Civic Center's plazas were buzzing with activity! Chess and mahjong continued to attract players -- from children to seniors, local residents and tourists -- to UN Plaza every Sunday for free lessons and gameplay. Chess instruction culminated in the second annual UN Plaza chess tournament, led by the Mechanics' Institute, featuring a youth tournament, free instruction and a simultaneous exhibition with Grandmaster Sam Shankland (above). Youth players representing chess clubs from throughout the Bay Area came to UN Plaza with their parents and siblings in tow, and the simultaneous experience attracted dozens more for a chance to play against a Grandmaster.

Dance organization Rae Studios continued their free weekly dance classes in UN Plaza, offering everything from K-Pop to Jazz Funk to Bolly X. Well into its second year in UN Plaza, these classes have a loyal following with attendance continuing to grow and bring together neighbors, visitors and local employees. A celebration of this dance community took place at the third annual Boombox Sunday event at the end of May, featuring a dance marathon of free classes spanning various genres and attracting over 200 participants.

These regular and consistent free community programs and their culminating events were all made possible by generous support from the Civic Center Community Benefit District, the Office of Mayor Daniel Lurie and the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development in cooperation with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department. If you would like to help us continue these free class offerings please make a tax deductible donation in any amount here.



The Hip Hop Festival drew hundreds to Fulton Plaza, with breakdancers of all ages battling it out on stage, leaving the crowded bleachers roaring with applause. Event organizer All the Way Live Foundation, celebrating its 20 year anniversary, also led free hip hop workshops on Fulton Plaza on Fridays all spring; both events were supported by the Office of Mayor Daniel Lurie, the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development and the Recreation and Parks Departments. To support the continuation of hip hop donate here.

CCCBD's annual Civic Star Award was presented to Public Works superstar Michael Lennon, who has managed the the Agency's Inspection and Code Enforcement Bureau since 2016. Michael and his team work City-wide tackling significant challenges impacting public health and safety, but their ongoing efforts in Civic Center have been truly outstanding. Thanks to Michael and his team, spaces like UN Plaza see fewer issues and more foot traffic and fun.

It was a paw-some time at our One City Day event: Civic Pups Model Citizen Class in Civic Center Plaza. With doggy goodie bags, and a free lesson led by Dan Perata Training, the event reinforced good canine citizenry of dogs and owners alike.

More groups taking the 3-mile heritage trail walking tour from Civic Center to Nob Hill. The trail commemorates the signing of the United Nations' founding Charter in San Francisco in 1945. Check here for the next tour dates.

The SF Symphony appointed Elim Chan as the next music director, a position she'll begin in September 2027; she currently acts as the Music Director Designate. SF Symphony CEO Matthew Spivvy notes, "Her arrival opens a new territory for this great American orchestra." Also shared this spring, the lineup for the 26-27 season.

UC Law broke ground on its renovation of the historic 28-story tower at 100 McAllister in April. Originally constructed in the 1930s, it serves as an academic and residential space for students. The renovation includes a seismic retrofit, elevator replacements, exterior repairs, and upgrades to academic, administrative and residential spaces. Work is expected to be completed fall 2027.

Also in April, UC Law and San Francisco State University jointly announced an expansion of SFSU's business graduate program to the UC Law campus starting fall 2026.

Pride organizers estimated about a million people descended on the City for Pride weekend, with many making their way to Civic Center Plaza for the two day celebration. Hungry celebration goers were able to refuel at the Festival itself and at surrounding bars and restaurants.

The Heart of the City Farmers' Market turned 45! The beloved market celebrated being a Civic Center staple since 1981. Be sure to stop by and shop Sundays and Wednesdays, 7am-4pm, and don't forget the Market offers FREE parking validation.

Summer series are sizzling at locations across Civic Center. SF Jazz's Summer Sessions highlights include Colombian superstars blending Latin pop and jazz Monsieur Periné (now–Aug 2), Grammy-winning vocal sextet Take 6 (Aug 13–16) and more.

Kids, and adults alike, can enjoy the annual Summer Stride book challenge and events at the Civic Center Main Branch of the San Francisco Public Library. Not only does reading earn prizes (adults get a cool tote bag), but events accompanying the series include various art workshops, lectures, story time and family yoga. Kids can also receive a free lunch at the Main Branch, Monday-Friday, noon-1pm, through August 16.

Your support for programs and events in Civic Center means everything. As a 501c3 non-profit organization, Civic Center CBD strives to offer free events and programs throughout the year in Civic Center's public spaces, but we can only do so with support such as grants and donations. Plaza programs are essential in keeping spaces activated, safe, and vibrant for all to enjoy.

To sponsor an event at any level - please see our sponsorship information and/or reach out to us to learn about the many opportunities and benefits of your support: info@sfciviccenter.org. To see more upcoming events in Civic Center, visit our events calendar here.

Tidy trees wells and spic and span sidewalks await pedestrians in front of the

Senator Diane Feinstein Federal Building on McAllister.

From the summer solstice through July 4th, Illuminate the Arts' 7x7 - City of Awe lit up the sky over Civic Center Plaza as a celebration of San Francisco's birthday, the World Cup, PRIDE and the Nation's 250th birthday.