SF's Sunset Night Market Returns for Lunar New Year
The Sunset Night Market returned to San Francisco's Sunset District to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The event, held for the first time in 2026, drew thousands of attendees with food, entertainment, and cultural activities.
After a hiatus in 2025, the award-winning Sunset Night Market returned on Friday, February 27, 2026, to kick off the Year of the Horse. The event is the first in a four-part series for the year, with future markets planned to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival in June, the Autumn Moon Festival in September, and the Dong Zhi/Holiday Market in December. This year's market stretched along Irving Street between 20th and 25th Avenues, a reduction from its seven-block peak in 2024 which drew an estimated 20,000 attendees. The event's rapid growth led to its 2025 pause, as organizers cited the overwhelming scale and delays in city reimbursement as reasons for re-strategizing. Inspired by the vibrant night markets in Taipei, the event was first spearheaded in 2023 by District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio to boost the local economy and create a joyous community gathering. The market quickly gained national recognition, being named one of the best in the country by USA Today. The 2026 comeback, organized by Sunset Mercantile, Wah Mei, Into The Streets, and ASIAN Inc., featured over 35 food vendors and 75 artisan and retail booths. Attendees could find a wide array of foods from vendors like Dumpling Kitchen, Sushi Obsession, and The Kabob Trolley. Entertainment included a cooking demonstration by celebrity chef Martin Yan, performances by yo-yo masters, and traditional lion and martial arts dances. For families, a dedicated "Fun Zone" offered a giant slide, a bounce house, carnival games, and various crafts.
