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
CarrieOnDisco
Growing up in the UK, Carrie discovered her love of house music at the tender age of 14, when she started attending acid house parties. After moving to London at age 20, she became a resident DJ at the Friendly Society, a SoHo bar where she warmed up the London crowds before they went out clubbing. During her five-year residency, she also began playing at clubs and bars in Brixton, branching into soulful house and disco, having residencies at Plan B and Mass with Tim “Indulge” (an amazing mentor). She was fortunate to DJ with most of her DJ idols and favorite producers before leaving the UK for San Francisco in 2010. In SF, Carrie continues to play a combination of nu disco, classic disco, and house under the moniker CarrieOnDisco, with a singular focus on bringing joy to the dance floor. She is one of the resident DJs at the Stud.
You can listen to CarrieOnDisco’s music here:
Our Beneficiary
Queer LifeSpace
Designed by Queer People. For Queer People. We Provide Clinical Training & Accessible Mental Health Services for Economically Vulnerable LGBTQIA+ Populations in California.
Founded in 2011, Queer LifeSpace (QLS) is a nonprofit counseling agency that provides affordable, evidence-based mental health services to the LGBTQIA+ community in the Bay Area. We also run an internationally-recognized clinical training program for the next generation of queer-affirming therapists.
At Queer LifeSpace, we strive to serve the underserved and are passionate about providing services to clients from all walks of life regardless of their ability to pay. Above all, we make it our priority to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for fellow members of the queer community. We do not believe in pathologizing individuals or any population. The board and staff of Queer LifeSpace celebrate the individuality of everyone and see everyone as unique and special.
The mission and formation of Queer LifeSpace began with the shared vision of its four founding directors to bring quality, long-term, and affordable mental health and substance abuse care to the Bay Area queer community. The founders became friends and colleagues while working together at New Leaf Services, which had to close its doors in October 2010, after 35 years of serving the LGBTQIA+ 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.
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
