A new monthly event is coming to San Francisco starting this May, and this time, it’s in the Mission District. The free night market and neighborhood celebration is called Valencia Live and will take place on Valencia Street between 16th and 19th. The first event in the monthly series is slated for Thursday, May 8. The night markets will continue every month on the second Thursday.
The event is similar to the popular free block parties in Downtown SF, called Downtown First Thursdays, and the Chinatown Night Markets, which draw thousands to the neighborhood. You can expect live music, a pop-up market hosted by the American Indian Cultural District and American Indian Cultural Center, happy hours at local businesses, and other activities.
The event will kick off at 5 pm, with the street closed to car traffic until 10 pm. The event is free, and you can explore many of the lovely local businesses on the street while you enjoy the free performances and activities. The monthly celebrations are scheduled through October, so you have plenty of chances to check it out for yourself.
The event will take place in one of five proposed Entertainment Zones. Mayor Daniel Lurie announced earlier this week new legislation to create five new entertainment zones after successful events in the state’s first two zones.
Our city’s recovery depends on neighborhoods, people, and bringing joy and life back to our streets—block by block. That’s what entertainment zones do, and that’s why we are excited to be creating five new ones,” said Mayor Lurie in a recent statement.
The event is produced by Into the Streets, a local cultural production studio that has worked on various other events in SF, including Downtown First Thursdays, Bhangra and Beats Night Market, and more. The production company is collaborating with the Valencia Corridor Merchants Association, with support from The Civic Joy Fund. The nonprofit organization aims to invest in projects that help bring joy to SF’s streets, and they’ve been involved with Downtown First Thursdays, various Night Markets, and the Summer of Music.
Valencia Live’s debut event is scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2025, starting at 5 pm. You can find it on Valencia Street between 16th and 19th. The blocks will be car-free, so we recommend taking public transit as it may be difficult to find parking in the area.
🗓️ Date: May 8, 5-10 pm
📍 Location: Valencia Street, between 16th and 19th