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 Byron Bonsall
Growing up in rural Nebraska tends to make one’s musical interest lean a certain way. But even at a young age, Byron knew there was more to music than what he heard on the local country western radio stations. It was in junior high that Byron DJ’d his first dance with his cousin. Even then his eclectic taste in music came out (the Star Wars Theme by Meco anyone?).
He currently spins at San Francisco’s LookOut (resident DJ) and The Eagle, and has played at The EndUp, Space 550, BeatBox, Rebel, The Sound Factory, Infusion Lounge, The Stud, Temple Nightclub and The Cafe as well as Oakland’s Bench and Bar and The White Horse. Outside of the Bay Area, Byron has spun in Seattle, Vancouver, Palm Springs, Dallas, Omaha, and Manila.
Byron’s mix of house, tech house, and techno/progressive afterhours (with a dash of disco, 80s, and trance) has earned him a faithful following and led him to this philosophy, “If you don’t leave with a smile on your face and maybe a little sweaty, I haven’t done my job.” There’s nothing better than leaving a club thinking “that was fun!” Byron wants you to think that same way. “Just come in, dance your ass off for a few hours and have a good time. Leave your worries at the door. They’ll be waiting for you when you’re done. Until then, you belong to me!”
This year is Byron’s 20th Anniversary of Djing in San Francisco and of all the parties he’s played, Flagging in the Park is the one he looks forward to the most. The Flagging fam have always been his biggest supporters and it’s an honor to open the 2023 Season and spin for them again.
Follow Byron on
Podomatic
Our Beneficiary
Youth Services at the SF LGBT Center
Youth Services at the SF LGBT Center cultivates opportunities for independence, self-efficacy, and community-building for disconnected LGBTQ+ youth ages 16-24. The Center’s Youth Mental Health Department provides free and confidential bilingual (Spanish) and bicultural (Latinx/American) holistic gender-affirming mental health services to LGBTQ+ youth. They provide virtual 1-on-1 appointments and consultation with their mental health specialist and referrals to other agencies as needed. Their services are rooted in culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and restorative justice-based mental and behavioral health practices. The Center’s Youth services also provide additional support to meet immediate needs including free nutritional meals, clothing and basic hygiene supplies, crisis intervention, community-building, employment assistance, and linkages to health and housing resources.
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!
.jpg)
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 2022 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, Ric de Barros, Tom Steele, William Barros, Michael Rackley, and Xavier Caylor.
