New Downtown Event Series Turns Mint Plaza Into a Weekly Celebration of SF Culture

San Francisco locals will soon have a new reason to head downtown on Friday nights. Starting July 4, the city’s historic Mint Plaza will transform into a vibrant open-air party each week thanks to MINTED SF, a new event series spotlighting the music, flavor, and community spirit that define The City.

Held every Friday through September 19 from 5:00–9:00 p.m., MINTED SF is free, family-friendly, and open to all. The event will bring live DJ sets, pop-up dining from local restaurants, and a joyful communal atmosphere to the SOMA Pilipinas Filipino Cultural Heritage District—right in the heart of downtown San Francisco.

“San Francisco is alive because of the people who never gave up on it,” said event producer andMake It Mariko CEO Gina Mariko Rosales. “This series is for the artists, small business owners, and culture-lovers who’ve kept showing up through it all. We’re throwing this party for them.”

Each week, Bay Area DJ collectives like Soulovely, Sweater Funk, Sazon Libre, and Motown on Mondays will spin an eclectic mix of disco, house, hip-hop, reggaeton, and global beats. Expect live performances, energetic dancing, and a block party vibe under the city lights. KALW Public Media is also on board as a community partner, with station music programmers curating select sets.

Mint Plaza favorites Sushi Hashiri, Burma Love, and 54 Mint will offer exclusive happy hour menus and dine-in specials during the series, giving guests a taste of the neighborhood’s culinary scene while supporting local businesses. Attendees who RSVP and check in will also receive a Minted SF punch card which is a loyalty-style card that unlocks perks like giveaways and restaurant vouchers.

The series is funded by the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), and part of a broader strategy to revitalize underutilized public spaces and bring locals back downtown.

“Bringing our city back means investing in the people, places, and culture that make San Francisco special,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “MINTED SF is exactly the kind of creative and community-driven event that helps bring our downtown to life.”

The events are produced by Make It Mariko in collaboration with local nonprofits and civic partners including Friends of Mint Plaza, Kultivate Labs, Non Plus Ultra, and the Mid-Market Community Benefit District. Ten percent of bar proceeds will go toward maintaining and programming the plaza.

Whether you're dancing to Bay Area beats, catching up with friends, or grabbing dinner on the plaza, MINTED SF offers a uniquely San Francisco way to kick off the Summer weekends starting on Independence Day.

MINTED SF: What You Need to Know

• When: Fridays, July 4 – Sept. 19 | 5:00–9:00 PM PT
• Where: Mint Plaza (between 5th & Mint St, San Francisco)
• Cost: Free, all ages
• What to Expect: Live DJs, community dancing, food + drink specials, cultural vibes
• More Info/RSVP: www.mintedsf.com | Instagram: @mintedsf