Living Sober’s 50th Anniversary

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

What will the conference look like in the Castro?

1. Where the Action Is

The main hub for the 2026 Roundup will be the historic Castro Theatre (429 Castro St), with workshops and meetings spread across nearby community spaces like the Castro Country Club, Eureka Valley Recreation Center, and more…

Since there is no “official” host hotel this year, you’ll want to look for accommodations that offer easy access to the Castro.

2. Recommended Accommodations

The Beck’s Motor Lodge: This is the most iconic “neighbor” hotel. It is located right on Market Street, just two blocks from the Castro Theatre. It’s well-maintained, offers free parking (rare in SF!), and puts you right in the middle of the energy. In addition, If you mention the conference, they will offer ten dollars off per night.

We are still in the works at the moment to secure discounts at other locations for lodging. Watch this space.

If you want more hotel choices, staying downtown is usually the easiest “more inventory” option. Look for hotels near a Market Street subway station like Embarcadero, Montgomery, Powell, Civic Center, or Van Ness, so you can take Muni straight to Castro Station

How to use Muni if you stay downtown

1. Start at your nearest downtown subway station on Market Street
2. Board any train that stops at Castro Station
3. Exit at Castro Station, then walk to the venues

3. Getting Around (Public Transportation)

You are in luck! The Castro is one of the best-connected neighborhoods in the city.

• The “L”, “M”, or “K” Muni Metro Lines: These underground trains run directly from the Castro Station to downtown/Union Square in about 10–12 minutes.
• The “F” Market Street Historic Streetcar: This is a “must-do” for a first-timer. These vintage streetcars run from the Castro all the way down Market Street to the Ferry Building and Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s a scenic, slow-paced way to see the city.
• Accessibility: All Muni Metro stations (like Castro Station) have elevator access, making it very manageable if you want to avoid too many hills.

4. Exploring Post-Roundup

Since you mentioned touring, staying near the Castro/Market corridor allows you to easily hop on a bus or train to:

• Golden Gate Park: Take the #5 or #7 bus.
• Union Square/Shopping: Take any underground Muni Metro line (inbound).
• The Waterfront: Take the “F” line streetcar.

Questions? Reach out to the Living Sober 50th Anniversary Ad Hoc Committee at livingsober.org