stage with legends like Dave Lee and Boy George. Since moving to San Francisco in 2010, Paul has become the city’s hardest-working DJ, holding residencies at The EndUp, Lookout, 440 Castro, and SF Eagle. His long-standing relationship with Sydney Mardi Gras is a career highlight, having headlined major anniversary parties and World Pride in 2023.
Paul’s ability to lift emotions and create a sense of community on the dance floor sets him apart. He blends old and new tracks, ensuring each set is a unique journey. As musical trends and technology evolve, Paul Goodyear remains at the forefront, shaping the dance music scene with his enduring talent and innovation.
Follow Paul on
Soundcloud ~ MixCloud ~ Instagram ~ Facebook
Our Beneficiary
Maitri Compassionate-Care
No one should have to suffer, transition, or die alone. Since 1987, Maitri has provided compassionate care to low-income people living with HIV/AIDS in San Francisco. As the nature of the disease has shifted, so has Maitri programming; originally a hospice, today we provide 24-hour medical and mental health care at our 15-bed residential care facility and BRANCH aftercare support for clients aging in place in the community.
Our core programming is
- HIV/AIDS Residential Nursing Care: 24-hour nursing and mental health care for low-income people living with HIV/AIDS at our 15-bed residential care facility. Clients can enroll in either respite and restorative care to transition back into independent living or hospice care.
- Maitri Affirmation Center: 24-hour nursing and mental health care for low-income TGI (Transgender, Gender-nonconforming, Intersex) people surrounding their gender-affirming surgeries to ensure a healthy transition.
- BRANCH Aftercare: Psychosocial support for clients transitioning back into the community from our care to help them maintain their housing and independence for as long as possible.
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!
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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.
2024 Partners
Flagging In The Park is proud to become a Program of Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation (GRGRF). GRGRF will continue offering a $2,000 matching grant for each of our 2024 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, Flagger Central, The Lookout, Ryan Clouse, and 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!
2024 Producers
Amy Lam, Fiona Davidson, Jack Whiteford, Liam Ocean, Jeff Kennedy, Tom Steele, Markus Thorndike, Michael Rackley, William Barros, Zach Warner, and Xavier Caylor.
