Jazz Mafia Will Perform In Downtown San Francisco As Part Of A Free New Year’s Day Block Party

The new year is almost here, and San Francisco is ringing in 2026 with a massive free block party, featuring live music, dance halls, and more. Downtown First Thursdays has been a popular street party that brings thousands to Downtown San Francisco every month, and the January edition happens to fall on New Year’s Day. The special block party is headlined by Jazz Mafia from 7 to 9 pm at the main stage between 2nd and Howard Streets. The music collective is based in San Francisco and, while grounded in jazz, spans genres including funk, soul, hip-hop, and more. The group was founded in 2000 by musician Adam Theis and comprises accomplished musicians from the Bay Area. In addition to the performance by Jazz Mafia, partygoers can expect many of Downtown First Thursdays’ signature activities, including a discoteca, a pop-up fashion show , swing-dancing lessons, and more. Piano Karaoke will be available for musically inclined San Franciscans, and you can even join bingo or hand-make your own journal. Plus, the party will also have a pet psychic available from 5 to 8 pm for free readings for your beloved pets. Organizers have also added a symposium this month, transforming a nightclub into the venue for a fascinating lecture called “The Circular City: How Vintage Shapes Our Future . T he talk is free, but you will need a ticket for entry, and space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 7 pm. Aside from The Symposium, the block party is free , and you do not need an entry ticket. We also recommend stopping by SFMOMA or MoAD while you’re in the neighborhoods, as SFMOMA has its monthly free hours on Thursday evening for residents. The block party takes place on 2nd Street between Market and Howard and starts at 5 pm . You can learn more here. Source: https://secretsanfrancisco.com/downtown-first-thursdays-new-years-free-party/