As we all prepare for the San Francisco Pride Parade this weekend, gathering outfits and costumes and other miscellaneous items that may be needed, we at the Clog have quite the list to add to yours. If you’re planning on going to Pride, you’re going to have a long day in the sun. Make sure to plan ahead and bring your essentials! After extremely careful research (obviously), we’ve assembled the ultimate (working) list of things you should bring to Pride.
- A small bag
First things first — this one makes bringing all of the following items possible. We suggest a fanny pack, mini backpack or cross-body bag with two or three pockets. Regardless of the number and depth of pockets on your outfit (which will likely be limited), you really ought to bring a bag. Plus, the parade gives out free goodies, and you’re going to need somewhere to put them.
- Water
To forget a water bottle would be a terrible mistake, and it’ll leave you full of regret. You’re going to be walking around, sweating, talking and eating, and if you’re of age, you might be drinking, too. All of those activities require frequent hydration, so don’t forget water.
- Cash for food
It’s going to be tough to pack a lot of food with you for this event. So needing to buy food while at Pride is almost a guarantee (please eat — it’s good for you). But beware: Food is expensive at Pride! And many vendors only take cash.
- Sunscreen and ChapStick
Rehydrate not only your body, but your skin, too! At the parade, you’ll be exposed to the elements for hours. If you burn your skin or dry out your lips from any number of activities, you’ll regret not having brought sunscreen and ChapStick. Plus, these two things should fit nicely in your small bag.
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
You’re going to be on your feet all day, and so are thousands of other people. At Pride, you’re sure to encounter countless other bodies in close proximity to you, so there’s a high likelihood of your toes getting stepped on. We know you want to wear those cute sandals, but wear the right shoes, and you’ll thank us later.
- Glitter or makeup
If this was part of your wardrobe getting ready for the event the morning of, bring it to reapply while you’re there. Glitter falls off fast in most cases, so having it with you can’t be wrong. The same goes for makeup, especially lipstick. These things are small and easy to bring along, just like sunscreen and ChapStick!
Bring these things to the SF Pride Parade, and you’ll be glad you did. We want you to thoroughly enjoy your day celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community and LGBTQ+ rights. Do it right and take care of yourself during this long day spent outside and on your feet.
