Visitors from around the world are flooding San Francisco for Pride

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - Visitors from across the country and around the world are flooding into San Francisco to celebrate the 48th annual Pride festivities. 

San Francisco's Castro District is full of rainbow flags and full of tourists ready to celebrate the LGBTQ community. 

"I live in Phoenix, Arizona. I came out here one time before. Actually my friend who's walking away, It's his birthday this Sunday, and he's never been to a Pride event so we decided to come out here," said Carlos Peña.

Pride activities get underway tonight with a series of marches and parties; all leading up to the Pride parade and celebration at Civic Center Plaza Sunday.

While the city is rolling out the red carpet to welcome visitors, work is already underway to manage the crowds.

If you're driving in San Francisco you will notice some streets-- especially those around the Civic Center Plaza are already closed. SFMTA predicts parking in the city will be difficult. They're urging people to use public transportation to get around town and the agency is gearing up to handle the enormous crowds.

"So, we're going to have more trains throughout the metro subway so that people can get to these big and large events," said Paul Rose from the SFMTA.

High above the city, work is also underway on the iconic pink triangle which will adorn Twin Peaks to mark Pride.

Patrick Carney has worked on the project every year for 23 years to remind people of how Nazis used the symbol to target the LGBTQ community.

He's worked to reclaim the triangle as a symbol of strength and pride. "Part of understanding where we are for Pride weekend 2018 is knowing where we've been, so that's what this is," said Carney.

Among the major activities: The Trans March set to gets underway Friday evening.

Saturday afternoon the Dyke March begins and ends at Dolores Park and Sunday morning the Pride parade makes it's way up Market.

For a full schedule of this year's Pride events check here.