SF’s Free DFT Block Party: “Downtown First Thursdays” (June 2025)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

SF’s DFT Monthly Block Party: “Downtown First Thursdays” (2025)

DFT (Downtown First Thursdays) is a free, all-ages monthly street party hosted in Downtown San Francisco, taking place on every first Thursday of the month from 5pm to 10pm. Get ready for disco in the streets, DJs, live music, drag, fashion, street performances, and more.

Monthly performances curated by: The Midway, Another Planet Entertainment, Noise Pop, KALW, Grace Towers, A LITTLEx, and Yerba Buena Gardens Festival.

Downtown First Thursdays is put together by Into The Streets, the group that organizes Bhangra & Beats, and the Civic Joy Fund, who did Summer of Music and SF is a Drag.

Happening monthly through December 2025, select streets along Second Street south of Market will transform into a vibrant street festival. Expect open-air beer gardens hosted by 111 Minna and Natoma Cabana, dance floors in the alleys, and live music stages showcasing local bands.

The goal? To bring 10,000 San Franciscans together each month for a celebration of community, culture, and nightlife in the heart of the city.

Downtown First Thursdays
Every First Thursday
Every first Thursday of the month | 5-10pm
Second St. + Howard St., Downtown San Francisco (SoMa)
Free | All Ages – RSVP

Bonus! SFMOMA
Free entry for Bay Area Residents from noon-8pm

The fun takes place on 2nd Street (between Market and Howard) and along neighboring alleyways ready for you to explore.

• Get ready for disco in the streets, DJs, live music, drag, martial arts, fashion, street performances, and many more surprises
• “The Biggest Disco Ball West of the Mississippi” < true as far as we know. 🙂
• Nearby transportation: Montgomery Station (MUNI & BART)

>> DFT has expanded! Starting May 1, 2025, Downtown Hoedown will take over Front Street on the first Thursday of each month through October. It’s part of the expanding Downtown First Thursdays (DFT) series, and it’s free and open to all ages.

Expect a full evening of country-western fun, including:

• A mechanical bull
• Line dancing lessons for all skill levels
• Live bluegrass and country music
• A giant disco bison art installation
• Country-themed surprises and activities

Activations & Stages

• 111 Minna Gallery – KALW will host conversations, music, and more inside 111 Minna Gallery from 5pm-10pm.
• Discoteca on Minna Street (Outside 111 Minna Gallery) – Grace Towers will host an outdoor street discoteca on Minna Street, featuring Bay Area Performers and DJs playing a wide range of music genres including disco, salsa, reggaeton, house y más
• The Howard Stage (2nd at Howard St.) – Start the night with the DFT Variety Show. Then get ready to dance the night away with a rotating lining up of amazing Special Guest Performers brought to you by The Midway, Noise Pop, Another Planet Entertainment, and more amazing presenters.
• Natoma Dance Hall (Outside Natoma Cabana on Natoma at 2nd Street) – Grab your partner, enjoy drinks outside and dance the night way.
• Jukebox on Jessie (Jessie Street at 2nd Street) – Take center stage and karaoke all night on Jessie St.
• Outdoor bars – (Four locations – 21+) Enjoy delicious drinks outside at:
  2nd St. @ Stevenson St.
  2nd St. @ Minna St.
  2nd St. @ Natoma
  2nd St. @ Natoma (Outside Natoma Cabana)

 

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Thursday, June 5, 2025
SF’s DFT Monthly Block Party: “Downtown First Thursdays” (2025)

DFT IS BACK ON JUNE 5

DFT is keeping the party going through December 2025! It’s the party you know and love, with even more to explore.

Get ready for DJs, live music, screenprinting, arts + crafts, drag, and more on 2nd St. between Market and Howard Streets.

Special Guest Performer:
To be announced very soon!

DFT IS ON RAIN OR SHINE
Rain or shine, you can find fun in and outdoors on 2nd St, Front St., and around the block.

RSVP also gets you access to:

• $3 off featured Specialty Cocktails at all DFT outdoor bars on 2nd St.
• Happy hour specials all night at Yokai
  
• Happy hour at Uno Dos Tacos (3pm- close)
• Happy hour at The Bird (3pm-close)
• Mimosas for $3.99 at The Pink Elephant
• Happy hour specials all night long from 5 PM – 10 PM at the Seven Square Taproom at The Clancy.
• Happy Hour specials all night at Wine Down: $5 OFF all Carafes, Pitchers, and Cheese & Meat Feasts, $9 Select Wine, $7 Select Beer.
• RSVP and enjoy late night happy hour from 9pm to close featuring $11 cocktails, $2 oysters, $5 bites and more at Harlequinn
• 10% off your first purchase at Cannavine.Monthly performances curated by: The Midway, Another Planet Entertainment, Noise Pop, KALW, Grace Towers, A LITTLEx, and Yerba Buena Gardens Festival.

FREE MUSEUM ENTRY ON JUNE 5th:

SFMOMA
Free entry for Bay Area Residents from noon-8pm

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.