The sounds of techno music and leather smacking on skin filled San Francisco’s SoMa district on Sunday as thousands gathered for Folsom Street Fair.
The event has been a quintessential celebration of the city’s kink scene for 39 years, serving as a space where people can openly express aspects of the BDSM lifestyle that typically don’t get to see the light of day. Throngs of fairgoers packed onto Folsom Street between 8th and 12th, enjoying stages with DJs and dancers, booths selling kinky wares and a people-watching experience you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. At what other fair can you watch someone howl in pleasure as they’re tied cruxification-style to a wooden post and spanked with leather tassels?
Performers at the Folsom Street Fair, on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
Outfits from the Folsom Street Fair, on Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
Outfits from the Folsom Street Fair, on Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
Performers kick off the Folsom Street Fair, on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
(Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE)
As always, came dressed in their Folsom best: latex suits, furry costumes, lingerie, classic leather harnesses or nothing at all. In a city that embraces nudity more than most, this may be the best event to show up to in your birthday suit. Though the fog and cold ocean breeze did kick up toward the end of the event, the sun was out for most of it, warming up an endless sea of bare skin.
The fair lasted from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm – though for some, the party continued well into Sunday night at nearby bars and nightclubs.
A performer suspends from a shibari setup at the 2022 Folsom Street Fair early on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
A performance at the Folsom Street Fair, on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
Spectators check out a performance at the Folsom Street Fair, on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
A festival goer poses for a quick portrait at the Folsom Street Fair, on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
Outfits from the Folsom Street Fair, on Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
Festival goers hold hands while walking through the Folsom Street Fair, on Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
Festival goers arrive to the Folsom Street Fair, on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
Outfits from the Folsom Street Fair, on Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
Festival goers hold hands while walking through the Folsom Street Fair, on Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
Folsom Street Fair saw a robust crowd and (mostly) sunny weather, on Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
Outfits from the Folsom Street Fair, Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
An attendee of the 2022 Folsom Street Fair makes a statement in front of a street sign on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
An attendee of the 2022 Folsom Street Fair clads in all leather on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
Onlookers enjoy the spectacle of Folsom Street Fair from their window on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
Attendees of the 2022 Folsom Street Fair celebrate the return of the iconic event on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
Festival goers of the 2022 Folsom Street Fair rock elaborate costumes early on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
Attendees of the 2022 Folsom Street Fair rock elaborate costumes early on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
A big line shapes up in front of the Powerhouse, after the Folsom Street Fair, on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
An attendee brings some humor to this year Folsom Street Fair on Sunday, Sept. 25th, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
An attendee of the 2022 Folsom Street Fair rocks an elaborate outfit early on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
Attendees of the 2022 Folsom Street Fair rock elaborate costumes early on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
Collars and chains are an indispensable part of Folsom Street Fair.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE
Attendees of the 2022 Folsom Street Fair rock elaborate costumes early on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 25, 2022.
Kevin Kelleher/Special to SFGATE