FAQs
When and where is the festival?
The festival will be at the Main Branch of the San Francisco Public Library (100 Larkin St, San Francisco, CA 94102) on February 15, 2026 from 12-5PM.
How much does it cost to attend or exhibit?
Nothing! You heard us. Due to the generosity of the San Francisco Public Library, Pride in Panels is 100% free for all exhibitors and attendees. No tickets are necessary for any of our events. Just show up and have a blast!
Who can exhibit at or attend the festival?
Anyone is welcome to attend the festival!
We recommend LGBTQ+ comic artists and creators to apply to exhibit. We prioritize artists who can fill a half-table with amazing and diverse comic art. We also prioritize artists in San Francisco, though we’ve had the pleasure of hosting exhibitors from all around the world before!
How do I apply to be an exhibitor?
Our 2025 exhibitor application is currently closed. Applicants will hear results on a rolling basis over the next couple of weeks. We encourage you to stay in the loop about future applications by signing up for our mailing list (scroll to the very bottom of this page). You can also follow us on social media.
How can I get to the venue?
The Main Branch of the San Francisco Public Library is off the Civic Center/UN Plaza Station on BART and MUNI. For transportation options:
Parking
Metered street parking is available, but limited, around the Main Library. See SFMTA for more info.
The closest parking garage is Civic Center Garage | SFMTA located at 355 McAllister Street. More info about parking in the Civic Center here.
Public Transit
MUNI - Civic Center Station. Streetcars (J, K, M, N and T) stop at Civic Center Station.
The F Market streetcar stops above ground on Market St.
MUNI Bus Lines 1, 5, 5R, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9R, 14, 14R, 19, 21, 27, 31, 49. See SFMTA for more info.
Bike Parking
Bike racks are available near the Grove St. entrance, as well as a Lyft Bike Share docking station.
How can I support your effort?
We’d love support in the following ways:
Attend our festival! Our artists deserve the utmost support.
Volunteer with us by emailing us with the subject line “Volunteer”
Donate to our cause! Each dollar goes to making this festival fully free, including offering micro-grants to artists in financial need and more programming.
Become a sponsor! Sponsors will get logo placement and promotion on our public materials, a guaranteed booth, inclusion in press releases, named workshops and microgrants, and that warm fuzzy feeling in your heart that you made an artist’s day! To get started, email us with the subject line “Sponsor”
Is Pride in Panels a nonprofit?
Yes! We are a registered nonprofit fiscally sponsored under Independent Arts & Media, with a mission to celebrate and uplift queer comics in San Francisco (for free!).
Where can I find the programming schedule and map?
Check back soon for updates!
Beyond the main festival on Sunday, Pride in Panels also offers several satellite events, including comic readings, film screenings, workshops, panels, and special guests. You can also follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter (scroll to the very bottom of this page) to keep updated!
Is this event all-ages?
The show is open to all ages, though some exhibitors and panels may contain material inappropriate for children. The tables specializing in children’s and all-ages work will have balloons tethered to them and marked clearly on the program, so that families can easily identify them.
How do I apply for a micro-grant?
We will be giving out $100 micro-grants to 20 exhibitors with financial need to cover supplies and transportation. When you fill out your exhibitor application, there will be a section to indicate if you’d like to be considered for financial assistance. Recipients will be prioritized based on financial need, first-time exhibitors, new artists, and students.
Recipients will be notified if they received a micro-grant along with their exhibitor acceptance.
If you’d like to sponsor or donate a micro-grant, please email us!
What is your service/support animal policy?
Service and support animals are welcome in all SFPL facilities. See Information for People with Service Animals for the full policy.
All animals entering the Library must be up-to-date on vaccinations and the handler must be able to show proof of current rabies vaccination day-of the festival.
What is the Patron Code of Conduct?
The San Francisco Public Library seeks to provide its patrons with a safe and pleasant library experience in an atmosphere conducive to study, reading, learning and appropriate use of materials and services. All visitors are beholden to the SFPL Patron Code of Conduct.
Will there be food or drinks?
The festival provides free snacks and refreshments to its exhibitors and panelists. Attendees can get food at one of the many food options in the Civic Center area.
Is your event accessible?
Yes, we are dedicated in accommodating all of our attendees. All of our exhibitor halls, activity rooms, and bathrooms are accessible by wheelchair users and others who need step-free access, and are ADA-compliant.
The most accessible entrance to the Main Library is 30 Grove Street. There is a ramp that leads to the security gates/main entrance of the library. There are two accessible parking spaces at 30 Grove Street and 100 Larkin St.
We also offer free ASL interpretation requests through the SFPL. To request these services, email accessibility@sfpl.org and copy hormel@sfpl.org for any requests at least 5 business days before the festival.
What COVID-19 precautions are in place?
If you are sick, please do not attend the festival. Masks are recommended and will be available on-site, but not required.
What is your Harassment Policy?
Pride in Panels is dedicated to providing a harassment-free conference experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, fandom, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, political/religious background, body size, race, religion, etc.
Attendees must respect common sense rules for public behavior, personal interaction, common courtesy, and respect for private property. Harassing or offensive behavior will not be tolerated.
Persons finding themselves in a situation where they feel their safety is at risk or who become aware of an attendee not in compliance with this policy should immediately locate the nearest member of security, or staff member, so that the matter can be handled in an expeditious manner.
How much space does each exhibitor get?
All exhibitors get half a table (half of a 6 ft. x 2.5 ft. table) and one chair. Our venue can fit a total of 120 exhibitor spots. An additional chair can be granted for accessibility or helper reasons. Full tables will only be granted on a case-by-case basis.
What is Pride in Panel’s policy on AI art?
Pride in Panels does not allow AI-generated work to be sold at the festival. If any form of Al generated work being sold is determined to be as-such by our staff, it will be considered a form of counterfeit merchandise and will be required to be removed. For the purposes of our policy, Pride in Panels considers any work that is created with an AI program that uses sources the artist does not own or hold rights to, to be in violation.