How Weird ends its 25-year run
Born in 2000 as a small, quirky gathering, How Weird Street Faire now faces soaring expenses that make its future uncertain.
By Adriana Roberts
The producers of How Weird Street Faire — San Francisco’s yearly outdoor electronic music festival with many costumes — just announced that they will not be seeking a city permit for 2025 due to skyrocketing costs.
“We created one of the most anticipated and beloved street fairs in San Francisco,” said Brad Olsen, founder and co-producer of the event, which had its first year in 2000, back when it was a small, grassroots block party at the corner of 12th & Howard, hence the wordplay of its name: “How Weird.”
“But the personal financial risk going forward does not pencil out,” Olsen said.
When How Weird started, admission was only a suggested $2 donation if wearing a costume. That donation went up to $10 in 2008 when it moved downtown to Howard & 2nd Streets. By 2019 it was $15 with a more formalized ticketing process, requiring “Magic Passes” that were sold in advance on Eventbrite. This past year, tickets ranged from $30–50 for the 8-hour festival.
While many old-school ravers complained about the ticketing, newer attendees felt it was a fair price, considering the fact that there were 7 different stages of electronic music, hosted by various Bay Area DJ crews. However, in a post-COVID world, attendance decreased a bit from its late-2010s peak, while permitting and production costs continued to rise.
In September, in an interview with The Bold Italic, Olsen hinted that he was ready to step down and pass the baton, stating they were “looking for good, solid producers who can step in and be the next generation, to take the mantle for the next 25 years.” Sadly, this does not seem to have panned out, at least not yet.
The producers ultimately hope to see How Weird continue with a new production team that can attract big-name sponsors. They stress, however, that they’d like to “keep it weird.”
“A large event production company with the resources to weather any storm would be the right fit,” said Olsen.
The ability to “weather any storm” isn’t just hyperbole either. This past May, due to a freak rainstorm, How Weird was forced to cancel mere hours before opening, costing the organizers thousands of dollars.
Despite getting rescheduled four months later, the damage was already done, adding insult to injury after suffering financial losses in 2020 when the pandemic shut down the fair with only six weeks notice. “The city was unsympathetic to our cries for help,” said Olsen in a Facebook post. “Denying our grant requests, and quadrupling permitting costs and imposing excessive requirements.”
Only time will tell if How Weird will continue under new leadership in the future, or if this truly is another end for a long-running San Francisco cultural institution.
Adriana Roberts is a DJ and performer with her Bootie Mashup parties, as well as a writer and trans influencer.
The Bold Italic publishes first-person stories on topics that are on the brains and lips of San Franciscans. We’re a hub for conversations to be heard and discussed, and we celebrate all that’s great about living in San Francisco and the Bay Area. We hope our continuing conversation will get you thinking, talking, and inspiring you to share your opinions with us on living in San Francisco.
You can help us celebrate our home by making a tax-deductible donation through our Flipcause page. We can also take stock, and Donor Advised Fund donations. We are partnered with Independent Arts & Media, a 501(c)(3).
What we’re doing this week
ISOKNOCK plays at Bill Graham
ISOKNOCK, the dynamic collaboration between electronic artists ISOxo and Knock2, is set to perform at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. This event is part of their "BAY AREA 4EVR" series, marking their final shows of 2024. Known for blending punk rock aesthetics with underground electronic music, ISOKNOCK delivers performances rich in attitude and energy. The duo's debut album, "4EVR," encapsulates their rebellious spirit and commitment to redefining dance music.
It runs three days next week but only has Wednesday tickets on sale.
WHEN: Friday, November 22, 2024, at 8:00 PM
WHERE: Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 99 Grove Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
West Coast Craft Market
The upcoming West Coast Craft Winter 2024 event is scheduled for November 23 and 24, 2024, at the Festival Pavilion in Fort Mason Center, San Francisco. This indoor, two-day fair will feature over 275 artists and designer craftspeople, showcasing a diverse array of handcrafted goods, including ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and more. The event is free and open to the public, welcoming attendees of all ages. Please note that due to food service inside the venue, only service animals are permitted.
Read our last take on this event earlier this year. Again: West Coast Craft is free.
WHEN: November 23–24, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
WHERE: Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, CA
Legends Awards — honoring Donna Sachet
The 2024 Legends Awards, honoring Donna Sachet, will take place on November 15, 2024, at the Swedish American Hall in San Francisco. This annual gala, hosted by Sister Roma, celebrates individuals who have significantly impacted the LGBTQ+ community. The event will feature performances by Russell Deason, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, and Shün Kanazawa. Community honorees include Dr. Dee Spencer (Diane Jones Solidarity Award), Colm O'Brien (Architect Award), and Patrick Carney (Exemplar Award).
WHEN: November 15, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
WHERE: Swedish American Hall, 2174 Market Street, San Francisco, CA
Bhangra & Beats season finale to light up downtown SF
San Francisco is set to host its first official Diwali celebration during the season finale of the Bhangra & Beats Night Market. This free, family-friendly event will transform three city blocks into a vibrant cultural hub, featuring South Asian food vendors, unique local artisans, and two stages of music rooted in Indian traditions. The evening will be highlighted by performances from Non Stop Bhangra and special guest artists, creating an immersive cultural experience.
WHEN: Friday, November 15, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
WHERE: Battery and Clay Streets, Downtown San Francisco, CA 94111
Also coming up: The Nutcracker with SF Ballet
San Francisco Ballet's 2024 production of "Nutcracker" marks the 20th anniversary of Helgi Tomasson's acclaimed rendition, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century San Francisco during the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. This cherished holiday tradition features Tchaikovsky's timeless score, brought to life by the company's talented dancers and the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra. Special performances include school-time matinees on December 10 and 17, a Nutcracker Benefit Luncheon on December 14, and a Sensory Friendly Performance on December 29, designed to accommodate neurodiverse audiences.
WHEN: December 6–29, 2024
WHERE: War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA