Halloween Returns to the Castro…Just a Little Differently

A tame photo from the wild Castro Halloween celebration in 2006, the last year it was celebrated.. Photo by Franco Folini via Flickr

This article is written in conjunction with the Civic Joy Fund who is helping make this year’s Castro Halloween event happen.

Halloween is making a grand comeback in San Francisco’s colorful Castro neighborhood, and this time, it’s bringing a new, family-friendly vibe. After years of absence, the LGBTQ+ community in the Castro is gearing up for a revitalized Halloween celebration, combining community spirit with innovative ideas.

Unlike the wild block parties of the past, this year’s Halloween event, scheduled for Saturday, October 28 at 1pm, will take on a different flavor. The focus is on community engagement and a family-friendly atmosphere, a far cry from the chaotic street parties that once dominated the neighborhood.

The brainchild behind this revival is a dynamic team led by Manny Yekutiel, the owner of Manny’s cafe in the Mission, the Castro Neighborhood Merchants and The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Together with the Castro Merchants Association, they’re spearheading a Halloween celebration that emphasizes creativity, camaraderie, and community engagement.

This year, local merchants are being encouraged to participate by activating their storefronts in innovative ways. Think pop-up drag performances, face painting, and other imaginative displays. It’s all about infusing the neighborhood with a Halloween spirit that’s fun and inclusive for everyone.

The Castro Theatre, an iconic landmark, will play a central role in this year’s celebration. On October 28, it will host $5, mostly kid-friendly movies, starting at 1:30pm, a thrilling lineup of activations all around, and an outrageous costume contest organized by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The contest kicks off at 8 p.m., followed by a screening of the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show at 10 p.m. Attendees in fabulous costumes might even score a free ticket, thanks to Sister Roma and her golden ticket giveaway.

Image provided by Chris Eastland, graphic designer for The Civic Joy Fund

What’s noteworthy about this Halloween revival is its emphasis on community involvement. Rather than relying on large-scale events, organizers are encouraging local businesses and residents to take an active part in the festivities. Ideas like specialty cocktails, pumpkin carving, bobbing for apples, and even a drag queer ghost story hour are being tossed around, promising a diverse and engaging experience for all.

Funding for this exciting community celebration comes from the Civic Joy Fund, a project co-launched by Manny Yekutiel and Daniel Lurie. With a budget ranging from $100,000 to $150,000, the fund aims to infuse life into San Francisco’s commercial corridors, fostering a sense of unity and celebration within the community.

However, the organizers are keeping their approach low-key. There won’t be any large-scale media campaigns. Instead, the focus is on grassroots community engagement, ensuring that Halloween in the Castro returns to its roots as a celebration of togetherness and shared joy.

The revival of Halloween in San Francisco’s Castro district isn’t just a party; it’s a rekindling of history and community spirit. Halloween celebrations in the Castro started in 1948 when Cliff’s Variety began hosting a children’s Halloween festival that featured a costume contest and ice cream-eating contest. By the the 1970s, the Castro’s Halloween celebrations were iconic LGBTQ+ events, embodying acceptance and creativity. However safety concerns, and a mass shooting in 2006, led to their discontinuation.

Cliff’s Variety Costume Contest in the 1940s. Photo from Cliff’s Variety

This year’s resurrection isn’t just a celebration; it’s a reclaiming of identity. Halloween in the Castro represents the neighborhood’s resilience, unity, and acceptance. It’s a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community’s strength and a testament to the Castro’s vibrant history. More than just costumes and parties, it signifies the community’s commitment to acceptance, diversity, and individuality.

As the neighborhood prepares for this year’s festivities, it’s not merely about the return of a tradition; it’s about embracing the enduring spirit of a community that refuses to be silenced. Halloween’s return to the Castro is more than an event; it’s a statement—a reminder that love, acceptance, and unity will always triumph.

So, mark your calendars, get your costumes ready, and join in the festivities on October 28 at 1pm. The Castro is ready to welcome you for a Halloween celebration that promises to be more inclusive, creative, and community-driven than ever before.