Mayor Lurie announces 5 new entertainment zones with music, merch and street drinking

Mayor Daniel Lurie has unveiled legislation to establish five new entertainment zones across San Francisco, including a prominent zone on Valencia Street designed to bolster the nightlife scene. This initiative will permit open-container drinking and public performances, with Valencia Street closing to traffic every second Thursday from May to October. The effort is aimed at attracting young people and revitalizing areas that have struggled post-pandemic. Business owners in previously established entertainment zones have reported increased foot traffic, prompting more merchants to seek similar designations. However, the high fees and complicated permitting process have been a point of contention for some.

The proposed legislation, which will be introduced at the Board of Supervisors, is supported by multiple district supervisors. Additionally, a new night market is set to transform Valencia Street into an entertainment zone starting May 8, further demonstrating the area's potential. Local merchants are hopeful that this initiative will lead to a permanent designation as the “Arts and Entertainment District of the Mission.