The Civic Center party is located along Van Ness, Grove, Hyde, Hayes, and McAllister streets in the downtown area near the city's main strip, Market Street. Shuttle buses will run between the Castro and the Civic Center. The costumed gatherings downtown are not the only Halloween traditions in San Francisco. Billed as part Mardi Gras, part burlesque, part rock concert, and part Carnival, the Exotic Erotic Ball is touted as the world's largest and sexiest masquerade party. Come if you dare.
People spend a year on costumes, according to the publicists for the event.
And while participants are in their bizarre states of undress, they have the chance to live out their fantasies, whatever they may be. The Exotic Erotic also boasts the world's largest Fetish Hall. The celebrity guest this year is Dennis Rodman, while musical guests include Motorhead and Creeper Lagoon. This year also marks the release of the 20th anniversary Exotic Erotic Ball coffee-table book with photos of last year's participants. Hustler will produce a live cybercast of the ball if you can't attend in person.