Free Programming in Union Square Plaza
Park Programs
9:00am – 6:00pm | Open Daily
Imagination Mondays
10:00am | Mondays
Get your wiggles out with interactive activities led by Happily Ever Laughter’s Faerie Rosella or storytime led by the Best Bookstore in Union Square, on an alternating basis. All ages are welcome, but the program will be geared towards kids aged 2-4. Caretaker supervision is required at all times.
Sketching Lessons
4:00 – 6:00pm | Mondays
Join City Studio‘s roster of artist/educators for sketch classes in Union Square. Artists will use a wide range of materials and cycle through figure drawing, architectural drawings, botanical illustrations and more! Artist/educators are graduates or students from California College of the Arts and the University of San Francisco.
Toddler Tuesdays
10:00am | Tuesdays
Bring your little ones for interactive and musical activities, led on an alternating basis by JAMaROO Kids and Music Together of San Francisco. All ages are welcome, but the program will be geared towards kids aged 2-4. Caretaker supervision is required at all times.
Tuesday Blues
4:00 – 6:00pm | Tuesdays
Turn your Tuesday into a celebration of music and joy as the vibrant sounds of blues and jazz music fill the Square! Curated by Jazz in the Neighborhood and Biscuits and Blues on a rotating basis.
Tai Chi / Resistance Band Fitness
8am – 9am | Wednesdays
Achieve greater physical and mental wellness by practicing the art of Tai Chi with 64 Movements or Resistance Band Fitness with Chinatown YMCA, on an alternating basis.
Cardio Dance
5:30 – 6:30pm | Wednesdays
Get ready to move, groove, and feel amazing at this free outdoor fitness class led by Rae Studios! Break a sweat and meet a new community at this rotating class. All participants should RSVP at www.raestudios-sf.com/union-square or be prepared to sign a waiver onsite each week.
Lunchbreak Music
11:30am – 1:30pm | Thursdays
Bring your lunch for an alfresco escape and tap your toes to local indie and singer-songwriters. Curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents.
Crafternoons
4:30 – 6:30pm | Thursdays
Learn to make and take home a wide-ranging variety of arts and crafts, from knitting to upcycled sculptures to natural printmaking. Drop in anytime during the program and stay as long as you’d like. Led by Rebecca Saylor Studio and SF Etsy, Coffee N Cream Press and SF Etsy, SCRAP, and Spark Studio, on a rotating basis. All ages are welcome, but children should be accompanied by a grown-up helper.
Chess Lessons and Social
11:30am – 1:30pm | Fridays
Come learn to play chess, hone your strategy, or meet new opponents during weekly programs led by the Mechanics’ Institute. Located at the Reading and Chess Pavilion in the southeast corner of the park.
Union Square Dances
5pm – 8pm | Fridays
Rotating styles of free live music and dancing outdoors in the Square include Salsa, Country Western, Swing, Bollywood, and Tango. Each event features a dance lesson and then open dancing. All are welcome and no experience or partner is needed!
Juggling Lessons
11:30am – 1:30pm | Saturdays
Test your dexterity and meet the talented jugglers of Circus Bella! Join in for a quick lesson, stay the whole time, or just enjoy watching others put their skills to the test. All skill levels are welcome and beginner equipment (scarves and balls) will be provided.
Second Saturdays ‘Round the World
11:00am – 2:00pm | Second Saturdays
Experience the many cultural traditions represented in San Francisco through a day of themed music, dance performance, and crafts. Check back for more info on upcoming months’ themes.
April 11: African American Arts & Cultural District
This month’s presentation is curated by the San Francisco African-American Arts & Cultural District! Enjoy rotating performances on the main stage by Feline Finesse Dance Company, DJ TC, and live music from violinist Kippy Marks. In between performances, stop by the craft station for free creative activities led by Hunters Point Shipyard Artists.
Karaoke
4pm – 7pm | Third Saturdays
Bring your friends, your questionable singing voice, and your main character energy to Union Square’s stage! Hosted in partnership with local spot Sool Bar & Lounge.
Union Square Open Air
4pm – 8pm | May 2, June 6, August 1
Free techno! No walls, no tickets, just pure beats in the heart of the city. Hosted by Free Techno SF.
Sunday Fun Days
11am – 2pm | Sundays
Calling all kids and their families! Join us for fun and free drop-in S.T.E.A.M. activities led by Maker Studio Kidz, California Academy of Sciences, Walt Disney Family Museum, Randall Museum, and the De Young Museum. Activities geared towards kids aged 5 – 12. Caretaker supervision is required at all times.
Mahjong & Mixer
3:00 – 6:00pm | Sundays
Unwind with a sophisticated afternoon of strategy and community at these free mahjong lessons and social hour sessions led by local enthusiast Andrew Keeler. Come for the tiles, and stay for the smiles!
Program schedule is subject to change. Follow @unionsquaresf on social media for the latest info.
Free Programming is made possible by a grant from the Office of Mayor Daniel Lurie and the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development to Biederman Redevelopment Ventures, in cooperation with San Francisco Recreation and Parks and support from the Union Square Alliance.
Note: Union Square Alliance is not directly managing these events. For questions and comments, please contact [email protected].