2026 Hayes Valley Carnival: Free Circus Bella Shows (SF)
Event Details
The 2026 Hayes Valley Carnival Promises Summer Fun, Live Music, and One-Ring Wonders on July 18th
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Step right up! On Saturday, July 18, 2026, the heart of San Francisco will transform into a vibrant, open-air spectacle as the annual Hayes Valley Carnival returns for a wonderful day of free family fun. From 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, neighbors and visitors alike are invited to experience thrilling performances, classic carnival games,
and delicious local treats.
The crown jewel of the day is Circus Bella, performing two dazzling shows at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Known for its incredible acrobats, jugglers, and clowns, Circus Bella will perform to live music by the sensational Circus Bella All-Star Band. Founded by artistic director and ringmaster Abigail Munn, the troupe brings local flair to the stage by partnering with Hayes Valley’s own Autumn Adamme for costume design, beautifully crafted by the team at Dark Garden Unique Corsetry.
Beyond the main stage, the neighborhood will be buzzing with energy. Families can play a variety of carnival games on Hayes Street and Patricia’s Green, featuring prizes generously donated by Fiddlesticks. Local restaurants and food vendors will be serving up tasty bites throughout the day—including crowd-favorite hot dogs from Hayz Dog, powered by Rivian!
“The Hayes Valley Carnival is a beautiful reflection of our neighborhood’s spirit,” says Lloyd Silverstein of the Hayes Valley Merchants Council. “It was originally launched in 1911 to show our city’s resilience after the 1906 earthquake, and working with the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association and PROXY we revived it in 2022 to celebrate coming together again after the pandemic. Today, it’s a beloved summer tradition that brings thousands of smiling faces to our streets.”
This entirely free, all-ages community event is made possible by a generous donation from The Chris Larsen Fund, an advised fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, alongside the incredible support of dozens of local merchants.
EVENT DETAILS
- What: The 2026 Hayes Valley Carnival featuring Circus Bella
- When: Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Circus Bella shows at 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM)
- Where: * Circus Bella Stage: PROXY (Hayes & Octavia Streets)
- Games & Activities: Shared Streets on Hayes Street and Patricia’s Green
- Admission: FREE!
- Website: HayesValleyCarnival.com
- Note: The new regular Hayes Valley Farmers’ Market will not take place on July 18th; it will resume weekly on July 25th.
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors!
- Big Top: The Chris Larsen Fund, an advised fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.
- Center Ring: PROXY
- Ringmaster: Rivian Automotive, Inc.; Absinthe Brasserie & Bar; Arbor Cafe
- Acrobat: DUER, Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association; Redwood Credit Union; Fiddlesticks; Hayz Dog; Papito; The San Francisco Association of REALTORS®; Teakwood by Burma Love; Afterwork Bar; Rad Radish; The Bird; Dark Garden Unique Corsetry; Away Travel
- Juggler: Biergarten; Garrett Leight California Optical; Hayes Street Grill; Optical Underground; Souvla; AHLEM
- Magician: Fig & Thistle Apothecary; Hayes Valley Medical Esthetics; Christopher Elbow Chocolates; Parsonage Inn
- Producers: Hayes Valley Merchants Council; Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association; PROXY.
Circus Bella is made possible in part by funding from San Francisco Grants for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Svane Family Foundation, and the Gerbode Foundation.
Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
Cost: FREE
Categories: **Annual Event**, *Top Pick*, Block Party, Community, Fairs & Festivals, Fun & Games, In Person, Kids & Families, Live Music, Theater & Performance
