Mayor London Breed recently announced the opening of California’s first entertainment zone, which debuted with an Oktoberfest bash. Now, the SF Mayor plans to enliven SF’s downtown area with even more entertainment zones.
Mayor London Breed proposed legislation that would make four more entertainment zones in Downtown SF. The zones would allow bars and restaurants within the area to sell alcoholic beverages outside during events and activations. Essentially, the proposed legislation doesn’t make it any everyday party in these areas, just during certain events.
The four proposed areas are scattered throughout downtown, including Thrive City, Mid-Market, Maiden Lane, Mark Lane, and Harlan Place. The first entertainment zone is near the SF waterfront on Front Street and will be hosting an Oktoberfest celebration on September 20.
Here’s a breakdown of what the entertainment zones could look like:
- Mid Market: Between 5th and 6th street on Mid-market, the proposed zone would be active during UNSTAGED: Live on Mid-Market, a monthly event including the street’s various storefronts.
- Thrive City: The large community space surrounds the Chase Center, and the entertainment zone would be active during various events, including watch parties, concerts, and more.
- Mark Alley and Harlan Place: proposed programming includes vintage clothing swaps, record swaps, and live music.
- Maiden Lane: the area proposes upscale, “curated” events accompanied by swanky cocktails, wine, and champagne.
The proposed entertainment zones are part of ongoing efforts to transform SF’s downtown, which has received national scrutiny recently.
“The momentum we’re seeing Downtown is exciting, and we are only just getting started,” said Mayor London Breed in a recent statement. “The addition of four new Entertainment Zones and the investments we have made to support block parties, free concerts, nightlife events, and small businesses moving into vacant storefronts are making our vision for transforming Downtown into a culturally vibrant, 24/7 neighborhood a reality. The number of events happening this month alone is unprecedented. San Francisco is booming with events and activity, and everyone is invited to join in on the fun.”
The entertainment zones are intended to support the bars and restaurants in the areas and enliven Downtown, which has seen low foot traffic since the pandemic. Numerous free events have been flooding the city streets recently, including the popular block party Downtown First Thursdays and an upcoming free concert at Civic Center Plaza.