Folsom Street Fair

Where to Stay Near Folsom Street Fair: Hotel Julian, San Francisco

Every September, Folsom Street Fair reclaims the streets with leather, liberation, and unapologetic self-expression. As the world’s largest celebration of kink and alternative culture, it’s a wildly unforgettable event that brings together tens of thousands of guests from around the world—and turns Folsom Street into a stage for freedom, identity, and fearless fun.

If you’re attending, Hotel Julian offers a boutique hotel experience just minutes away—elevated, artful, and perfectly in tune with San Francisco’s boldest weekend. Even better? You can start your day (or recover from the night before) with brunch at Carlotta’s Cocktail and Wine Bar, hosted every Saturday and Sunday.

About Folsom Street Fair

Established in 1984 as a grassroots community event, the Folsom Street Fair has grown into an international symbol of San Francisco’s radical spirit. From leather and latex to live demos, local artists, and pulsating DJ sets, Folsom is both a celebration and a statement—of inclusivity, sexual freedom, and self-defined community.

???? When it Happens:

Folsom Street Fair is held annually on the last Sunday in September. In 2025, the event is scheduled for Sunday, September 28, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Fair highlights:

  • 200+ exhibitors, including artisans, gear vendors, and nonprofits

  • Live stages with house, techno, and queer-forward lineups

  • BDSM demos, performance art, and interactive installations

  • Iconic street style, from high-femme to hardcore fetish

  • All proceeds support local LGBTQ+, sexual health, and kink-positive nonprofits

Hotel Julian: A Boutique Hotel Near Folsom Street Fair

If you're searching for a hotel near Folsom Street Fair, Hotel Julian provides a smart, swanky downtown stay—close enough to join the party, just far enough to rest without earplugs. Tucked into the city’s creative corridor, Julian matches the weekend’s energy with thoughtful interiors, moody design, and a welcoming atmosphere for every guest.

Why festivalgoers love staying at Julian:

  • Quick rideshare or Muni trip to Folsom Street and SOMA

  • A place to decompress: layered lighting, plush beds, and total privacy

  • Exhibit A, Julian’s rotating sculpture series adds a hit of visual curiosity

  • Carlotta’s Cocktail and Wine Bar—open for brunch every Saturday and Sunday, plus cocktails for when things heat up

At Julian, kink, culture, and calm don’t compete—they complement.

Fuel Your Weekend: Brunch at Carlotta’s

Before you lace up the boots or after you shut down the dancefloor, join us for weekend brunch at Carlotta’s Cocktail and Wine Bar. Every Saturday and Sunday, our velvet-draped lounge serves up indulgent small plates, sparkling cocktails, and the kind of lighting that flatters everything—even the morning after.

Whether you're with your crew or recovering solo, it's the perfect place to toast your weekend—leather optional.

Planning Your Folsom Weekend?

Hotels fill fast for Folsom Street Fair, especially those with style and space to breathe. If you're asking where to stay for Folsom Street Fair, Hotel Julian delivers a distinct experience—artful, inclusive, and deliciously well-located.

Book your stay at Hotel Julian—where self-expression meets serious style, and brunch is always part of the ritual.