The wild inside story of SF's first gay film fest
Plus: Bay's oldest Ethiopian cafe supports Addis Ababa skaters, Festa Italiana drew a colorful crowd to North Beach
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25TH ANNIVERSARY FRESH MEAT FEST IS FRESHER THAN EVER
The 25th Anniversary FRESH MEAT FESTIVAL returns June 19–21 at Z Space, SF for an unforgettable weekend of trans, queer, and community performance featuring dance, drag, live music, theater, and more!
2026 INTERNATIONAL QUEER WOMEN OF COLOR FILM FESTIVAL STARTS THURSDAY
The 22nd annual QWOCFF arrives June 12–14 at San Francisco’s Presidio Theatre, with satellite screenings throughout the year, and a virtual Encore in the fall. 49 films across three Festival experiences. Free and open to the public.
Today's headlines:
The wild inside story of San Francisco’s first gay film festival
By Marc Huestis
50 years ago, a ragtag bunch of local geniuses got together to show their scrappy Super 8s—and a movement was born.
Kitfo to kickflips: How the Bay’s oldest Ethiopian restaurant supports Addis Ababa skaters
By Alan Chazaro
Oakland's Cafe Colucci collabs with Ethiopia Skate to boost burgeoning scene halfway across the world.
Ciao bella! Pasta, puppets, parade drew revelers to Festa Italiana in North Beach
By Emma Garcia
Two days of feasting, dancing, and live music—plus plenty of strong coffee and wine—celebrated Italian culture.
In case you missed it:
Under the Stars: ‘Happy Today’ brings wizardly space and grace to longform jazz jams
Surely, they must still be joking: ‘Airplane! Live’ lands classic 1980 movie’s gags
CELEBRATE LOCAL MUSIC AND CULTURE AT TOTAL ACCORD FEST, JUNE 3-20
Local creative agency Total Accord is dedicated to putting Bay Area artists on the map and helping guide those looking to get to know the local independent music scene better. To celebrate its second year, TAA is throwing Total Accord Fest at a variety of music venues, theaters, and dive bars, all around San Francisco. Featuring live music, drag performances, food + art pop ups, and DJ sets, plus music video and documentary screenings. Join us!
YERBA BUENA GARDENS FESTIVAL SEASON IS HERE
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is back with 100+ free outdoor shows in downtown SF. With free music concerts, dance events, circus, kids’ shows, and more, YBG Festival is the place for picnics and summertime vibes.
48 HILLS SATIRIST JOEL SCHECHTER'S NEW BOOK IS BURSTING WITH SMART LAUGHS
The rants, jests, and immodest proposals in Rogues Gallery target a collection of felons, ne'er-do-wells, White House demolitionists, and undertaxed billionaires. Collected here for the first time are classic reports on the demolition of the West Wing (not just the East Wing!) of the White House; a special cell to be built on Alcatraz for the President of the United States; and SF as the new billionaire sanctuary. Illustrated by noted graphic artist Sue Coe. To order a copy for $12, contact jschech@sfsu.edu.
JOIN US AT THE UPROARIOUS SAN FRANCISCO SQUARES: PRIDE EDITION, JUNE 18
Kick off Pride with live game show fundraiser at Great Stra Theaterm bursting with camp, comedy, and queer star power. Hosted by Sister Roma of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, this Pride-powered spin on The Hollywood Squares features legendary Bruce Vilanch in the coveted Center Square—and special guest Marke B.!
OUR SPRING BLOOM FUNDRAISER NEEDS YOU!
We want to double our reporting power in this crucial election year and stabilize 48 Hills for the future. Your donation goes twice as far during our Spring Bloom matching $50K fundraiser! But we can't do this without you and the clock is ticking—donate now and tell your friends.
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