Downtown First Thursdays will continue through December 2025

San Francisco’s public event series, Downtown First Thursdays, just got an extension until the end of 2025, and a pair of new activations at Salesforce Park and Front Street.

The Facts

Downtown First Thursdays — the free monthly street party that launched in 2024 — has been extended through December 2025. The event features live music, food trucks, and extended happy hours across dozens of downtown bars and restaurants. And it will now include a speaker series at Salesforce Park and a Western-themed party on Front Street.

The Context

San Francisco is actively experimenting with ways to bring life back to its downtown. We’ve seen everything from public drinking pilots, huge concerts, and city funding for entertainment zones on Front Street and Thrive City at Chase Center. There’s also been a huge surge in night markets — from well-attended ones in Chinatown and Outer Sunset, to new pilots in the Castro and Bayview.

These events boost foot traffic, generate revenue for small businesses, and support local artists and vendors. According to its own data, Downtown First Thursdays has:

• Attracted over 160,000 attendees
• Generated $11.9M in local economic activity
• Supported 200+ artists and performers

The GrowSF Take

Let’s build on this. More night markets. More block parties. More zones where people can safely and legally enjoy themselves. Public spaces don’t have to be boring or off-limits. They can and should be joyful, fun, and alive.