2026 SEASON OF EVENTS

The Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 DJs and non-profit beneficiaries. The all-volunteer organization looks forward to welcoming guests home to 1015 Folsom twice this year to dance into the night as we come together to celebrate our circle of friends and raise funds for a number of excellent organizations serving the broader Bay Area's LGBTQ community.

On Friday, July 24, 2026, in its third year in primetime, REAL BAD: RITUAL returns to 1015 Folsom to open Up Your Alley weekend. REAL BAD 36 alumni DJs Matt Suave and Brady Prince join for REAL BAD: RITUAL in a much-anticipated B2B set spinning a night of sexy, deep, and dirty beats at 1015 Folsom.

Our infamous marquee event, REAL BAD, is now in its 37th year and closes out Folsom Weekend on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 1015 Folsom. Following tradition, GRGRF committed to donating 100 percent of the general admission ticket price of the historically sold-out REAL BAD, as well as 100 percent of net proceeds generated by RITUAL After Hours to six worthy LGBTQ nonprofits. Last year, the Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation donated $318,000, and has given back more than $4.6 million to the community since 1989.

This year’s non-profit beneficiaries are Maitri, Pepper Diet Academy (PDA), Oasis Legal Services, TACT (Trans Advocacy & Care Team), Caminar, and ONYX Northwest Chapter. Learn more about our 2026 beneficiaries here.

REAL BAD 37 - DJs

Headliner: Blacklow (Los Angeles)

Based in Los Angeles, Blacklow (Jeremy Blacklow) is renowned for a trademark sound that features soaring vocals and high-energy journeys through house, tech, and progressive beats. Inspired by the legendary 90s NYC dance scene, his sets seamlessly bridge the gap between nostalgic classics and contemporary pop remixes. A resident for the national BRÜT parties, Blacklow has headlined world-class events from Halloweenie LA to White Party Palm Springs. His prolific production work includes official remixes for icons like Chappell Roan and Paris Hilton, ensuring a set that is both uplifting and powerful.

Opener: Conner Curnick (Washington DC)

Conner Curnick is a Washington DC based DJ and producer whose sound is defined by the deep, funky grooves of underground tech house. By blending classic club culture with a modern edge, Conner has rapidly ascended the scene, becoming a staple at major East Coast clubs and international festivals across the US and Mexico. As a producer, his tracks have been featured on influential labels like Groove Foundation and Big Mama's House Records. Conner brings a fresh, momentum-building energy to the booth, perfectly set to ignite the REAL BAD dance floor.

Underground: DUSTN (Los Angeles)

DUSTN is a rising force in the underground scene, known for weaving intricate, driving rhythms that command the late-night dance floor. Residing in Los Angeles, DUSTN’s style emphasizes raw energy and hypnotic tech-house layers. With a focus on building a cohesive, immersive atmosphere, his sets are designed to take the crowd into the deeper, darker corners of house music. DUSTN brings a sophisticated, underground edge to the REAL BAD 37 experience, promising a sonic journey that is as gritty as it is infectious.

Mario Hernandez, REAL BAD 37 Events Chair, said: “Following last year’s theme of defying the odds, our 37th season is a fitting sequel as we focus on ‘Creating Change, For Good.’ This year, we are leaning into the strength of our wings—honoring the history and resilience of our community, including the proud legacy of the leather community. Alongside our dedicated beneficiaries, we are soaring forward to lift up the Bay Area LGBTQ+ family and ensure vital resources reach those who need them most.”

REAL BAD 37 will also feature world-class lighting, laser, and video production. The lighting and laser show will be designed and executed by Robert Sanders of RAGERLAZER. Visuals by Annesnotokay LLC.

Learn more about the latest event info here.

MARGARITA PARTY

Saturday, May 9, 2026

12 PM – 3 PM

SF Eagle

REAL BAD: RITUAL (DORE WEEKEND)

Friday, July 24, 2026

9 PM – 4 AM

1015 Folsom

SF EAGLE BEER BUST

Sunday, August 23, 2026

3 PM – 7 PM

SF Eagle

REAL BAD 36 (FOLSOM WEEKEND)

Sunday, September 27, 2026

8 PM – 5 AM

1015 Folsom

BIG CHECK CELEBRATION

Sunday, November 8, 2026

1 PM – 3 PM

Lookout