Folsom Street: SOMA Nights Music Festival

SOMA Nights Music Festival is coming to Folsom Street on Thursday, May 22 from 5-9pm. Organized by SOMA West Community Benefit District in partnership with local small businesses, Music City SF, The Civic Joy Fund, and Supervisor Matt Dorsey’s office, the celebration falls on the heels of Folsom Street’s new entertainment zone designation, which was signed into legislation by Mayor Daniel Lurie last week and will launch early this summer.

As the city heads into summer, the festival will transform the alleys and storefronts between 7th and 8th streets into a vibrant scene filled with live music, performances, food, and pop-ups throughout the neighborhood.

“Revitalizing our city means bringing joy and energy back to our streets, block by block. We’ve seen how successful SOMA Nights has been, and adding an entertainment zone will help the corridor grow and thrive,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “I’m grateful to the organizers and partners who show what’s possible when we activate public spaces and support our small businesses.”

The Folsom Street corridor is now one of five new entertainment zones established across the city to boost small business activity through reimagining public spaces with arts, culture, and entertainment. Beginning as a grassroots effort led by the merchants of Folsom Street, the SOMA Night Market series has proven the strategy, with businesses along Folsom reporting a 90% increase in sales on event nights.

“SOMA Nights Music Festival is exactly the kind of bold, high-energy activation that shows San Francisco is back,” said District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey. “This festival takes SOMA Nights to the next level — creating the kind of dynamic, community-driven experience that brings people together and breathes new life into our public spaces. I’d like to extend a huge thank you to the SOMA West Community Benefit District, Rocco’s, and the many local businesses who made this possible — and to the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and Mayor Lurie’s Office for their continued support of San Francisco’s nightlife and economic recovery.”

In an effort to counteract ongoing road construction impacting foot traffic, Michael Rotella, owner of Rocco’s Café, convened weekly meetings with fellow merchants to brainstorm solutions. “We were throwing ideas against the wall, and when we came up with a street fair, we tagged in the CBD to get it permitted and have them host the event,” said Rotella.

“We worked extremely closely with local businesses and the city to drive economic foot traffic to Folsom street and SOMA all together, this was the best solution that can drive customers back to SOMA,” said Rotella.

“The CBD facilitates SOMA Nights, but the merchants are really in control,” said Alex Ludlum, Executive Director of SOMA West CBD. “Most of the event budget goes directly to the merchants, who are each given a stipend to program whatever they want in their space. Some bring in tarot card readers, some hire a DJ. Restaurants run discounted menu items. We don’t take a heavy hand, as long as they do something to bring people in.”

The May 22 Music Festival will showcase the next evolution of SOMA Nights. Music City SF has opened its stable of local bands, who will be performing in the streets and in four bars—Driftwood, Deccant, Azucar Lounge, and Enterprise Brewing. On Langton Street, Here & There Records will spin vinyl and keep the dance floor moving until 9 p.m. Meanwhile, the Hallam Street Stage will feature Bayonics, a Mission district band blending reggae and Latin music, followed by Baycoin Beats, a jazz-soul fusion band known for their classy, high-energy sets.

Following this Thursday’s Music Festival, SOMA Nights will continue its series as a monthly night market—bringing community and culture to the streets every 4th Thursday of the month with continued support from local artists, nonprofits, and small businesses.

SOMA Nights Music Festival

May 22, 5-9pm

Folsom Street between 7th-8th Streets

soma-nights.com