Summer Quarter Events and Highlights
Downtown San Francisco's Summer Events Roundup
Welcome to a vibrant summer season of events in Downtown San Francisco! Our city is buzzing with exciting events that celebrate our rich cultural diversity and historical heritage. Join us for the third annual Bastille on Belden and experience the colorful Bhangra & Beats Night Market! Don’t miss the Mechanics' Institute's 170th Anniversary Open House, a special occasion to explore one of San Francisco’s oldest cultural institutions, offering a glimpse into its storied past and vibrant present.
Bastille on Belden: Friday, July 12th, 2024
Bastille on Belden returns for a third year of French fun in the Financial District on Friday, July 12th from 4:30-9:30 pm.
Come enjoy classic accordion music by Vintage Jukebox, dinner specials served by the restaurants of Belden Place, festive decor, and complimentary berets provided by Downtown SF Partnership.
Bhangra & Beats Night Market: Friday, July 12th, 2024
Summer is for exploring the Bhangra & Beats Night Market with family and friends on Friday, July 12th from 5-10 pm! Come downtown to enjoy traditional Bhangra performances, dance to the sound of eclectic beats, and try a variety of mouth-watering street foods.
Mechanics' Institute 170th Anniversary Open House: Saturday, July 13th, 2024
Founded in 1854, Mechanics' Institute is celebrating its 170th anniversary with an all day activation of their historic library, events space, and chess room. Members and non-members are welcome to explore this literary jewel of downtown San Francisco through building tours, scavenger hunts, and library pop-ups throughout the day. Special events include a family story hour, discussions with the leading voices of the Bay Area on the past, present, and future of San Francisco, and a Bastille Day jazz concert with Le Jazz Hot Quartet.
Attendees are welcome to register for any and all of the events. Please use individual ticket options to register for the events you would like to attend. While we always welcome same-day and drop-in attendance, only tickets purchased prior to each event will guarantee admission. Mechanics' Institute members receive discounted tickets for all Open House events!
Civic leader, diplomat, hotelier, and entrepreneur William Leidesdorff was the “life and soul” of early San Francisco and did much to establish it as a place for business and American power on the eve of the Gold Rush. His untimely demise in 1848 started a race to control the vast fortune of this remarkable man who concealed his biracial identity for much of his life. We’ll visit the sites of his many achievements, from bustling wharves and luxury hotels to the foundations of California’s first public school. Along the way, we’ll weigh his impact on early San Francisco, consider the battle to control his legacy, and visit several public works of art that attempt to reflect and sometimes direct his fascinating story.
Meet on Commercial Street, just east of Montgomery, where the location of the original shoreline from 1850 is painted in bright colors on the street.
Karaoke with KJ Shaggy: July 17th, 2024
Karaoke is back at Ginger’s! Unwind after work for an evening of fun with Ginger’s favorite KJ Shaggy and co-host Ida Knowe. Enjoy a variety of cocktails, mocktails, and delicious food from Emeli’s Pupusas pop-up.
Olivia Hart Presents: Drag-o-Licious: July 18th, 2024
Mark your calendars for the triumphant return of Olivia Hart at Ginger’s! Olivia always delivers a show packed with sparkle, laughs, music, and love. Joining her are special guests Kelly Rose, Gregg Starr, and Nikita Vega, making this premiere show fierce and fantastic. Enjoy a selection of cocktails, mocktails, and delicious bites from the Jungle Dog!
Haus of Cream Takeover: July 19th, 2024
Ginger’s is proud to announce an epic drag show by Haus of Cream on Friday, July 19th, at 5 PM. Enjoy performances by some of the Bay Area’s fiercest drag performers, along with special guests and sexy surprises. Indulge in cocktails, mocktails, and delicious food from Bette’s Parm. Don’t miss this epic Drag Haus takeover! Admission is free before 6 PM, and tickets are available via Eventbrite.
Calling all fashionistas! Join San Francisco Fashion for an enchanting evening of sophistication and style at Summer Bond, their premier summer event in partnership with Amador Club. Experience a night of fashion and flair, celebrating the best of summer trends.
San Francisco Marathon: July 27th-28th, 2024
Get your running shoes on! The 2024 San Francisco Marathon will be held July 27-28, 2024.
836M Exhibition - The Past Will Fail You: August 5th-23rd, 2024
The Past Will Fail You is multi-media artist Edward Mills‘ artistic U.S. debut. Born and raised in the United States, Mills has lived in Paris, France for the last two decades. Since 2019, he has exhibited throughout Paris and elsewhere in France. Working between drawing, painting and sculpture, his organic style combines a form of surrealist automatism with physically demanding, machine-like outputs.
Downtown First Thursdays: First Thursday of the Month
Downtown First Thursdays (DFT) is a FREE, all-ages monthly street party hosted in Downtown San Francisco taking place on every first Thursday of the month from 5 PM to 10 PM. Get ready for disco in the streets, DJs, live music, drag, fashion, street performances, and more!
These summer events are bringing together the community for unforgettable experiences, so come and be a part of the summer fun in Downtown San Francisco!
Mentioned in this Post
Amador Club
550 Montgomery St
Ginger's
86 Hardie Pl
Mechanics' Institute
57 Post St
836M
836 Montgomery St
Belden Place
Belden Pl
Landing at Leidesdorff
Leidesdorff St