Photo courtesy of Schroeder’s/Downtown San Francisco
Talks of an Entertainment Zone in San Francisco have been in the works for months as the city looks to revitalize the downtown area. Mayor London Breed first announced the legislation in May, and in June, the pilot program was approved under Senate Bill 76.
An Entertainment Zone allows for bars and restaurants in the selected areas to give customers to-go alcoholic beverages (think New Orleans’s famous Bourbon Street). The legislation allows open beverage consumption during special events on Front Street between California and Sacramento Streets.
“Entertainment Zones bring new economic opportunities that will help strengthen San Francisco’s Downtown and neighborhoods citywide. Our local bars and restaurants are an important part of what makes this City unique and fun, and as the first and only city in California to work with this concept, we are thrilled to bring new energy to our City while supporting our small businesses…” Said Mayor London Breed in a recent statement.
The entertainment zone will debut this weekend for a a SF Oktoberfest celebration this Friday, September 20. Schroeders’ Annual Oktoberfest Block Party, located on Front Street, will allow patrons to take their beverages on the go as they enjoy the party. Harrington’s Bar & Grill and Royal Exchange will also participate in the event on Friday afternoon and evening. From 2 pm to 10 pm, the area will be filled with live music—including theme German polka— games, ax throwing, and more.
“We are thrilled to see the expansion of this beloved San Francisco tradition and to be the first city in the state to take advantage of the new Entertainment Zone legislation, which paves the way for a nightlife renaissance in San Francisco’s Downtown and neighborhoods citywide…” Said Breed in a statement announcing the event.
The entertainment zone is just one of many initiatives by the city to enliven SF’s struggling downtown. Free concerts put on by Another Planet Entertainment, including an upcoming show at Civic Center Plaza, are just one example. Vacant to Vibrant, a program that offers temporarily free rent for local businesses downtown is another part of the Mayor’s plan.
The Oktoberfest celebration is scheduled for September 20 from 2 to 10 pm on Front Street. The event is free to attend and no reservations are required.
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