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You can no longer push shopping carts with kegs or roll big floats – we miss the tiki bar! – down the streets.
But Bay to Breakers is still the biggest, most fun, lively and top singles party event in San Francisco.
Held the third Sunday in May (that would put it on May 18 in 2025) it’s a rolling block party, San Francisco’s version of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. In fact, it’s really the Mardi Gras of the West Coast.
Except here you’re in the parade.
Going From The Bay To The Breakers
To be fair, B2B as locals call it, is a foot race. It starts under the Bay Bridge (thus the bay) and winds up at the breakers at the end of Golden Gate Park (thus the breakers).
Surprisingly, some people actually do run it (the distance is about seven miles) but by far the most of the 75,000 or so walk it. In costume. Carrying and consuming cocktails (keep reading).
It’s a fun, outdoor moving block party that will have you laughing the entire time. Along the way are bands, house parties and impromptu celebrations.
It’s so much fun your objective is to keep from finishing it. So you linger. Especially in Golden Gate Park.
There is a festival afterward, but it’s not really that great. So find a way to get back to the Embarcadero and head to the bars (PubClub.com recommends Pier 23). There are buses but lines are long and cabs for some reason don’t patrol the area. Of course, there’s Uber and Lyft.
Now, about consuming that alcohol. There’s been a crackdown the past few years but you can’t stop 75,000 people so just be cool about it and somewhat discreet. That being stated, this warning is on the B2B website in the Q&A section about whether or not alcohol is allowed: “Absolutely not. All alcohol and other illicit substances will be removed from the race course immediately. The person with the item will be ejected from the event and is subject to arrest.”
There is an entry fee to run but you can also just jump in somewhere along the way; the real party starts at Hayes Hill at about 10 in the morning. Well, that’s what some nameless souls have done in the past; if that will will work this year is certainly not guaranteed.
Bay To Breakers Tickets & Entry Fee
The cost is $99 for those who register to run the race. Others join in at places along the starting line without paying the entry fee (they don’t get a race bib or t-shirt). It’s website is www.baytobreakers.com/12k
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