San Francisco has plenty of thriving night markets and free block parties, and the Mission District is joining the fun with the return of ValenciaLIVE! this May. The free block party and night market is returning for 2026, after a successful series of events in the Mission District last year.
The program will take over several blocks of Valencia Street on the second Thursday of every month, May through October. The block party will feature live music and family-friendly activities, shutting down part of Valencia Street to car traffic.
You can also explore the many businesses along the corridor, which include popular restaurants, bars, and retail shops such as vintage stores, home decor, and more.
The block party’s location will shift throughout the months, so you can explore different parts of the street. Check out the schedule below:
- May 14 and June 11 – Valencia St. between 16th and 19th
- July 9 and Aug 13 – Valencia St. between 17th and 20th
- Sept 10 and Oct 8 – Valencia St. between 18th and 21st
The free block parties will start on May 14, from 5 to 10 pm. Valencia street is also an entertainment zone between 16th and 21st, between 12 pm and 12 am. This means during the block parties, adults 21 and up can grab a to-go drink from one of the participating businesses.
ValenciaLIVE! is organized by Valencia Corridor Merchants Association with Into the Streets and the Civic Joy Fund. The Civic Joy Fund is involved with many night markets in the city, including the Castro Night Market and Cole Valley Nights. Into the Streets also helps produce the popular Downtown First Thursday block parties. You can learn more about ValenciaLIVE! here.
See also: A Major Free Techno Concert Will Take Over Union Square This Spring
