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
Brian Norwood
We are thrilled to have Brian back to spin his fourth event in the Grove. Based in Nashville, Brian specializes in various forms of happy, trippy, deep house music. He takes pride in sourcing unique tracks with uplifting vocals; the common denominator is intelligence. Come treat yourself to his sophisticated style as he opens his heart spinning rare classics that will delight us all!
Our Beneficiary
LYRIC
About Our Beneficiary: LYRIC
For nearly 40 years LYRIC has empowered thousands of LGBTQQ+ youth on their journey to becoming healthy, successful, and thriving adults. LYRIC envisions a diverse society where LGBTQQ+ youth are embraced for who they are and encouraged to be who they want to be. By working towards social justice and supporting young leaders, their families and allies, LYRIC is building a world that honors, respects and appreciates LGBTQQ+ youth and their contributions.
LYRIC’s Impact
- 1996: Launched the first youth lobby day in Sacramento, advocating for LGBTQQ protections in public schools.
- 1997: Co-founded Dimensions Clinic, a twice-weekly health clinic specifically for LGBTQQ youth.
- 2011: Introduced the School-Based Initiative in SFUSD, building allyship among students, staff, and families to create safer schools.
- 2024: Opened SOMA TAY Housing Apartments, San Francisco’s permanent supportive housing building for TGNCI youth over 18.
- Today, LYRIC serves more than 700 LGBTQQ+ youth under 24 every day—over 4,000 each year—through leadership, housing, and health programs, while advancing local and statewide policy change.
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
