A friend is coming to vist at the end of June and wants to go to the Pride parade. I've never been and don't know anyone who has either. How do we get to see the parade without have to buy tix for the grandstands - where can we view the parade? I don't know anyone who works downtown that has access to a view of Market Street? What's a "local" to do, short of watching the parade on TV??

Why do you need a grandstand? I would think it more fun to be on the street and mingling with the crowd. It should be a fun thing to do for both of you.

I agree with klerox - it's much more fun to be in the parade walking (or dancing or whatever-ing) with everyone else - even if it's just for an hour or so.

As a local, I feel like it's more akin to joining a (very big) block party and getting in the swing of things rather than being an event that you sit and watch as a remote observer.

sorry - I meant to write kleroux, not klerox.

Based on my experience, it is impossible to avoid it! You certainly don't need to purchase seats (I never saw any anyway).

There will be plenty of opportunities to view the parade from wherever you are on Market Street. If you don't like the view where you area, walk a bit and you'll find a good spot.
I agree with kleroux that mingling with the crowd is half the fun of seeing the parade!

Just stand along the parade route (along Market Street)

(are there grand stands? are tickets sold for those?? sorry never heard of it!)