By Elsie Scott

Among the countless numbers of species of flowers in Golden Gate Park, you will never find a wallflower at Lindy in the Park. Lindy in the Park is a social swing dancing event that welcomes all to dance, socialize, talk to new people and spend time outside in beautiful Golden Gate Park – all without a cost.

Lindy in the Park takes place on John F. Kennedy Promenade, between Eighth and 10th avenues, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. every Sunday, weather permitting. The event first started in 1996, and has since become the longest-running swing dance venue in the Bay Area, according to its website.

“Lindy in the Park is a social dance,” said swing dance instructor Richard Dawkins. “You get to know new people, and you get to dance with friends on such a pretty day. This event brings people out to the park, and if you’re lucky enough, you get hooked on it and you just want to learn and dance – it’s just very fun and energetic.”

Ken Watanabe, the original co-founder, continues to be an integral member of Lindy in the Park and the swing dance community in San Francisco. Each Sunday, he helps teach classes at Golden Gate Park, as well as host dance workshops at several other locations across the Bay Area.

“It started in 1996 by a friend and me and we thought it would be just a lot of fun to dance outside, so we brought a boom box and some CDs, and emailed our friends to come out to the park,” Watanabe said. “The very first one had only 13 people; it has really grown since then.”

Lindy in the Park fosters an all-inclusive welcoming environment, inviting people of all ages to participate, regardless of prior dance experience. It not only welcomes beginners, but also hosts free swing-dance lessons on Sundays at noon on Sundays, allowing for all dancers to feel prepared and ready before jumping into a dance.

“The thing that I love so much about it is that it is so welcoming,” attendee Amy Bolanos said. “There are people of all ages, all skill levels, all genders, all races. Everybody is welcome to dance with everybody among the beautiful eucalyptus trees at the park in the sunshine. It can’t be beat.”

Volunteers are also a crucial part of making Lindy in the Park successful each week. Whether they are patiently dancing with beginners, participating as leaders in a choreographed line dance, or picking music, they are overall inherently vital in creating Lindy in the Park’s prominent welcoming and uplifting environment.

Lindy in the Park is just one event that offers rewarding swing dance opportunities in San Francisco. Many who enjoy Lindy in the Park may also participate in the “Woodchoppers Ball,” which is a similar event, led by Watanabe and takes place on Tuesday evenings at the Verdi Club in the Mission District.

“I love these events in San Francisco, like Lindy in the Park. They are so convenient to attend,” attendee Sarah Watson said. “I definitely think it fosters a sense of community, especially having free events and hosting outside. It’s great to take advantage of these events.”

Events like Lindy in the Park embrace the diversity of San Francisco and promote a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

“I started because I love dancing with everything, like going out and meeting new people and being outside and active,” attendee Zach Olstein said. “There’s always been a lot of community here, especially after COVID-19, and it has been a source of friends for me since.”

Lindy in the Park takes place each Sunday, weather permitting, on John F. Kennedy Promenade, between Eighth and 10th avenues, from 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., with a lesson starting at noon. Learn more at lindyinthepark.com/about/.