SF’s DFT New Year’s Day: “Downtown First Thursdays” (2026)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

DFT: NEW YEAR’S DAY EDITION. The DFT Street Party on 2nd St.

DFT is back for a full year of street parties in 2026! Kick off a brand new season and a brand new year of DFT on New Year’s Day. DJs – Live Performances – Dancing – Drag – Food Trucks – Shopping – Fashion, and new surprises every month.

It’s your family-friendly (and hangover-friendly), FREE, all-ages alternative to start off 2026 right! Enjoy feel-good vibes, live music, mocktails (as well as the usual cocktails!) as we usher in the new year and celebrate the start of a new DFT season.

Downtown First Thursdays – New Year’s Day
Thursday, January 1, 2026 | 5-10pm
Second St. + Howard St., Downtown San Francisco (SoMa)
Free | All Ages – RSVP to get access to $3 off featured Specialty Cocktails at all DFT outdoor bars on 2nd St.

• Rain or shine, you can find fun in and outdoors on 2nd St. and around the block.
• Wear your fresh all-white fits to welcome a new year.

Special Guest Performers:
Jazz Mafia takes over the Howard Stage from 7-9PM

Howard Stage Happy Hour Debuts!
Pallette SF hosts the Howard Stage happy hour every month from rom 5-7PM at Howard and 2nd St. It’s a genre-fluid dance party, with a different theme each month.
Think post-work house party vibes in the streets. This month’s theme: WHITE PARTY! Dress in your freshest, funkiest, all-white fit.

Plus… Happy Hour Specials at the outdoor bar on 2nd St. between Minna and Natoma from 5-7PM ONLY:
$8 draft beers
$10 margaritas, and house wines
$15 wells shots + beer special

Winterwear Pooch Pageant | 6:45PM at Howard and 2nd St.
It’s back! Dress up your doggo, bring them up on stage to strut their fluff, and…snatch the crown?

Jazz, Swing, and Fashion at Natoma @ 2nd St. | 5-9:30PM
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM – Lavay Smith and the Red Hot Skillet Lickers
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM – Swing Dance Lesson!
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Lavay Smith and the Red Hot Skillet Lickers
8:00 PM – 9:30 PM – Pop-Up Fashion Show + DJ Set by Mario B.

Backyard Party Zone(2nd St. btwn Mission – Jessie St.) | 5-9:30PM
Bingo + Live Musicians all night

• Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at: @dftsanfrancico
• Monthly performances curated by: Grace Towers, Another Planet Entertainment, and more!
• ADA seating available by request: info@intothestreetssf.com

DFT is presented by Into The Streets and Civic Joy Fund in partnership The East Cut CBD, Yerba Buena Partnership, Natoma Cabana, and 111 Minna Gallery. DFT is made possible with support from San Francisco Downtown Development Corporation.

Special thanks to Chris Larsen, Bob and Randi Fisher, and Pisces Foundation for making DFT possible.

 

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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.