SAN FRANCISCO — The Castro Street Fair returns Sunday, Oct. 4 for its 52nd year, bringing local vendors, food, live performances and street dancing to the Castro and Market Street area.
The organizer lists the fair from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.. There is no fixed admission ticket; the fair asks visitors for a suggested donation of $10 to $20.
Which streets close for Castro Street Fair?
The fair's current visitor information describes the event footprint as:
- Market Street from Noe Street to Castro Street
- Castro Street from Market Street to 19th Street
- 18th Street from Diamond Street to Noe Street
- 17th Street from Castro Street to Noe Street
Those blocks describe the fair's general street footprint. SFMTA had not yet posted a dedicated final 2026 event advisory when SF News Today checked on Sept. 20, so exact closure start/end times, bus reroutes, missed stops and alternate boarding points are not being invented here.
This same page will be updated when SFMTA publishes the operational plan.
How do you get to Castro Street Fair by Muni?
The fair organizer recommends Muni Metro to Castro Station, which is inside the event area. Its current guidance specifically names the K, L, M and S lines.
Transit is usually simpler than trying to park immediately around the fair footprint because several central neighborhood streets are devoted to the event.
Is the Castro Street Fair free?
There is no fixed admission charge. The fair requests a $10–$20 suggested donation, which helps support the event and its charitable giving.
Food, drinks and merchandise from individual vendors are separate purchases.
What happens at the fair?
The 2026 fair is built around the theme “Where We Belong.” Organizers describe local artisans, community organizations, food vendors, entertainment, live performances and street dancing across the neighborhood footprint.
The Castro Street Fair traces its history to 1974, when Harvey Milk helped establish the neighborhood event. The modern fair operates as a nonprofit community celebration.
What about parking?
Street parking around Castro and Market is constrained even on ordinary weekends. With the fair occupying several blocks, drivers should expect fewer curb spaces and more local traffic.
If you do drive, park outside the closure footprint and plan to walk. Do not assume a normal curb or garage approach will remain available once SFMTA posts the final traffic plan.
Is this the same as the Castro Night Market?
No. The Castro Night Market is a separate recurring evening event. The Castro Street Fair is a much larger daytime neighborhood fair on Oct. 4 with a broader street footprint.
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