A volunteer wearing a yellow "Sunday Streets" shirt holds a stop sign at an intersection, directing traffic on a city street.
Keeping the streets safe and fun — a dedicated Sunday Streets volunteer directs traffic with a smile and a stop sign. Photo by Daniela Sandoval.

Sunday Streets returned to the Mission on July 20, transforming Valencia Street from Duboce to 26th streets into a lively, car-free corridor filled with music, activities, and neighbors reconnecting.

Organized by Livable City since 2008, the event champions public space, safety and community connection — especially critical in a tense political climate. This year, organizers emphasized inclusivity and protection for immigrant communities amid ongoing fears about ICE activity.

“In this particularly difficult political time, I think it’s important to foster community resilience and trust in each other’s neighbors,” said Sally Chen, deputy director of Livable City. “We had to ask ourselves how to keep people safe during events that are open to the public,” Chen added.

Despite a foggy start, crowds grew steadily and, by midday, hundreds filled the street. Two major entertainment hubs anchored the event with performances, health resources, family bike courses and local vendors.

Sustaining Sunday Streets hasn’t been easy. “It’s been a really difficult budget year,” Chen said. “We’ve had to fundraise most of our operating costs, and we’re hanging on as best we can to keep offering this level of programming.”

Two people walk down a city street closed to traffic, passing by a Ryder truck and tents set up along the sidewalk.
City streets closed to traffic, with the first visitors trickling in for a laid-back Sunday Streets in the Mission. Photo by Daniela X. Sandoval.
Outdoor street market with several vendor tents set up along the sidewalk in front of buildings, with a few people browsing stalls.
Vendor tents take their place along the sidewalk near 26th Street, as the market slowly comes to life. Photo by Daniela X. Sandoval.
People gather to learn about community resources — and maybe win a prize or two! Video by Daniela X. Sandoval .
People walk along a city street lined with shops and trees, including a bike shop and a cycling store, on an overcast day.
Under gray skies, people stroll by, exchanging smiles and conversations. Photo by Daniela X. Sandoval.
A group of people in colorful, traditional costumes stand and talk on a city street near Victorian-style houses. Some are adjusting outfits, and two people have cameras.
Dressed in bright traditional costumes, belly dancers prepare and pose before their performance. Photo by Daniela X. Sandoval.
Spectators gather, mesmerized by the colorful moves and rhythms of the belly dance performance. Video by Daniela X. Sandoval.
Crowd of people browsing outdoor market stalls in front of a mural-covered building with a large "Cherin's" sign.
A lively crowd enjoys browsing the market stalls beneath the eye-catching Cherin’s mural. Phot by Daniela X. Sandoval.
Skateboarders roll in smoothly, stopping by Arizmendi Bakery to grab a pastry and take a quick break. Video by Daniela X. Sandoval.
A man in a red shirt helps visitors with a hands-on science activity at an outdoor booth, while others are seated and engaged in various tasks.
Curious minds explore a hands-on science activity at the Exploratorium San Francisco booth. Photo by Daniela X. Sandoval.
People gather around an information booth at an outdoor community event, with volunteers in yellow shirts and attendees with bicycles.
Sally Chen, deputy director of Livable City, briefs volunteers ahead of their shift. Photo by Daniela X. Sandoval.
A group of people stand and look at colorful murals painted on alley walls, featuring social justice themes and the phrase "Together We Can Weather Any Storm.
While the action fills the main streets, some visitors wander into nearby alleys to take in vibrant murals. Photo by Daniela X. Sandoval.
A person wearing a helmet and protective gear rollerblades on the street as a cyclist rides by and a pedestrian walks with a child on the sidewalk.
A woman enjoys the freedom of a car-free street, rollerblading as cyclists and pedestrians pass by. Photo by Daniela X. Sandoval.
A person sits at a small table with a typewriter and a sign reading “GIVE 3 WORDS GET A POEM” while talking to three people on a city street.
A poet with a typewriter offers custom verses—just give three words, and get a poem in return. Photo by Daniela X. Sandoval.
Two people play steel drums on a closed-off city street while three people seated in front watch and hold drumsticks with small practice drums.
Steel drum rhythms fill the street as two performers play and onlookers join in with practice drums in hand. Photo by Daniela X. Sandoval.
A long line of people waits outside Lucca, an Italian food shop, with bikes parked in front and a mural listing menu items on the wall.
Ten days after its debut, BIGFACE is still drawing crowds and turning heads during Summer Streets. Photo by Daniela X. Sandoval.
A man wearing headphones operates a DJ mixer on a sidewalk outside a cafe, with drinks and equipment on the table beside him.
A DJ works his mixer outside a café, keeping the energy flowing. Photo by Daniela X. Sandoval.
Joan Sebastian’s El Secreto de Amor plays live, and one man stands still —completely caught in the moment. Video by Daniela X. Sandoval.

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I'm helping with Mission Local's social media strategy and finding stories in the Mission. I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and raised in the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire in Southern California. I'm a UCLA alumna and am now pursuing my master’s degree in journalism at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. In my free time, I enjoy going to the movies and running (yes, for fun!).

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2 Comments

  1. It made me so happy this year. This really should happen more often… and at least a block of Valencia should be pedestrianized all the time! People are afraid to say it anymore because a few merchants got so mad at the idea, but it’s still a good idea and would actually be great for business – as Sunday Streets also is!

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