SF’s Free NYD Block Party: DFT w/ Jazz Mafia + Pet Pageant (2026)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

SF’s Free DFT Monthly Block Party: “Downtown First Thursdays” (2026)

Downtown First Thursdays is back in 2026 for a full year of street parties in 2026, starting Jan 1, 2026, with a New Year’s Day Edition and returning every first Thursday with a new downtown block party.

DJs – Live Performances – Dancing – Drag – Food Trucks – Shopping – Fashion, and new surprises every month.

“DFT” Downtown First Thursdays
Every 1st Thursday | 5-10 pm
2nd St. between Market and Howard Streets, San Francisco
FREE – All Ages

CARNAVAL SF TAKES OVER DFT:
Carnaval San Francisco takes over 2nd Street. This is DFT, Carnaval SF style: joyful, proudly Latino and taking over the streets of Downtown SF.

Featuring Sonido La Conga, bringing Mexico City sonidero culture to the heart of Downtown SF. Préndelo con cumbia, salsa classics, guaracha y más sonidos auténticos, with rhythms connecting México, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and beyond. Expect Willie Colón, Sonora Matancera, tropical classics, deep cuts and a parade of favorites lighting up the dance floor.

With support from Internacional Panchito, Sonido Reina (La Chica del Sabor) and Sonido La Tapatía with Sylvia Caro.

• Check out neighborhood afterparties, free museums and more here!
• Eat and Drink Nearby

We strongly recommend taking public transportation:
The nearest public transit station is Montgomery Station (MUNI & BART)

Howard Stage Happy Hour
Join the Howard Stage happy hour every month from 5-7PM at Howard and 2nd St, featuring house-party vibes in the streets. It’s your post-work pick-me-up! Plus… Happy Hour Specials at all outdoor bars from 5-7PM ONLY:

• $8 Beers
• $10 Wines
• $12 Margs

RSVP Deals

• $3 off featured Specialty Cocktails at all DFT outdoor bars on 2nd St.
• Rise over Run at the Timbri Hotel
  Kick off Downtown First Thursdays at Rise Over Run! Show your Downtown First Thursdays Eventbrite ticket on the day of Downtown First Thursdays and receive 20% off food and beverage purchases from 5:00–10:30 pm.This offer is valid for food and beverage purchases only and does not apply to hotel stays.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at: @dftsanfrancico

Monthly performances curated by: Grace Towers, Another Planet Entertainment, Black Joy Parade, 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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Thursday, January 1, 2026
SF’s Free DFT Monthly Block Party: “Downtown First Thursdays” (2026)

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.

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

Howard Stage Happy Hour Debuts!
Palette SF hosts the Howard Stage happy hour every month from 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:
$6 White Claws
$8 draft beers
$10 margaritas, and house wines
$15 wells shots + beer special

Winterwear Pooch Pageant | 6:45PM at Howard and 2nd St.
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

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RSVP also gets you access to:

• $3 off featured Specialty Cocktails at all DFT outdoor bars on 2nd St.

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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.