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
Bryan Hughes
With a career spanning over three decades, producer and DJ Bryan Hughes has been a cornerstone of the electronic music scene for 34 years. In 1992, alongside partner Jim Hopkins of Twitch Records, he helped pioneer the local independent movement by co-founding ZoeMagik Records and City of Tribes Records. These labels were instrumental in propelling San Francisco to the global forefront of the underground dance community, notably achieving a #2 spot on the UK Billboard Underground chart with their second release.
Bryan’s breakthrough came on New Year’s Eve in 1993 at the legendary Product (1015 Folsom, SF). This pivotal performance launched his career, establishing him as a mainstay at San Francisco’s most influential underground parties.
Throughout his tenure, Bryan has curated a diverse yet signature sonic palette. From sun-drenched pool parties at Lazy Bear to driving, progressive late-night sets at House of Leather, Bare, or IBC in Palm Springs, to beautiful sunrise sets at Burning Man, Bryan masterfully crafts an immersive musical journey for every audience.
You can listen to Bryan’s music here: Soundcloud
Our Beneficiary
Maitri
No one should have to suffer, transition, or die alone.
May all be free from suffering and the causes of suffering. Maitri (pronounced “my-tree”) is Sanskrit for “compassionate friendship.” We provide compassionate residential care for people in need of hospice or 24-hour medical care.
Maitri strives to provide care that is dignified, nonjudgmental, and unconditional.
What does Maitri’s program include?
The heart of our work is our Residential Care Program, which provides medical and mental health care to people in need of hospice, 24-hour respite care, or recovery support after gender affirmation surgery. Our interdisciplinary residential program includes ten main components:
- Medical Care: Access to a multidisciplinary care team, including nurses, physicians, psychiatrists, social workers, and attendants.
- Accommodations: A single occupancy room in a facility designed to be healing and nurturing.
- Food & Nutrition: Home-cooked meals prepared by professionally trained staff and individual dietary plans to meet each person’s specific needs.
- Social Work Case Management: Social workers support residents by connecting them to the community resources they need to achieve their highest level of independence.
- Mental Health and Therapy: On-site mental health services to meet residents “where they are” with individual and group therapy options.
- Volunteer Programs: Emotional and practical support from a community of volunteers who help residents meet their goals.
- Spiritual Support: Services provided by certified pastoral support staff and volunteers.
- Resident Education: Life skills, budgeting, and cooking classes for residents to help them age in place successfully as they transition to independence.
- Resident Activities: On-site activities include art therapy, meditation, drag shows, and bingo games.
- BRANCH Aftercare Program: Provides support for former residents as they transition to independence in the community. Includes ongoing therapy, case management, and invitations to events at Maitri.
Today, more than 80% of our patients come to us for short-term medical respite and restorative care.
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!
Image Provided by Gregory Varnum via WikiMedia in 2018, under a Creative Commons License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
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.
2026 Partners
Flagging In The Park is a program of Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation (GRGRF), which continues to support us with a $2,000 matching grant to the non-profit beneficiaries of each of our 2026 events. As always, it takes a village to make this happen! FITP would not be possible without the support of our incredible partners: the National AIDS Memorial, Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Flagger Central, The Lookout, Ryan Clouse(graphics), our generous donors— who ensure every dollar collected in the Grove goes to our beneficiaries—and the many volunteers who bring it all together. Be sure to show them some love and let them know you appreciate their support!
2026 Producers
Amy Lam, Fiona Davidson, Jack Whiteford, Jeff Kennedy, Liam Ocean, Markus Thorndike, Michael Rackley, Tom Steele, William Barros, Zach Warner, and Xavier Caylor
