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Best San Francisco Pride 2012 After-Parties

This year's San Francisco Pride festival will be held downtown in Civic Center on Saturday, June 23rd through Sunday, June 24th. With only a few days left until the 42nd annual Gay Pride Weekend comes to San Francisco, you might be wondering where to celebrate. Find out below where to join in the fun before, during and after the weekend in a city known for getting loud and proud.
Nightlife & Music Pride, Public Works
Photo Credit: Public Works Event Space

Public Works
161 Erie St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 932-0955
www.publicsf.com

Price: $10 advance tickets, $15 at the door
Hours: June 22, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Kick off the weekend by getting your heartbeat pounding. Get loud and sweaty at Public Works while dancing the night away to the sounds of DJ Ted Eiel, the Dial Up Crew, Doc Sleepy and many more legendary names. Try out the several different spaces as the night rolls on. Go from the bar area to the dance floor, where you will hear electronic and indie music at its best. The space is large enough to fit most of Gay Pride Weekend's festival goers, but purchase tickets early to avoid disappointment, as the first night of the weekend is always met with anticipation.

Nightlife & Music Price Dance Party
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

GoBang! at Deco Lounge
510 Larkin St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 346-2025
decosf.com

Price: Free before 10 p.m., $5 cover after 10 p.m.
Hours: June 23, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

GoBang! night invites Gay Pride participants to dance until their feet are sore with resident DJ's Steve Fabus, Sergio Fedasz and Tres Lingerie playing disco, funk and house. Drinks will be on special prices throughout the night with $2 PBRs, $3.75 vodka and juices and $3.75 Jager shots. Deco Lounge strives to provide an upbeat, but welcoming atmosphere--kind of like a giant dance party at a good friend's house, so this is sure to be a fun spot to celebrate after the day's events have come to a close.

Nightlife & Music Pride, Lookout
Photo Credit: Lookout via Facebook

Lookout
3600 16th St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 431-0306
www.lookoutsf.com

Price: $3 cover
Hours: June 23, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Come join in the fun at Castro Districts Lookout, where the regular Bounce night will be swinging with more flair and festivity than usual. Lookout is one of the more casual bars in the Castro District, but the excitement for Gay Pride Weekend is just as intense. Drinks are reasonable and admission is cheap. Dance the night away to mixes from some the best DJs in the city and get ready for an even louder morning ahead.

Related: San Francisco's Coziest Bars

Nightlife & Music Pride, Last Call
Photo Credit: Last Call via Facebook

The Last Call Bar
3988 18th St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 861-1310
www.thelastcallbar.com

Price: Cash bar only, no cover charge
Hours: June 24, 12 p.m. to 2 a.m.

If you want to recall the good old days and see how Gay Pride used to be done, then come to the Last Call Bar. Celebrate with the locals at this neighborhood haunt where they love to dress up, whether it be in a fuzzy wig or full on costume. Drinks are cheap, especially between noon and 7 p.m. when happy hour is in full swing. PBRs are $2 and selected beers are $3 during the lengthy happy hour. What's the atmosphere like here? Think of your favorite family movie–that's how the Last Call Bar seems when it gets busy. You'll have all members of the family dancing away in full pride.

Nightlife & Music Pride Week
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

MIXed
4086 18th St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 431-8616
www.sfmixbar.com

Price: No cover charge, cash only bar.
Hours: June 24, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Pop into Castro District's gay neighborhood bar where everyone is invited and all have fun. Mix with locals and discover why San Francisco residents are known for their welcoming approach. Enjoy pitchers of cocktails while you play pool or dance the night away to pop tunes. Choose between the outdoor patio area or the dimly lit indoors; both have seating and a well-stocked bar, so you can't go wrong, no matter which setting you choose. Sunday also plays host to the longest happy hour in the district where you can enjoy $3 cocktails and beers, $2 PBRs and $4 Svedka. And most importantly, after an entire day of partying that's sure to last well into the evening, you'll be pleased to know the bathrooms are always clean and well lit.

Related: Our Five Favorite San Francisco Gay Bars

Check out CBS Local's Guide to Celebrating SF Pride

Parmeeta Ghoman is a freelance writer living in San Francisco. She specializes in shopping and style. Find some of her work on Examiner.com.

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