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?

Where the Action Is

All of our spaces where events and workshops will be held for the weekend are within 2 blocks of each other in the heart of The Castro District, including:

• Castro Theatre
  Celebrating 50 years of Living Sober at one of San Francisco’s most beloved landmarks.

• Castro Country Club
  Where LGBTQ+ recovery and fellowship have found a home for decades.

• Queer AF (Harvey Milk’s Former Camera Store)
  Located in Harvey Milk’s former camera store, a landmark of LGBTQ+ history where community, connection, and pride continue to thrive.

• Most Holy Redeemer Church
  For generations, a home to recovery meetings in the Castro, offering a space grounded in reflection, healing, and community.

• Eureka Valley Recreation Center
  One of the Castro’s longstanding homes for recovery meetings, where community, fellowship, and new beginnings come together.

And more…

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 $10 off per night.

• Yotel: Additionally, you can stay just a muni ride away from the Castro at the Yotel (1095 Market St). Use promo code PRIDE24 at checkout and get 20% off. Rooms at these rates are limited, so we recommend booking your stay as early as possible!

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

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.

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