The How Weird Street Faire is returning to San Francisco’s SoMa district for its tenth year on May 10th, 2009 from noon-7 p.m. The faire is an experiment in creating peace, as well as a benefit for the non-profit organization ‘World Peace Through Technology Organization.’ This year the faire will feature TEN blocks worth of art, TEN stages for entertainment, and food and vendors from around the world. Enter the faire for a $10 donation (or $5 in costume), and you get a Magic Sticker! The sticker gives discounts and specials throughout the faire: including $1 off each drink, discounts at vendors and after parties, and helps keep the faire going. Traditionally the streets are filled with thousands of people in colorful costumes dancing to some of the best electronic music in the world.

2009 will feature performances by the Consortium of Collective Consciousness, Symbiosis, Kontrol, Sunset, Purgatory Cruiser, Muti Music, Brass Tax, Temple, Opel, Tantra, Groove Garden, Mystic Beat Lounge, Nonstop Bhangra, Le Harem Hookah Lounge, Koinonea, and Earthdance. With so much music, the How Weird Street Faire is a street-style sanctuary for different kinds of people to come together, dance and create a common bond. Check out volume 1 of the How Weird Street Faire performances here.

When the day ends, the celebration continues. So plan accordingly, and bring something warm to wear.

How Weird @ Night goes from 7pm to 2am and the faire moves indoors to several venues at the faire site; including Temple, 111 Minna, and Harlot. The evening venues are $10 each (or $2 off with a Magic Sticker) and are 21+.

Not only does the street faire strive to advocate peace and diversity through music and self-expression, one of its main goals is sustainability. The faire maximizes recycling and composting, taking aim at zero waste. Last year the faire’s food vendors kept it natural using all compostable paper utensils. In the past, free bike parking has also been provided by the SF Bicycle Coalition to promote alternative transportation to the faire (make sure you put some booties on that costume of yours).

This year, the How Weird Street Faire can be found at 2nd and Howard streets, San Francisco, Earth: Centered at: 37°47’12.4" N, 122°23’53.7" W.

The main entrances are on Howard Street & 1st Street and on Howard Street & New Montgomery (with bike parking). This is two blocks from the Montgomery BART and MUNI stop.