Beloved night markets return to Castro, Cole Valley
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The vibes were vibing Thursday night. Photo: Nadia Lopez/Axios
The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer and San Francisco is easing back into one of its favorite seasonal rituals: neighborhood night markets.
Why it matters: What started as a pandemic-era workaround has evolved into a beloved community staple, with live music, kid-friendly activities, rows of local food vendors, pop-ups, and bespoke goods.
Catch up quick: The after-dark street fair, inspired by traditional night markets in Asia, first launched in the Sunset in 2023 to help small businesses recover from the pandemic and boost the city's economic recovery.
- Similar events have since expanded to other areas, including Cole Valley, Richmond, Chinatown, Castro, Noe Valley, North Beach and Bayview, among other neighborhoods.
State of play: The return of Cole Valley's night market on Thursday could not have come on a better night, with warm, clear weather drawing hundreds of attendees.
- Families and residents packed Cole Street, where vendors sold everything from tamales and Nepali momos to one-of-a-kind art prints and handmade ceramics against the backdrop of two live music stages and dancing that spilled into the street.
Sarah Winter, an artist and fellow Cole Valley resident who sells original illustrations of the city's streetscapes, told Axios she's been a vendor at the event four times.
- "It's been amazing — I rely on the market quite a lot... it's imperative to my business building," she said, adding that it's given her exposure, contributed to about a fifth of her overall sales and led to commissions and other business opportunities.
Between the lines: The momentum continues in the Castro on Friday on 18th Street from 5-10pm, with the monthly event running through September.
Flashback: In February, the Sunset Night Market drew hundreds of attendees for its return celebrating Lunar New Year. Three more events — all tied to Chinese holidays — will be held on June 12th, September 25th and December 11th.
What's next: Two more Cole Valley markets are scheduled for April 16 and May 21 from 4-9pm.