“Welcome Castro” Grand Opening Celebration w/ Drag Queens + Bites

We will cut the ribbon for the Grand Opening of Welcome Castro with special guests and announce a new round of grants to support pop-ups in vacant Castro storefronts!

We will also celebrate a window art installation by Serge Gay, Jr. in collaboration with the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District and a “History of the Castro” exhibit featuring photos from Daniel Nicoletta and others.

Welcome Castro is a new neighborhood visitor center and fabulously queer retail experience celebrating the LGBTQ history and culture of the Castro village. Located at 525 Castro Street, right at the “gay crossroads of America,” it’s a great first stop to learn about all the sights, attractions and people that make the Castro so unique.

Welcome Castro features a wide array of LGBTQ and Castro-themed merchandise, including many gift items from local queer artists and designers. A collaboration between SF Mercantile and Castro Merchants, Welcome Castro is the place to get your maps and guides to the best neighborhood bars, restaurants and stores as well as historic landmarks and best-kept secrets. Staffed by friendly neighborhood ambassadors ready to answer your questions about the queer Castro’s rainbow of offerings, with guides and other printed materials in multiple languages, Welcome Castro is here to recruit you!