On Saturday, December 16, we will be taking over some of the best bars in the city for a jolly ‘ol Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl complete with cheap drinks, sketchy holiday decorations and even a few gifts for some lucky crawlers. No matter how you celebrate the holidays, throwing back beers, holiday drinks and cruising from bar to bar is something that can be enjoyed by all. Feel free to throw on your best ugly Christmas Sweater, Hannukah-inspired gear or whatever tickles your fancy. Santa Costumes, Naughty Elves and other creative get ups are also welcome. Enjoy awesome drink specials at your favorite Polk Street Bars.
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Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
Event Details
-Check in at Mayes Oyster House
-Pick up your Wristbands and Pub Crawl Maps at Mayes from 4PM to 8PM.
The Bars: Mayes, Mcteagues, Lush Lounge, El Lopo, Wreck Room and more!
How Does this work? Once you check in and receive your wristband and Pub Crawl Map, you can choose your own path. There will be too many people to be on a specific schedule, so you can just follow the crowd at your own pace. Specials will be available at ALL the bars during the event times.
Updated San Francisco Pub Crawl Information on the SweaterCon Website
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl in San Francisco
In San Francisco, a Celebration of Kitsch: The Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
In the heart of San Francisco, as the holiday season approaches with its customary chill, there emerges a tradition that is as unique as it is fun – the Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl. This event, which has now become an annual fixture in the city’s festive calendar, is more than just a gathering; it’s a jubilant parade of kitsch and camaraderie, a nod to the holiday cheer, and a testament to the city’s enduring spirit of fun and inclusivity. A continuation of the infamous Santacon San Francisco, taking place the week after.
Unlike the typical holiday gatherings, where elegance often takes precedence, the Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl celebrates the garish, the tacky, the riotously colorful. Participants, adorned in sweaters festooned with everything from gaudy tinsel to blinking lights, convene each year, turning the streets of San Francisco into a moving tapestry of holiday-themed satire.
This event, which began as a small gathering among friends, has burgeoned into a city-wide phenomenon, drawing participants from all walks of life. It’s not just about the sweaters, which range from homemade concoctions to thrift store finds; it’s about the communal spirit that the event fosters. As the crawl progresses from pub to pub, a sense of unity and shared celebration pervades, cutting through the winter’s cold (well, maybe not in San Francisco).
Each stop along the crawl brings its own flavor to the festivities. From the historic Mayes Oyster House to the chic art deco vibe of Decodance the crawl is as much a tour of San Francisco’s bar culture as it is a holiday event. Participating establishments embrace the spirit, offering holiday-themed drinks and hosting contests for the most creatively attired attendees.
The Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl also serves as a reflection of San Francisco’s broader cultural ethos. In a city known for its embrace of diversity and self-expression, this event stands out as a beacon of inclusive joy. It’s a place where the corporate executive can rub elbows with the starving artist, each equally bedecked in holiday absurdity, momentarily dissolving the barriers that so often divide.
Furthermore, the event speaks to a broader societal embrace of nostalgia and irony, a trend that sees value and humor in the reclamation of what was once deemed in poor taste. In this light, the ugly sweater becomes a symbol of a collective willingness to laugh at oneself, to celebrate imperfection, and to find joy in the unapologetically tacky.
As night falls and the crawl reaches its crescendo, the streets of San Francisco come alive with the sounds of laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. In these moments, the Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl transcends its status as a mere event; it becomes a microcosm of the city itself – unique, exciting, and brimming with life.
As participants disperse, sweaters a little worse for wear and hearts full of cheer, there’s a palpable sense of having shared in something special, a holiday tradition that is distinctly San Franciscan. In the Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl, the city finds not just a reason to celebrate, but a reflection of its very soul – a little irreverent, wonderfully inclusive, and always, unapologetically joyful.
San Francisco Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
Top 10 Highlights of San Francisco’s Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
San Francisco’s Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl has become a staple of the city’s holiday festivities, drawing crowds from near and far. Known for its quirky charm and festive atmosphere, this event offers a unique blend of fun, laughter, and holiday spirit. Here are the ten best things you’ll find at this one-of-a-kind celebration:
A Sea of Ugly Sweaters: The main attraction! From vintage finds to homemade masterpieces, the variety of ugly sweaters is astounding. Each one is a conversation starter and a testament to the wearer’s creativity and holiday spirit.
Iconic San Francisco Bars: The crawl takes you through some of the most beloved bars in San Francisco. Each offers its own unique ambiance, from historic speakeasies to trendy modern establishments, making it a fantastic way to experience the city’s diverse nightlife.
Festive Cocktails: What’s a bar crawl without some holiday-themed libations? Expect to find a range of festive drinks, from classic eggnog to inventive cocktails garnished with candy canes or sprinkled with cinnamon.
Holiday Decor Galore: The bars go all out with their holiday decorations, creating a truly immersive experience. Twinkling lights, tinsel, and garlands set the perfect backdrop for your ugly sweater selfies.
Live Music and DJs: Many venues feature live music or DJs, adding an upbeat soundtrack to the night. Whether it’s holiday classics or contemporary hits, the music keeps the festive mood going strong.
Ugly Sweater Contests: For those who take their sweater game seriously, there are often contests to crown the ugliest sweater of them all. The competition is fierce but friendly, and the winners can bask in their tacky glory.
Delicious Bar Bites: Along with great drinks, many bars offer holiday-themed snacks or their regular menu favorites. These tasty treats are perfect for keeping your energy up throughout the crawl.
A Joyous Atmosphere: There’s a palpable sense of camaraderie and joy among participants. It’s a community event where people come together to celebrate the season in a fun and lighthearted way.
Memorable Photo Ops: The combination of ugly sweaters, festive decorations, and the scenic streets of San Francisco provide endless opportunities for memorable photos. It’s a night you’ll want to remember!
Support for Local Businesses: The Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl is a great way to support local bars and businesses during the holiday season. By participating, you’re contributing to the vibrancy and vitality of the local community.
In summary, the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl in San Francisco is much more than just a themed night out; it’s a festive experience that encapsulates the spirit of the holidays and the unique charm of San Francisco. It’s an event where joy, community, and a bit of kitsch come together to create unforgettable holiday memories.
