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
Dawna Montell
If you have experienced her dance floor, then just the sound of her name brings excitement and music to your soul. After 35 years of Djing, the only thing predictable about Dawna is that she delivers. Known best for her 10 year residency, Sunday Fundays, at the Abbey and years of the Afterhours at The Spike (both in Los Angeles). Dawna Montell commands any venue at any time. She has always loved the after house vibe but there is nothing she loves more than playing in the sunshine. Dawna has a sound all her own and she looks to her dance floor for inspiration. Djing is her life long passion and it shows. There is more than music in the air when Dawna plays; there is joy, sexy joy, and a tremendous sense of duty to dance like your soul is on fire.
You can listen to Dawna’s music here:
Our Beneficiary
openhouse
About Our Beneficiary: Openhouse
Openhouse is the only non-profit organization in Northern California, exclusively serving LGBTQ+ older adults with housing and comprehensive social services. Founded in 1998, Openhouse empowers San Francisco Bay Area LGBTQ+ older adults to overcome the unique challenges they face as they age by providing housing, direct services and community engagement programs that combat social isolation and loneliness. We currently serve almost 4,000 LGBTQ+ seniors a year, including 165 who live in our two affordable housing developments at 55 & 95 Laguna Street on either side of our community center at 75 Laguna. With support from San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman, the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, and Mercy Housing of California, we expect to start construction soon on a new 100% affordable housing development at 1939 Market Street. The 15-story high-rise with 187 units of LGBTQ+ affirming affordable housing for older adults will have an exterior architectural art installation four-stories high to celebrate generations of LGBTQ+ San Franciscans who changed the city and the world . Interim Executive Director Vinny Eng said the new building “won’t just change the skyline—it will shift the center of gravity in the Castro. It will stand as a testament to the power of community—rooted in love, forged through struggle, and made possible by those who refused to be erased.” When the doors finally open at 1939 Market Street, Openhouse will become the largest LGBTQ+ affirming aging services provider with affordable housing in the United States.
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.
2025 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 for each of our 2025 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!
2025 Producers
Amy Lam, Fiona Davidson, Jack Whiteford, Jeff Kennedy, Markus Thorndike, Michael Rackley, Tom Steele, William Barros, Zach Warner, and Xavier Caylor
