Vendors And Visitors Sought For New North Beach Festival In August

Kearny Street. Photos: Geri Koeppel/Hoodline

A new, smaller, more local street festival is planned for North Beach and a portion of Jackson Square on August 15th. Its organizers want to get the word out to the community to save the date—and they're also looking for participants.

The Off Broadway Summer Pop Up Event will be held on Kearny Street between Broadway and Columbus and on Pacific Avenue between Columbus and Montgomery. (Initially, the event was planned for Broadway itself, but the SFMTA had safety concerns.)

"Part of our mission is to rebrand the area, and one of the ways to do that is by bringing people here to the community," says Ben Horne, executive director of the Top of Broadway Community Benefit District. "The idea is to bring [in] San Francisco locals. Locally based, locally put on, local vendors—some of whom will be from in or near the CBD area."

The Top of Broadway CBD is co-sponsoring the event with Ansanelli Productions, a family-owned business that also organizes the Treasure Island Flea Market. Fans of that market can expect some similar vendors, including artists, vintage collectors, and food trucks. The festival will also host a beer garden on Kearny Street.

The event will be family-friendly as well: Artist & Craftsman Supply is scheduled to provide supplies for DIY workshops and kids' masterpieces, and activities and games will be set up near the intersection of Columbus, Kearny and Pacific. Horne says the CBD is expecting 1,000–2,000 people to attend the event.

Area business owners interested in participating are encouraged to contact Ansanello Productions through its vendor page. Top of Broadway CBD members and businesses located within the festival's boundaries will get discounts on tables and booths.

Pacific Street

The Top of Broadway CBD was formed in 2013 to serve businesses and other community organizations located on Broadway between Columbus and Montgomery and Kearny between Broadway and Columbus. (It also has a few members outside of that zone.)

The area has long been known for its seedy vibe, but since the formation of the CBD, it's seen improvements, including street cleaning and marketing services. The CBD is also working to effect street improvements and safety measures. The area is getting more foot traffic of late with the addition of new businesses and the opening of the Broadway-Sansome Apartments this year.