Park Programs
Free Programming in Union Square Plaza
Park Programs
Free Amenities
9:00am – 6:00pm | Open Daily
- Kids Zone – Come enjoy giant foam blocks, children’s toys, and children’s books!
- Recess Cart – Tabletop games and craft supplies for all ages to borrow while you’re in the park.
- Reading and Chess Pavilion – Stimulate your mind with chess sets and classic books available to borrow in this quiet corner.
- Big Games – Challenge your friends to a game of Pop-a-Shot, badminton, ping pong, foosball, corn hole, or giant Jenga!
Mondays
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.
- April 6: Interactive Activities with Happily Ever Laughter
- April 13: Storytime with the Best Bookstore in Union Square
- April 20: Interactive Activities with Happily Ever Laughter
- April 27: Storytime with the Best Bookstore in Union Square
- May 4: Interactive Activities with Happily Ever Laughter
- May 11: Storytime with the Best Bookstore in Union Square
- May 18: Interactive Activities with Happily Ever Laughter
- May 25: Storytime with the Best Bookstore in Union Square
- June 1: Interactive Activities with Happily Ever Laughter
- June 8: Storytime with the Best Bookstore in Union Square
- June 15: Interactive Activities with Happily Ever Laughter
- June 22: Storytime with the Best Bookstore in Union Square
- June 29: Interactive Activities with Happily Ever Laughter
- July 6: Interactive Activities with Happily Ever Laughter
- July 13: Storytime with the Best Bookstore in Union Square
- July 20: Interactive Activities with Happily Ever Laughter
- July 27: Storytime with the Best Bookstore in Union Square
- August 3: Interactive Activities with Happily Ever Laughter
- August 10: Storytime with the Best Bookstore in Union Square
- August 17: Interactive Activities with Happily Ever Laughter
- August 24: Storytime with the Best Bookstore in Union Square
- August 31: Interactive Activities with Happily Ever Laughter
- September 7: Interactive Activities with Happily Ever Laughter
- September 14: Storytime with the Best Bookstore in Union Square
- September 21: Interactive Activities with Happily Ever Laughter
- September 28: Storytime with the Best Bookstore in Union Square
- April 6: Botanical Drawing with Kaeli Mcleod and Nancy Nguyen
- April 13: People of Union Square with Angela Zamora and Lark Chang-Yeh
- April 20: Who Is in the Windows with Delanie Lippert and SF Foodies and Paper Charms with Vicky Li
- April 27: People of Union Square with Angela Zamora and Abstract Drawing with Madison Griggs
- May 4: Botanical Drawing with Kaeli Mcleod and Nancy Nguyen
- May 11: Who is in the Windows with Delanie Lippert and Lark Chang-Yeh
- May 18: SF Foodies and Paper Charms with Vicky Li and Abstract Drawing with Madison Griggs
- May 25: Botanical Drawing with Kaeli Mcleod and People of Union Square with Angela Zamora
- June 1: Sketching Lesson with City Studio
- June 8: Sketching Lesson with City Studio
- June 15: Sketching Lesson with City Studio
- June 22: Sketching Lesson with City Studio
- June 29: Sketching Lesson with City Studio
- July 6: Sketching Lesson with City Studio
- July 13: Sketching Lesson with City Studio
- July 20: Sketching Lesson with City Studio
- July 27: Sketching Lesson with City Studio
- August 3: Sketching Lesson with City Studio
- August 10: Sketching Lesson with City Studio
- August 17: Sketching Lesson with City Studio
- August 24: Sketching Lesson with City Studio
- August 31: Sketching Lesson with City Studio
- September 7: Sketching Lesson with City Studio
- September 14: Sketching Lesson with City Studio
- September 21: Sketching Lesson with City Studio
- September 28: Sketching Lesson with City Studio
Tuesdays
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.
- April 7: JAMaROO Kids
- April 14: Music Together of San Francisco
- April 21: JAMaROO Kids
- April 28: Music Together of San Francisco
- May 5: JAMaROO Kids
- May 12: Music Together of San Francisco
- May 19: JAMaROO Kids
- May 26: Music Together of San Francisco
- June 2: JAMaROO Kids
- June 9: Music Together of San Francisco
- June 16: JAMaROO Kids
- June 23: Music Together of San Francisco
- June 30: JAMaROO Kids
- July 7: JAMaROO Kids
- July 14: Music Together of San Francisco
- July 21: JAMaROO Kids
- July 28: Music Together of San Francisco
- August 4: JAMaROO Kids
- August 11: Music Together of San Francisco
- August 18: JAMaROO Kids
- August 25: Music Together of San Francisco
- September 1: JAMaROO Kids
- September 8: Music Together of San Francisco
- September 15: JAMaROO Kids
- September 22: Music Together of San Francisco
- September 29: JAMaROO Kids
- April 7: Bob Brumbeloe (curated by Jazz in the Neighborhood)
- April 14: Jeffrey James (curated by Biscuits and Blues)
- April 21: Bryan Bowman (curated by Jazz in the Neighborhood)
- April 28: Live Jazz (curated by Biscuits and Blues)
- May 5: Jeremy Cohen (curated by Jazz in the Neighborhood)
- May 12: Live Jazz (curated by Biscuits and Blues)
- May 19: John Frank (curated by Jazz in the Neighborhood)
- May 26: Live Jazz (curated by Biscuits and Blues)
- June 2: Charlie McCarthy (curated by Jazz in the Neighborhood)
- June 9: Live Jazz (curated by Biscuits and Blues)
- June 16: Jaycie Grady (curated by Jazz in the Neighborhood)
- June 23: Live Jazz (curated by Biscuits and Blues)
- June 30: Jazzton Blase (curated by Jazz in the Neighborhood)
- July 7: Live Jazz (curated by Jazz in the Neighborhood)
- July 14: Live Jazz (curated by Biscuits and Blues)
- July 21: Live Jazz (curated by Jazz in the Neighborhood)
- July 28: Live Jazz (curated by Biscuits and Blues)
- August 4: Live Jazz (curated by Jazz in the Neighborhood)
- August 11: Live Jazz (curated by Biscuits and Blues)
- August 18: Live Jazz (curated by Jazz in the Neighborhood)
- August 25: Live Jazz (curated by Biscuits and Blues)
- September 1: Live Jazz (curated by Jazz in the Neighborhood)
- September 8: Live Jazz (curated by Biscuits and Blues)
- September 15: Live Jazz (curated by Jazz in the Neighborhood)
- September 22: Live Jazz (curated by Biscuits and Blues)
- September 29: Live Jazz (curated by Jazz in the Neighborhood)
Wednesdays
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.
- April 8: Tai Chi with 64 Movements
- April 15: Resistance Band Fitness with Chinatown YMCA
- April 22: Tai Chi with 64 Movements
- April 29: Resistance Band Fitness with Chinatown YMCA
- May 6: Resistance Band Fitness with Chinatown YMCA
- May 13: Tai Chi with 64 Movements
- May 20: Resistance Band Fitness with Chinatown YMCA
- May 27: Tai Chi with 64 Movements
- June 3: Resistance Band Fitness with Chinatown YMCA
- June 10: Tai Chi with 64 Movements
- June 17: Resistance Band Fitness with Chinatown YMCA
- June 24: Tai Chi with 64 Movements
- July 1: Resistance Band Fitness with Chinatown YMCA
- July 8: Tai Chi with 64 Movements
- July 15: Resistance Band Fitness with Chinatown YMCA
- July 22: Tai Chi with 64 Movements
- July 29: Resistance Band Fitness with Chinatown YMCA
- August 5: Resistance Band Fitness with Chinatown YMCA
- August 12: Tai Chi with 64 Movements
- August 19: Resistance Band Fitness with Chinatown YMCA
- August 26: Tai Chi with 64 Movements
- September 2: Resistance Band Fitness with Chinatown YMCA
- September 9: Tai Chi with 64 Movements
- September 16: Resistance Band Fitness with Chinatown YMCA
- September 23: Tai Chi with 64 Movements
- September 30: Resistance Band Fitness with Chinatown YMCA
- April 1: Hip Hop Grooves (Beginner) with Tashi Cowan
- April 8: Shuffle (Beginner) with Jasper Sanchez
- April 15: K-Pop (All Levels) with Sarah Medley
- April 22: Salsa (All Levels) with Sara Templeton
- April 29: Hip Hop Grooves (Beginner) with Tashi Cowan
- May 6: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- May 13: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- May 20: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- May 27: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- June 3: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- June 10: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- June 17: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- June 24: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- July 1: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- July 8: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- July 15: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- July 22: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- July 29: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- August 5: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- August 12: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- August 19: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- August 26: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- September 2: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- September 9: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- September 16: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- September 23: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
- September 30: Cardio Dance with Rae Studios
Thursdays
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.
- April 2: Nick Nassab
- April 9: Eliz & Sergei
- April 16: Nathan X Moody
- April 23: Essie Thomas
- April 30: Skillet Licorice
- May 7: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)
- May 14: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)
- May 21: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)
- May 28: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)
- June 4: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)
- June 11 Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)https://britexfabrics.com/
- June 18: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)https://britexfabrics.com/
- June 25: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)https://britexfabrics.com/
- July 2: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)
- July 9: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)
- July 16: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)
- July 23: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)
- July 30: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)
- August 6: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)
- August 13: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)
- August 20: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)
- August 27: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)
- September 3: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)
- September 10: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)
- September 17: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)
- September 24: Live Music (curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents)
- April 2: Mini Book Binding with Rebecca Saylor Studio and SF Etsy
- April 9: Pressed Flower Bookmarks with Coffee n Cream Press and SF Etsy
- April 16: Springtime Journals with SCRAP
- April 23: Painting on Dictionary Pages with Spark Studio
- April 30: Decoupage Shells Trinket Dish with Rebecca Saylor Studio and SF Etsy
- May 7: Yarn Covered Slap Bracelet with Rebecca Saylor Studio and SF Etsy
- May 14: Tie-Dye Coffee Filter Butterflies with Coffee n Cream Press and SF Etsy
- May 21: Spring Zines with SCRAP
- May 28: Tiny Ceramic Plant Holder with Spark Studio
- June 4: Pom Pom Party Floral Poms! with Rebecca Saylor Studio and SF Etsy
- June 11: Felt Fortune Cookies with Rebecca Saylor Studio and SF Etsy https://britexfabrics.com/
- June 18: Upcycled Canvas Painting with SCRAP
- June 25: Pride Keychains with Coffee n Cream Press and SF Etsy
- July 2: Patriotic Wands with Coffee n Cream Press and SF Etsy
- July 9: Ocean in a Bottle with Coffee n Cream Press and SF Etsy
- July 16: Upcycled Canvas Painting with SCRAP
- July 23: Rock Out! with Spark Studio
- July 30: Charm Covered Mini Frames with Rebecca Saylor Studio and SF Etsy
- August 6: Happy People Pin with Rebecca Saylor Studio and SF Etsy
- August 13: Pencil Pouch Decorating with Coffee n Cream Press and SF Etsy
- August 20: Back to School Bag Charms with SCRAP
- August 27: Painting from Nature with Spark Studio
- September 3: Watercolor Mini Painting with Rebecca Saylor Studio and SF Etsy
- September 10: Bookmaking with Coffee n Cream Press and SF Etsy
- September 17: Back to School Bag Charms with SCRAP
- September 24: Make a Ceramic Wall Hanging! with Spark Studio
Fridays
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!
- April 3: Salsa with DJ JUANLOVE
- April 10: Country Western with Sundance Saloon
- April 17: Swing with the Silver Bell Jazz Band
- April 24: Bollywood with Rang de Bollywood
- May 1: Salsa with DJ JUANLOVE
- May 8: Country Western with Sundance Saloon
- May 15: Swing with the Silver Bell Jazz Band
- May 22: Bollywood with Rang de Bollywood
- May 29: Tango with Bay Area Argentine Tango Association
- June 5: Salsa with DJ JUANLOVE
- June 12: Country Western with Sundance Saloonhttps://britexfabrics.com/
- June 19: Swing with the Silver Bell Jazz Band
- June 26: Bollywood with Rang de Bollywood
- July 3: Salsa with DJ JUANLOVE
- July 10: Country Western with Sundance Saloon
- July 17: Swing with the Silver Bell Jazz Band
- July 24: Bollywood with Rang de Bollywood
- July 31: Tango with Bay Area Argentine Tango Association
- August 7: Salsa with DJ JUANLOVE
- August 14: Bollywood with Rang de Bollywood
- August 21: Swing with the Silver Bell Jazz Band
- August 28: Country Western with Sundance Saloon
- September 4: Salsa with DJ JUANLOVE
- September 11: Country Western with Sundance Saloon
- September 18: Swing with the Silver Bell Jazz Band
- September 25: Bollywood with Rang de Bollywood
Saturdays
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.
Sundays
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!
- Lessons: New to the game? Our friendly instructors will guide you through the basics and have you winning your first hand in no time.
- Social Hour: Meet fellow locals and visitors for a relaxed, open-play session. It’s the perfect way to bridge cultures and generations over a friendly match.
- April 5: Easter Egg Garland with Maker Studio Kidz
- April 12: California Academy of Sciences
- April 19: No Sunday Fun Day
- April 26: The Walt Disney Family Museum
- May 3: DIY Kites with Maker Studio Kidz
- May 10: California Academy of Sciences
- May 17: Pipe Cleaner Daisy Bouquets with Maker Studio Kidz
- May 24: The Walt Disney Family Museum
- May 31: Sunglasses Bead Decorating with Maker Studio Kidz
- June 7: DIY Button Making with Maker Studio Kidz
- June 14: California Academy of Scienceshttps://britexfabrics.com/
- June 21: Randall Museum
- June 28: The Walt Disney Family Museum
- July 5: Randall Museum
- July 12: California Academy of Sciences
- July 19: De Young Museum
- July 26: The Walt Disney Family Museum
- August 2: Sunset Felt Collages with Maker Studio Kidz
- August 9: California Academy of Sciences
- August 16: De Young Museum
- August 23: The Walt Disney Family Museum
- August 30: Back to School Notebook Decorating with Maker Studio Kidz
- September 6: Randall Museum
- September 13: California Academy of Sciences
- September 20: De Young Museum
- September 27: The Walt Disney Family Museum
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].