Formerly Spanish ranch land, the Eureka Valley – now called the Castro – was parceled out in the 1860’s and quickly became filled with the bang and clutter of Victorian housing construction. When the Market Street Cable Railway extended to Castro Street around the turn of the century, this strip became the central artery to the neighborhood, and the Castro Theater, built in 1922, its elegant new centerpiece. Then not much happened in this blue-collar, lower-middle-class Catholic Neighborhood for about 50 years. To tour the neighborhood, start at the corner of Castro and 18th streets and take a look around. The street life may compete for your attention but as you walk along Castro admire the handiwork of both the cities early craftsmen and its more recent restoration specialists. A riot of color, these Victorians never looked better and there are plenty of diversions in the unique and sometimes-outrageous shops you’ll pass along the way.

Castro Street Fair: As if the Castro needed another excuse to party! In October, not long before the Halloween craze hits the Castro, the Castro/Market intersection will boom with music from four different stages, featuring Latin, Country/Western, Swing and various live acts. There'll be crafts, drag shows, comedy, food, plenty to drink and more people than you knew existed. www.castrostreetfair.org

The Castro Theater: No matter what's playing, buy a ticket to see a movie at the Castro. Hearing its Mighty Wurlitzer Organ alone is worth the price of admission. Prepare to be amazed at the art-deco, Moorish and otherwise lavish combination of interior designs that is The Castro. The screen is huge, the chairs are lumpy and the experience is not to be missed. (Nancy Warren, from SF Gate's Gay & Lesbian Guide) 429 Castro St. (at Market), (415) 621-6120

Cruisin' the Castro: This guided tour isn't the kind you'll be embarrassed to be seen in. Locals and visitors alike can learn something from the honorary mayor of Castro Street, Trevor Hailey. The four-hour tour has anecdotes, history and includes brunch at Caffe Luna Piena. Reservations are mandatory, and are conducted Tuesday through Saturday. Cost: $40. For more info, call: (415) 550-8110 or visit www.webcastro.com/castrotour.

Harvey Milk Institute: HMI is dedicated to studying, teaching and expanding queer culture in the Bay Area. Six years ago, they began offering classes taught by community members, and the curriculum has expanded to include courses in self-defense for women, meditation, fine arts, literature, film, travel, languages, queer parenting and even dating. Classes take place at various locations in the Castro and Mission districts. (415) 552-7200 or www.harveymilk.org.

Metropolitan Community Church San Francisco: Affiliated with the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, MCC/SF is the second-oldest lesbian and gay congregation in the United States. It's a vibrant and progressive community of faith for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in San Francisco, and the building that houses the church also houses many, many other community organizations that support everyone from teens to the homeless. There are three Sunday services (9 AM, 11 AM and 7 PM), and a Wednesday evening (7 PM) candlelight prayer service, not to mention a host of special holiday services. 150 Eureka St. (between 18th and 19th), (415) 863-4434.

The SF Dyke March (and Rally): The Saturday before the big parade, the Mission and Castro districts are taken over by lesbians from all walks of life, as well as their children, pets and musical instruments. A rally in Dolores Park before the march attracts musicians, performers, political speakers and lots of dykes promoting causes from Palestinian statehood to Taekwando. Call (415) 241-8882 or go to www.dykemarch.org.

The SF Pride Parade and Celebration: The last Sunday in June, around 10 in the morning, Market Street becomes a sea of human beings. The parade is always led by Dykes on Bikes, and the plethora of post-parade parties will satisfy even hard-core circuit boys. Call (415) 864-3733 or head to www.sf-pride.org.

SF International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival: This is truly the most exciting time of year in the Castro. The Film Festival and Frame line, its sponsoring organization, attract filmmakers from around the world for ten days of screenings, parties, and discussion about queer film. Hit the festival's website at www.frameline.org/festival.