Living Sober’s 50th Anniversary
July 10–12, 2026
Castro District / San Francisco
$50 for 50 Years
A Vision For You
In 1976, something remarkable began. Living Sober was founded in San Francisco as the first AA conference created for LGBTQIA+ alcoholics. It inspired attendees from across the country to return home and start gatherings of their own and serves as somewhat the spiritual ancestor of LGBTQIA+ conferences, roundups and retreats. Fifty years later, this trailblazing conference is still thriving—alive with new energy, connection, and recovery.
Living Sober has long been a cornerstone of the Bay Area’s queer AA community. Its impact deserves to be honored, preserved, and celebrated. LGBTQIA+ people continue to face both personal and systemic challenges, and this conference remains a powerful symbol of recovery, strength, and pride.
For the 50th Anniversary in 2026, we’re bringing Living Sober to the Castro Cultural District, one of the nation’s first gay neighborhoods, to celebrate this history
Why are we moving Living Sober to the Castro?
There are three big reasons why we think the Castro is the perfect home for Living Sober:
Bringing the conference to the heart of our community.
While LGBTQIA+ recovery happens all over San Francisco, the Castro has always been the center of it. It only makes sense for Living Sober to be there too.
Showcasing what makes San Francisco special.
We want to create a conference experience that’s worth the trip—especially for those visiting from out of town. Holding it in the Castro, right after SF Pride, lets us highlight what makes recovery here so unique and magical.
Carrying the message.
We know that not everyone struggling with alcohol knows where to find us. By being present in the Castro, we make recovery more visible, reaching alcoholics who might not have found us otherwise.
What will the conference look like in the Castro?
We’ve been thinking about this move for a while. Back in 2022, the Living Sober Advisory Board put together an Ad Hoc Committee to explore what it would take to bring the conference into the neighborhood. After a lot of careful planning, we’re confident it’s not only possible, it’s going to be amazing.
Our plan is to use the Castro Theatre for larger programming, while meetings and workshops will be hosted in familiar community spaces like Most Holy Redeemer, Eureka Valley Rec Center, and Castro Country Club. But we’re also looking beyond traditional venues, finding ways to truly integrate the conference into the Castro’s energy and spirit.
This move is more than just a venue change, it’s a way to evolve Living Sober into something even more meaningful, connected, and uniquely San Francisco.
What about accessibility and getting around the Castro?
Accessibility will continue to be a core focus as planning unfolds. Our Committees are exploring ways to make sure venues in the Castro remain as easy to access as possible for everyone.
We know getting between spaces will feel different than in a hotel setting, so we’re looking at how to best support movement between venues, accessibility features at each location, and options for those who may need additional assistance. More details will be shared as planning continues.
How will accommodations work without a host hotel?
Moving the conference into the neighborhood means we’ll be shifting away from a single “host hotel” model. Instead, the Living Sober Planning Committee will share lodging options that make sense for a variety of needs and budget, nearby hotels, motels, and other possibilities within easy reach of the Castro.
We also expect to have information for out-of-town guests on community-based options and transportation guidance once plans come together later in the planning year.
Without a hotel, where will everyone gather?
One of the trade-offs in leaving a hotel is losing that single central space, but one of the opportunities is gaining a neighborhood. The idea is for the conference itself to serve as the “home base,” with a welcome area and gathering spaces located in or near the Castro Theatre, and plenty of nearby spots to meet, connect, and rest between events.
Committees are working together to shape how that shared space will feel, ensuring there are places for both fellowship and quiet time throughout the weekend.
