Every month, a section of Downtown San Francisco is closed to cars and turned into a massive block party on Thursday evenings. San Franciscans flock to the free events, featuring local vendors, dancing, creative activities, and major performers such as Toro y Moi, Rebecca Black, LaRussell, and more. Each party also includes dozens of local vendors, and many of the local businesses participate in the event, with over 175 small businesses participating in total.
The free block parties started in the spring of 2024 and were quickly deemed a success. As a result, they continued throughout 2025, bringing more major acts and people to downtown. Now, as we near the final event of 2025, organizers have announced that Downtown First Thursdays will continue throughout 2026.
“Downtown First Thursday is grounded in arts, culture, and inclusivity, driving positive perceptions about downtown. We view it as an important piece in downtown’s recovery, reinvention and evolution as a day and nighttime neighborhood. By bringing together a huge cross section of the community, it supports Yerba Buena’s arts and cultural scene, our small businesses and community building among residents and visitors. The overall response to DFT has been very positive and we’re excited to see it continue,” said Yerba Buena Partnership Executive Director Scott Rowitz.
The monthly events are part of numerous efforts to revitalize San Francisco’s Downtown, which struggled to recover from the pandemic. Since the first event in 2024, Downtown First Thursdays has drawn over 300,000 attendees and generated more than $27.9 million in spending in downtown.
“San Francisco’s comeback depends on a vibrant, welcoming downtown—and Downtown First Thursdays deliver that every time,” said Mayor Lurie. “Its return for 2026 means more foot traffic for our small businesses, more space for artists and performers, and more opportunities for people to come together and enjoy our city.”
The 2026 block parties will debut on New Year’s Day with DJs, drag, live music on every block, and more. The next Downtown First Thursdays will be next week, on December 4, featuring DJ Mandy.