Bhangra & Beats Night Market Returns July 24 Taking Over Yerba Buena Gardens for the First Time Ever
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2026
Contact: Maro Guevara
maro@intothestreetssf.com
415-226-9289
BHANGRA & BEATS NIGHT MARKET RETURNS JULY 24
TAKING OVER YERBA BUENA GARDENS FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER
SAN FRANCISCO, CA — One of San Francisco's most anticipated summer traditions returns next Friday, July 24, as Bhangra & Beats Night Market brings thousands of residents and visitors together for an evening celebrating South Asian culture, local businesses, and Downtown San Francisco.
For the first time ever, Bhangra & Beats Night Market will take over Yerba Buena Gardens alongside Jessie Square and Yerba Buena Lane, bringing an electric, all-ages night market to one of the city's most celebrated arts and cultural districts.
From 4–9 p.m., attendees can experience an immersive evening of live music, Bhangra dancing, DJs, cultural performances, food vendors, shopping, family-friendly activities, and the signature high-energy atmosphere that has made Bhangra & Beats one of the Bay Area's favorite cultural celebrations.
This is the first of two Bhangra & Beats Night Markets taking place in 2026. The series concludes with San Francisco's Official Diwali Celebration on November 13.
A NIGHT OF MUSIC, FOOD, SHOPPING AND ART
The Main Stage at Yerba Buena Gardens comes alive with Non Stop Bhangra featuring DJs Rav-E Sandhu, Nix Bhachu and DJ GT, live dhol drummers Ashi Dholi and Gulshan Dholi, and energetic performances and dance lessons from Dholrhythms Dance Company. On the Jessie Square Stage, rising Bay Area duo Lychy Jelly delivers an electrifying blend of house, bass, pop and Desi anthems. More information on featured artists can be found at www.bhangraandbeats.com/music.
Bhangra & Beats will feature a vibrant, multicultural bazaar with over 40 local vendors, interactive booths, and community organizations, with an emphasis on celebrating Indian and South Asian small businesses, including: Bini's Kitchen, Cookie Chachi, Curry Up Now, GappeShappe, Koolfi Creamery, Lahore Di Khushboo, Le Mils Coffee, Momolicious, New Delhi Restaurant, Wahjeewah, BeautySutra by Shikha, CHINMIRA, Itra Fashan, Jaipur Blues, Kalpo Udaan, Kinara Couture, Murgabi, Ravayat, and The Didi Jewelry Project.
CALENDAR LISTING
Bhangra & Beats Night Market
July 24
4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Yerba Buena Gardens, Jessie Square & Yerba Buena Lane, San Francisco
Attendees are strongly encouraged to show up and show out in their favorite Indian and South Asian festive attire.
Free with RSVP
ABOUT BHANGRA & BEATS NIGHT MARKET
Bhangra and Beats Night Market is presented by Into The Streets and Non Stop Bhangra in partnership with Yerba Buena Partnership, Mayor’s Office of Daniel Lurie, the San Francisco Office of Economic Workforce Development, and Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, with support from The Svane Family Foundation Fund Culture Forward Grant program.
"Bhangra & Beats Night Market is coming to Yerba Buena Gardens for the first time ever. I couldn't be more excited to welcome thousands of people into the heart of downtown for an evening of music, dancing, and cultural celebration," said Mayor Daniel Lurie. "Events like this activate our public spaces, support our small businesses, and bring the energy that is transforming downtown into a 24/7 neighborhood."
Since launching in 2023, Bhangra & Beats Night Market has welcomed more than 75,000 attendees while generating $4.36 million in spending for downtown businesses and local vendors. The event has also been recognized as 48 Hills' Best Night Market for two consecutive years, becoming one of the city's signature cultural events and demonstrating how community-centered programming can drive economic activity while celebrating San Francisco's diverse cultural communities.
"Bhangra & Beats Night Market is a great example of cultural events supporting local businesses and creating vibrant public experiences for everyone to enjoy," said Anne Taupier, Executive Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. "Events like this create a lively atmosphere in neighborhoods and bring opportunities for local restaurants, artists, vendors, and small businesses to connect with the community. We're excited to welcome thousands of locals and visitors into our city's arts and culture hub at Yerba Buena for this incredible celebration of South Asian culture."
CELEBRATING SOUTH ASIAN CULTURE IN THE BAY AREA
As the Bay Area's largest outdoor celebration dedicated to South Asian culture, Bhangra & Beats has become a joyful gathering place where tradition and contemporary culture come together. Every event brings families, friends, and neighbors together to celebrate through music, food, fashion, and shared cultural experiences.
"Bhangra & Beats has become a joyful gathering point for the South Asian diaspora and the entire Bay Area," said Into The Streets CEO and Founder Katy Birnbaum. "Moving to Yerba Buena Gardens opens up an incredible new canvas for the event while bringing thousands of people into one of downtown's most important cultural districts."
The celebration is anchored by Non Stop Bhangra, whose renowned combination of DJs, live dhol drummers, dance instruction, and audience participation has made the collective synonymous with joyful cultural celebration throughout the Bay Area.
“We’re really excited to be bringing Bhangra & Beats into Yerba Buena Gardens this year. We’ve had the joy of performing there over the years, so it’s especially meaningful to now curate a full experience in the space. Yerba Buena Gardens has long celebrated world music and culture, and we’re grateful to be part of that celebration—bringing Punjabi music and Indian culture to one of downtown’s most iconic arts destinations. It feels like a natural home for what the event has grown into—open, vibrant, and rooted in community,” said Non Stop Bhangra Co-Founder Vicki Virk.
This year's new footprint at Yerba Buena Gardens create new avenues and spaces for attendees to explore everything the festival has to offer, including:
- Live Bhangra music and DJs
- Cultural dance performances
- Food, retail and artisan vendors
- Community organizations
- Family-friendly activities
- Restaurant and bar specials
- Plenty of space to dance throughout the evening
Because Jessie Square and Yerba Buena Lane are designated Entertainment Zones, guests can also purchase beverages from participating businesses and enjoy them throughout those designated areas.
“Bhangra & Beats mirrors the energy and excitement in Yerba Buena today,” said Yerba Buena Partnership Executive Director Scott Rowitz. “The city and neighborhood partners have redefined the Yerba Buena experience with festivals, Entertainment Zone events and hospitality programs. Bhangra & Beats is an ideal fit with our incredible local and international mix of arts, culture, cafes, dining and entertainment. We’re thrilled to support the event and encourage everyone to explore the new Yerba Buena.”
This year's event also launches a new partnership with Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, incorporating Bhangra & Beats into the festival's celebrated season of free cultural programming.
"Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is beyond excited to welcome Bhangra & Beats into the full season of incredible admission-free cultural events we present each summer in Yerba Buena Gardens,” said Festival Managing Director Cristina Ibarra. “We've worked with Non Stop Bhangra for many years and love the high octane energy and cultural artistry they bring to every event they're a part of. We can't wait for this event to come to Yerba Buena!"
Following the July celebration, Bhangra & Beats will return on November 13 for San Francisco's Official Diwali Celebration, continuing the tradition the event helped establish as the city's first large-scale public Diwali festival. Since that inaugural celebration, recognition of Diwali has continued to grow across California, which now officially recognizes the holiday statewide.
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