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Packed night market showcases San Francisco’s spirit
San Francisco's comprehensive plan aims to reinvigorate and revitalize Downtown and reaffirm the city as a thriving global destination.
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Non Stop Bhangra Collective founders Vicki Virk and Suman Raj team up with DJ Jimmy Love / Ritu Marwah
The Bhangra and Beats Night Market in San Francisco is an annual free event that turns three city blocks into a lively marketplace.
In the midst of Indian music, Bhangra Margaritas, Joy Bombs from a New Delhi restaurant, Jalebi cookies from Cookie Chachi, Barfali barfis, and Nepali momos, families, youths, and city slickers hooped, drummed, nibbled, slurped, and swayed at this year’s market that was held on July 12.
The crowds were thumping to the Afrobeats of OMG Prince and Blaq Pages, and they were also rhythmically shrugging and sliding to the music of Non Stop Bhangra Collective and follow-my-lead dancers.
San Francisco's comprehensive plan aims to reinvigorate and revitalize Downtown and reaffirm the city as a thriving global destination, which was reinforced by the packed streets. The Night Market is presented by Into The Streets and Non Stop Bhangra in partnership with the San Francisco Office of Economic & Workforce Development and the Mayor's Office.
“In my mind from the days of the gold rush, San Francisco is a nugget of 24 carat gold that at present is covered with mud. We are putting together the effort to clean it up and hold it up to the sun to shine in its own glory. We are revitalizing the city so that everyone can come and enjoy what has been forever an amazing place” said Chef Ranjan Dey, owner of New Delhi Restaurant.
In 2023, Bhangra & Beats Night Market attracted a staggering 30,000 attendees to Downtown across three events. During the event series, attendees spent over $1.3 million at Downtown San Francisco businesses.
“The popularity and success of the Bhangra and Beats Night Market shows that San Francisco is hungry for cultural events that lift up small businesses and showcase the amazing diversity of our city...We need many creative strategies to make Downtown a 24/7 neighborhood, and bringing performers, vendors, and small businesses to come together in a spirit of joy and celebration is one of them,” said Mayor Breed.
The next Night market is scheduled to take place on Sept. 13 from 5 pm to 10 pm (local time). The final Bhangra and Beats market of the season on Nov. 15. will also serve as the city’s inaugural Diwali celebration.
"Welcome to the streets. We started this company a year and half ago to do exactly this. Bring thousands of people from across the bay area to the city together to share food, to share dance, to share joy together," said Katy Birnbaum, CEO/Founder of Into The Streets to the crowds as they cheered and hooted in exultation.
“We are delighted to hit the streets again this year. San Francisco Bay Area!!! You are amazing!!." She was welcomed by a crowd who valued all the hard work she and her partners had put into bringing a glimmer of hope to the city.
“I’m letting the cat out of the bag on this,” said Dey. “Next year we celebrate both Holi and Diwali!!”
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