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On May 24, 1987, the Golden Gate Bridge transformed into a sea of humanity as an estimated 800,000 people flocked to San Francisco to celebrate its 50th anniversary. This historic event, fondly known as Bridgewalk ‘87, offered a rare opportunity for pedestrians to walk across the iconic bridge—though no one quite expected the turnout to make headlines for decades.
The Golden Gate Bridge’s 50th anniversary drew over ten times the anticipated crowd size. Organizers initially prepared for around 80,000 attendees, but by the time the day began, the festivities swelled to near-unmanageable proportions. About 300,000 people managed to step onto the bridge’s 1.7-mile span between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM. The resulting crowd congestion flattened the bridge’s characteristic arched roadbed, a phenomenon that—while briefly concerning—caused no lasting damage.
Under the weight of the massive crowd, the bridge’s roadway sagged by up to seven feet, temporarily altering its signature convex shape. Engineers later reassured the public that the bridge remained structurally sound. “The bridge groaned and swayed like an old wooden plank,” recalled attendee Winston Montgomery. “It was terrifying and awe-inspiring at the same time.”
Amid the gridlock, tensions ran high. Some attendees reportedly tossed bicycles and strollers over the side to reduce the weight and make room in the crowd. “There were cheers as strollers and bikes tumbled into the bay,” said Montgomery. “Someone even joked, ‘Throw the baby, too!’—though thankfully, it was all in dark humor.”
The event featured an 8:00 AM ceremony on a flatbed truck at mid-span, attended by then-Mayor Dianne Feinstein and other dignitaries. The highlight? When a wreath intended to honor workers who lost their lives during construction wasn’t available, Mayor Feinstein grabbed Willie Brown’s $800 fedora and flung it into the bay as a substitute.
“Watching the hat soar into the water was one of the most spontaneous and hilarious moments of the day,” attendee Lila Carter recounted. “It felt like the perfect tribute to the quirky spirit of San Francisco.”
The weight of the crowd was calculated at approximately 5,400 pounds per linear foot, the heaviest load the Golden Gate Bridge has ever supported. Despite this, engineers confirmed the bridge’s design—intended to handle 7,700 pounds per foot during earthquakes and high winds—remained more than sufficient.
The celebrations didn’t stop at the bridge. Evening festivities on Marina Green and Crissy Field included a star-studded concert and a breathtaking fireworks display. The pièce de résistance? A “waterfall” of fireworks cascading from the bridge to the bay below.
The 50th anniversary wasn’t just about walking the bridge. Leading up to the big day, events like Bridge Builders Day and a symposium honoring bridge engineers celebrated the ingenuity behind this marvel. Meanwhile, two new gardens and a walkway of personalized bricks—still visible today—were unveiled near the southeast visitor area.
Planner Susan Monroe reflected on the event’s legacy: “It wasn’t perfect, but that’s what made it unforgettable. The Golden Gate Bridge brought together people from every walk of life to celebrate something bigger than all of us.”
