F.A.Q.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the next How Weird?
Spring 2014. We won’t know specifically until the end of the year. Sign up for the How Weird mailing list to find out as soon as we know, as well as other great related events.
Entrances?
The main entrance is at Howard and New Montgomery Streets, near MUNI, the Montgomery BART station, the Transbay Terminal, and Caltrain Station. The other entrances are at 2nd & Mission Streets, 2nd & Folsom Streets, and Howard & 1st Streets. Bike parking is at New Montgomery & Natoma Streets. There is a taxi area at 1st Street & Howard.
Directions?
The How Weird Street Faire takes place in the heart of the SoMa district of San Francisco. It is centered at Howard & 2nd Streets, a few blocks south of Market Street, and a block east of Yerba Buena Gardens. The coordinates are 37°47’12.4″ N, 122°23’53.7″ W
Click here to download the How Weird 2013 map.
Parking?
If you drive, there are now paid meters on Sundays. For short stays, you can go to the parking garage at 5th & Mission Streets. For a special $20 all-day rate one block from the faire, you can go to Ace Parking at 55 Hawthorne Street, and you can also reserve those spots.
Bike parking?
This year there will be self-service bike parking on Natoma Street, with an entrance on New Montgomery Street. Park your bike before entering the faire. Please lock your bike over the top of the barricades, not on the side. There will be security watching the bikes.
Handicapped accessible?
Yes, the faire is handicapped accessible. It is at street level, on the streets.
Glass bottles?
Glass bottles are not allowed in the faire, according to city law. Weapons are not allowed either. Nor are vehicles, or spacecraft this year. Bags will be searched at the entrances to the faire.
Trash?
Please don’t leave your trash on the ground. Ever.
Ages?
How Weird is a place where all are welcome. The faire is open to all ages, but we recommend ear plugs or head phones for small children.
Pets?
We strongly discourage bringing pets to How Weird, because of the large crowds and loud noise.
What does it cost?
How Weird asks for a $10 donation, to help pay for the faire and keep it going. And in return you get Magic Beads.
Are the Beads really magical?
Yes, they are. They come with hundreds of dollars of savings, plus many free things. And they make you look great!
Are costumes really required this year?
Yes, they are. You can go as yourself, or go as someone else. We recommend something colorful, creative, fun, and weird. Weird is always in style.
Nudity?
Nudity is not encouraged at How Weird. It’s not a legal or personal issue, we just want everyone to be comfortable at the faire. Everyone is encouraged to come in costume.
Why “How Weird”?
How Weird is a play on the name Howard Street, which is where the faire takes place. It also describes the people at the faire, especially when in costume. The word “Howard” is an Old English word meaning “noble watchman”. It is also the surname of William Davis Merry Howard, after which the street in San Francisco is named. He was a gifted mimic who improvised theatricals, as well as funding the city’s first public school, first hospital, first fire engine, and first churches. He lived from 1819 to 1856, and was described by his friends as a “bold operator” and a jester.
What is the magic number?
Some say it is 3. Others say it is 1.618. But the answer is 42.