From dance to chess to crafts, there are so many ways to learn new skills in Union Square. Photo credit: Biederman Redevelopment Ventures.
Tango, Tai Chi, chess lessons – all free and just a Muni ride away.
We’re here to help you enjoy free daily programming in Union Square. And while you’re in the heart of downtown, there’s more to explore.
You’ll find new pop-ups right by the square and lots to do on weekends by the cable car turnaround at Powell & Market. It’s all thanks to the city’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) and their local partners.
Learn about all the action at Union Square and how Muni can get you there.
Free performances and workshops all summer in the square
Through October, Union Square will feature free performances and workshops. Photo credit: Biederman Redevelopment Ventures.
The free daily programing in Union Square Plaza started this spring and runs through October. These events and workshops are made possible thanks to OEWD, Biederman Redevelopment Ventures and other city partners.
For more details and full schedules, see the Union Square Plaza free programming webpage.
Mondays: Learn Mahjong at 11:30 a.m. or check out a sketching class at 4:30 p.m.
Tuesdays: At Toddler Tuesday, little ones and their caretakers can enjoy interactive and musical activities. Open to all ages: Tuesday Blues events, which bring live blues and jazz music to the square.
Wednesdays: Start the morning with Tai Chai or get a burst of energy after work with Cardio Dance. These workshops feature a wide range of music and are open to all skill levels.
Thursdays: Hear local singer-songwriters during Lunchbreak Music (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m). Or, stop by Crafternoons (4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) to make a wide range of arts and crafts.
Fridays: Take a chess lesson at 11:30 a.m. or wind down a work week at Union Square Dances from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Each event starts with a dance less and then moves to open dancing.
Saturdays: On Saturdays, you can get a quick lesson in juggling or watch the pros at work.
Sundays: Family Fun Sundays feature all kinds of drop-in activities for kids and their caretakers. Workshops are geared to kids aged 5 to 12. These events center on S.T.E.A.M. topics -- science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
The T Third Street can get you right to Union Square / Market Street Station for a free movie series in the square.
Free movie screenings with a San Francisco twist
Starting in August, you can also catch Cinema on the Square – three free screenings of San Francisco themed movies.
- Aug. 16: Mrs. Doubtfire – pre-show at 6 p.m. and movie at 8 p.m.
- Sept. 20: Big Hero 6 – pre-show at 5:30 p.m. and movie at 7:30 p.m.
- Oct. 4: The Birds – pre-show at 5 p.m. and movie at 7 p.m.
Each event kicks off with pre-show fun featuring movie trivia, prizes and more. It’s best to wear layers and arrive early so you can grab a seat or set up your own.
On opening night, there will even be a Mrs. Doubtfire look-a-like contest at 7 p.m. You’re invited to put on your best frock and knee socks to compete for prizes!
This special series is supported by the Mayor’s Office, OEWD and Biederman Redevelopment Ventures Corporation with partnership from Recreation and Parks. For more details or to visit the square for daily activities, see the Union Square Plaza free programming webpage.
New local pop-ups steps from Union Square
Hoping to shop or dine after an event at Union Square? The city’s Vacant to Vibrant program has recently welcomed new pop-ups to the area. This program is all about transforming downtown vacancies into vibrant communities.
At the new pop-ups near Union Square, you can try new food, check out apparel from a local designer or find a gift for a loved one. For the full list of pop-ups, see the Vacant to Vibrant webpage.
And to drop by other pop-ups from the program while you’re downtown, you can check out the Vacant to Vibrant map.
Interactive art and activities at the Powell cable car turnaround
The first new interactive art installation at Powell & Market doubles as a slide for people of all ages.
While you’re near Union Square, you can also stop by a new public art initiative at the Powell & Market cable car turnaround.
The program will feature four different installations and live music and activities on weekends through January 2026. It’s funded by our partners at OEWD and run by the Union Square Alliance.
The first of the four art installations is called Strum & Slide, and it just debuted on Friday. The larger-than-life guitar statue also serves as a slide for people of all ages.
Through January 2026, you can stop by the Powell & Market cable car turnaround and find:
- Activities each Friday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Live music on Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Face painting on Sundays from 1p.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be a few short breaks between art installations. To stay in the loop, you can check out the Union Square Alliance Instagram (@unionsquaresf).
Plan to ride a cable car after you check out the art and activities at the turnaround? Our cable car webpage provides tips on routes, fares and more.
Your ride to the heart of downtown
Dedicated transit lanes, half a dozen train lines – it couldn’t be easier to get to Union Square on Muni.
The choices are endless when you’re taking Muni to Union Square.
Here’s what we recommend:
By bus:
- 38 Geary, 38R Geary Rapid, 30 Stockton, 45 Union/Stockton, 5R Fulton Rapid, 7 Haight/Noriega, 9R San Bruno Rapid, 14 Mission, 14R Mission Rapid
By train:
- You can ride the J, K, L, M or N to Powell Station or the T Third Street to Union Square/Market Street Station.
By historic streetcar:
- You can take the F Market & Wharves to 4th & Market or 5th & Market.
By cable car:
- You can take the Powell / Mason Cable Car or the Powell / Hyde Cable Car
- Note: Be sure to check the travel alerts section of each route page since we are at work on our Cable Car Sheaves Upgrade Project.
For a full list of routes to consider, you can check out our Muni Routes & Stops webpage.
We’re here to help you get to all the action at Union Square.
Comments are for the English version of this page.