October 2026 Park Programs Schedule
Free Programming in Union Square Plaza
October 2026 Park Programs Schedule
The following free daily programming and amenities schedule applies through October 20, 2026. All programing and amenities will pause from October 21 to November 3, 2026, for the ice rink to load in. Free daily amenities will resume on November 4, 2026, and free winter crafts programming will begin on November 5, 2026. Stay tuned for more details!
Free Daily 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 and more!
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.
- October 5: Interactive Activities with Happily Ever Laughter
- October 12: Storytime with the Best Bookstore in Union Square
- October 19: Interactive Activities with Happily Ever Laughter
Tuesdays
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.
- October 6: Mario Guarneri (curated by Jazz in the Neighborhood)
- October 13: Jeffrey James Horan (curated by Biscuits and Blues)
- October 20: Jonah Levine (curated by Jazz in the Neighborhood)
Wednesdays
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.
- October 7: K-Pop (All Levels) with Jackson
- October 14: Shuffle(All Levels)with Raymond
Thursdays
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.
- October 1: Felt Collage Trading Pins with Rebecca Saylor Studio and SF Etsy
- October 8: Spooky Ghost Portraits with Coffee n Cream Press and SF Etsy
- October 15: Mini Halloween Characters with SCRAP
Fridays
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!
- October 2: Salsa with DJ JUANLOVE
- October 9: Country Western with Sundance Saloon
- October 16: Swing with the Silver Bell Jazz Band
Saturdays
Juggling Lessons
11:30am – 1:30pm | October 3 and 17
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.
- October 10: Bollywood Garba at Union Square, presented by Rang de Bollywood
Get ready to twirl in the heart of San Francisco! Join us for an unforgettable Bollywood Garba in the heart of San Francisco — a vibrant celebration of rhythm, joy, and community in the festive season of Navratri.
Schedule:
- 11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Bolly Garba Dance Lessons. No experience needed — we’ll teach you the steps, the flair, and the fun!
- 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Dance Party! We turn up the music and light up the floor with a 1-hour open dance party. Dance solo, with friends, or in circles of celebration!
Expect a fusion of traditional Garba beats and Bollywood bangers — colorful, energetic, and full of heart. Its non-stop fun entertainment! You won’t want to stop dancing.
Open to all ages, all levels, all backgrounds. Wear your brightest, twirliest outfits or come as you are. Free to attend – just bring your joy, your people, and your dancing feet!
Come casual or dressed. No pressure. Beginner friendly. Walk ins and people who have never done Garba (a circular Indian dance) more than welcome. We will do multiple lessons throughout the day and have performances party after each lesson.
Dress as you want Indian or Non-Indian – no pressure, be comfortable. Let’s fill Union Square with color, culture, and connection. This is more than a dance — it’s a celebration of culture, community, and love.
Sundays
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.
Program schedule is subject to change. Follow @unionsquaresf on social media for the latest info.
Free Programming is made possible with support from Bank of America and 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 the Union Square Alliance.
Note: Union Square Alliance is not directly managing these events. For questions and comments, please contact [email protected].