Parades Reign on Market Street

Market Street has been the place San Francisco comes together for parades and celebrations for over 100 years, and in June, two wonderful parades continued this tradition.

The month started with the Juneteenth Parade, in its second year on Market Street, which featured floats, music and dancing before ending with a celebration in Civic Center Plaza. While the SF Pride Parade wrapped up a month of Pride festivities on June 30, with joy, merriment and revelry along Market Street before also ending with a celebration in Civic Center.

Other community events such as Anti Prom, Skate Fest, and Hip Hop on the Plaza also continued to bring the crowds to Mid Market for fun, free community events during the last quarter.

The Allure of The Hibernia

SF Standard recently featured The Hibernia as a hot spot for events. "The Hibernia has four floors, each with its own distinct vibe, from its brick-and-metal basement to a penthouse roofdeck strung with fairy lights," the article notes.

Be sure to visit for free on September 21 and 22 while it serves as the headquarters of the More Than 2 Blocks of Art event. Featuring a bar, DJ, and local artisans; those who RSVP via our Eventbrite link can grab a free drink at the bar if they're among the first 150 people to visit on each day of More Than 2 Blocks of Art!

District Arts Organizations Receive Robust Arts Grants & Best Of Award

In more great art news, the annual San Francisco Arts Commission grantees were announced last month, with District arts organizations Bindlestiff Studio, Kultivate Labs, and Root Division all receiving grants for upcoming performances, gallery shows and events.

Meanwhile, the International Arts Museum of America won Best Of - Art Gallery in a competitive field on SF Gate.

Congratulations! Keep an eye on each organization's website for upcoming events and don't miss More Than 2 Blocks of Art on September 21-22.

Jonathan Moore Launches Market Street Residency

Mid Market's art community grows as Moore, with the help of a most astute landlord, opens a second space with a residency program focus. You can read more here from KQED Arts.

New Green Space in the Works

As part of the Gene Friend Recreation Center Building renovations, SF Rec & Park is taking the steps to acquire even more space - an adjacent auto shop - to convert into green space. Recently approved by Rec & Park board, the Board of Supervisors must now sign-off on the acquisition. The Gene Friend Rec Center is on track to re-open fall 2026. 

The Positive Way Skateboarding is Changing Urban Landscapes

The new UN Plaza skate park was the focus of an article calling attention to the way skateboarding is positively changing the urban landscapes of cities across the US, and around the globe. In the article it quotes Ashley Rehfeld, a local skater and marketing director with skateboarding company Deluxe Distribution: "If you want a vibrant city for all groups, you have to build it with key people, then people will come. The city trusted us."

Saluhall Events Brings More Fun to Mid Market

Beyond their delightful cooking classes at Cookery Skola, Saluhall is hosting fun public events, such as monthly Drag Queen Bingo (August 4) and Summer DJ Nights (every Friday and Saturday). Check their site for the latest and learn more about what's happening here: SF Examiner: Come Be Our Neighbor!

Comedy Shows at The Function

Stroy Moyd's new cocktail bar and comedy club, The Function (1414 Market St.) soft opened at the end of June and is already bringing the laughs to the neighborhood. See their Instagram page for the latest shows and ticket link and don't miss their official Grand Opening events on August 2nd and 3rd.

Art Pops Up at Market Street Kiosk

Visit CounterPulse's Art Kiosk on Market at 6th Street every Friday, 1-5pm, and first Thursdays, 4-6pm, to take a peek at new art and shop local artists.

Hip Hop Competition This Saturday

Join All the Way Live Foundation for a 1 vs. 1 breaking battle! Taking place at UN Plaza (at Market Street) the Hip Hop on the Plaza event on Saturday, August 3rd, noon-6pm, features DJs Kool Raul and Precise and host Bboy Powerserge. Also don't miss their weekly hip hop workshops in the same location, every Friday at 4:30pm; free, all ages.

Dog Walking Group on Market Street

Join the pack as dog owners walk from 8th and Market (near Trinity Plaza) toward the water the first Thursday of every month at 6pm starting September. Stop off at locations along the way for a little multitasking or end your walk at Downtown First Thursday block party - dogs are welcome. An effective and safe way for your dog to exercise and socialize, it also allows you time to walk and connect with other dog owners to share tips and information about the latest in what’s happening in the San Francisco canine world!

Also don't miss the Pack Games & Parade happening August 3, 10am-2pm at Civic Center Plaza! RSVP here.