This Thursday evening, one of San Francisco’s most charming neighborhoods will host a free block party and night market with live music, local vendors, and plenty of great food. The free events happen every month, and the May edition is coming up this week on Thursday, May 21. Here’s what to know.
Cole Valley Nights May 2026
Cole Valley Nights is a monthly block party and night market along the main commercial corridor in Cole Valley. The block party will close a block on Cole Street to car traffic, and include a stage, local craft vendors and artisans, and plenty of great food vendors. Each monthly market has a theme, and May’s is a delightful short-film festival open to all ages.
The short film fest will feature films submitted by San Franciscans of all ages and experience. The theme for the festival is “summer thrillers,” but there will also be a miscellaneous category. You can check out the free event between 4 and 9 pm in Cole Valley, and all ages are welcome.
There are plenty of wonderful businesses and restaurants to explore in the neighborhood. We recommend grabbing a burger at Woods while enjoying the beautiful outdoor patio. Plus, you can enjoy an ice cream at the whimsical The Ice Cream Bar across the street.
Cole Valley Nights are organized by the Sunset Mercantile in partnership with Cole Valley Merchants Association and local nonprofit Civic Joy Fund. You can expect several other free block parties in Cole Valley until December 2026. We recommend taking public transportation, as it may be difficult to find parking in the area.
