While some may think of Downtown SF as empty and quiet, this free event is bringing new life to the neighborhood. Once a month, a lively street party breaks out, complete with DJs, drag performances, and even disco.
The event—called Downtown First Thursdays—debuted in May 2024 as part of ongoing efforts to revitalize SF’s downtown. The event has drawn large crowds to what many people are calling an empty downtown as it showcases lively performances and activations.
San Franciscans can expect a massive disco ball in the streets and local DJs mixing away to the crowds. Past events have included drag shows, art activations, and plenty of kid-friendly activities.
Each month brings new special performers, such as September’s special guest, Spencer Brown, a popular EDM artist. This month’s event includes a dance hall at Natoma featuring an orchestra and Lines Ballet, storytelling with small businesses in Mina Gallery, and a Discoteca.
Downtown First Thursdays September 5 Entertainment Schedule:
- The Art Car Stage (Howard @ 2nd Street)
- Oakland Originalz & Twilight Brass Band: 5:55 to 7 pm
- Special guest performer Spencer Brown: 7 to 9 pm
- Natoma Cabana Dance Hall
- DJ Nice for Life: 5 to 6:30 pm
- Awesome Orchestra with Lines Ballet: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
- DJ Nice for Life: 8:30 to 9:30 pm
- 111 Minna Gallery (21+ Entry)
- Storytelling with neighborhood small businesses: 5:30 pm to 7 pm
- The Whirling Dervish of SF and other spectacles: 6 to 7:30 pm
- DJ King Most Dance Party: 8 to 10 pm
- Discoteca at Minna
- Grace Towers presents DJ Jason Godfrey: 5 to 7:15 pm
- Performance by Rica Shay: 7:30 pm
- DJ Tygur: 7:30 to 9:30 pm
- Jams on Jessie
- Noise Pop presents Eric Silverman: 5 to 6 pm
- The Vivants: 6:30 to 7:30 pm
- Gloomy June: 8:15 to 9:15 pm
The street party is primarily on Second St between Market and Howard. Surrounded by plenty of businesses, including restaurants and bars, the crowds can easily stop for a bite or drink. Nearby restaurants include The Bird, Mehfil Indian Cuisine, Uno Dos Tacos, and more. Two beer gardens host those 21 and over, one located outside 111 Minna Gallery and another outside Natoma Cabana.
Nearby museums such as MoAD and SFMOMA also join in the fun. SFMOMA is free on the first Thursday of every month, coinciding with the event, and in past months, MoAD had free admission during the party.
The program is run by Into The Streets, a SF production studio specializing in civic and cultural events. The studio has numerous successful programs, including the Sunset Night Market, Bhangra and Beats, and more.
Downtown First Thursdays are scheduled through April 2025 along 2nd Street between Market and Howard in SF. The fun starts at five and ends at 10 pm. All ages are welcome at the event.