CMC Carnival (Replica 20th Anniversary Tee/1983)

CMC Carnival — 20th Anniversary Replica Tee (1983)

Long before corporate Pride festivals, there was the CMC Carnival.

Founded in 1965, the California Motorcycle Club (CMC) created its annual Carnival as one of San Francisco's biggest community fundraising events. By 1983, the club was celebrating its 20th Anniversary, and the Carnival had become one of the largest and most anticipated gatherings on the city's LGBTQ+ calendar. Thousands attended each year for games, food, entertainment, leather vendors, contests, and fundraising that benefited community organizations throughout the Bay Area.

Held at California Hall and later larger venues as it continued to grow, the Carnival embodied the spirit of post-Stonewall San Francisco. It welcomed leather men, motorcycle clubs, drag performers, community groups, and anyone looking to spend a day celebrating while supporting local causes. The event helped prove that leather organizations were about far more than nightlife—they were among the LGBTQ+ community's most active charitable and civic organizations.

One of the Carnival's signature traditions was the annual Mr. CMC Carnival contest, where contestants campaigned, raised money for charity, and competed for the title. Over the years, the event became a beloved institution within San Francisco's leather community.