16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
New S.F. block party aims to revitalize Mint Plaza
A new weekly block party is taking over San Francisco's Mint Plaza this summer and Mayor Daniel Lurie is certain it's the kind of event that will 'bring downtown back.'
MintedSF plans to highlight the culture and creativity of the Bay Area while reactivating the space between Fifth and Mint streets, with free weekly live music performances across a variety of genres, from pop and R&B to house and reggaeton from 5-9 p.m. Fridays starting July 4.
'This spot is gonna be popping,' Lurie said in a video filmed at Mint Plaza and shared to Instagram on Monday, June 16.
The series is set to launch with musical acts Elements and Rojai in the Pocket.
MintedSF organizers are inviting the public to vote on which DJ crew will conclude its run on Sept. 19. Interested acts can apply online until July 15 for consideration. Voting during the remainder of July will determine who gets the closing slot.
Other confirmed programming include a set by vinyl-only DJ crew Sweater Fun, tropical bass act Sazon Libre and DJ and instrumentalist J Boogie's Dubtronic Science.
Presented by downtown creative events agency Make It Mariko and funded by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, the all-ages series also promises visual artists and pop-ups for attendees to enjoy.
Mint Plaza restaurants Sushi Hashiri, Burma Love and 54 Mint will offer exclusive to-go and dine-in menus during each event.
'We're celebrating the rhythm, flavor and resilience of San Francisco — not by chasing what's gone and who left, but by lifting up who has always been here,' Gina Mariko Rosales, CEO of Make It Mariko, said in a statement.
While MintedSF is free, attendees are encouraged to RSVP online for opportunities to win prizes and restaurant vouchers.
'San Francisco is alive because of the people who never gave up on it, and MintedSF is here to honor them,' Rosales said. 'This weekly series is for the locals and lovers of the city who've been building community, creating and showing up through it all.'
