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 Michael Rackley
DJ Michael Rackley has a special connection with flaggers from all over the world. He has been flagging for over two decades, and is thrilled to finally be able to spin for the event. Michael works his magic on a regular basis at the Lookout in San Francisco, and also has a monthly mixshow on Live365 for EagleRadio.Pro. Flaggers are especially fond of Michael – he has played regularly for San Francisco’s annual Flag Alley event and weekly for Flagging Virtual Studio, a joyful online gathering of flow artists, since early 2020.
Michael’s connection to his listeners flows out of taking people away from their troubles, and into the moment. “Seeing faces light up when I put a track on – whether an old classic, or a new find – there’s nothing quite like it”, he says.
Our Beneficiary
Project Open Hand
Project Open Hand’s mission is to improve health outcomes and quality of life by providing nutritious meals to the sick and vulnerable, caring for and educating our community.
Founded in 1985, Project Open Hand is a nonprofit organization that provides meals with love to critically ill neighbors and seniors. Our food is like medicine, helping clients recover from illness, get stronger, and lead healthier lives.
Every day, we prepare more than 2,500 nutritious meals and provide more than 200 bags of healthy groceries to help sustain our clients as they battle serious illnesses, isolation, or the health challenges of aging. We serve San Francisco and Oakland, engaging more than 125 volunteers daily to nourish our community.
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.
2022 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, 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!
2022 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.
