San Francisco Street Food Festival Returns After 5-Year Hiatus!

UPDATE: The beloved San Francisco Street Food Festival is back after a five-year hiatus, kicking off this weekend at China Basin Park! This two-day culinary celebration begins on November 8, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and continues on November 9, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival marks a significant moment for the city’s vibrant food scene and celebrates the 20th anniversary of La Cocina, the nonprofit that has been instrumental in transforming the Bay Area’s culinary landscape.

This year’s festival promises an intimate and community-focused experience, featuring over 25 vendors from La Cocina. Attendees can savor diverse dishes, including Nepalese momos and Palestinian flatbreads, alongside live music by Noise Pop and activities for families. General admission is priced at $14.14, with children under 12 entering free, as reported by SFist.

The festival’s return comes at a critical time as San Francisco grapples with issues of affordability and diversity in its food industry. La Cocina has supported over 50 chefs since its inception in 2005, helping them become self-sufficient business owners. The organization focuses on empowering women, immigrants, and people of color, ensuring a rich tapestry of culinary talent.

Originally launched in 2009, the festival quickly grew from a small block party into a major event, drawing upwards of 100,000 people in its heyday. La Cocina’s program director, Emiliana Puyana, emphasized the festival’s impact, stating, “It became wildly popular, creating a beautiful problem of demand for street food.”

This year’s festival aims to return to its roots, moving to China Basin Park near Oracle Park to foster a more manageable atmosphere. Organizers encourage attendees to arrive early, as seating is limited and first-come, first-served. The event will take place rain or shine, and attendees should note that outside food and pets are not allowed, although service animals are welcome.

As the festival kicks off, it symbolizes a broader shift in San Francisco’s approach to street food, with La Cocina advocating for favorable regulations to support small-scale food entrepreneurs. The festival serves not only as a celebration of food but also as a platform for cultural preservation and economic development.

What to Expect: Attendees can look forward to a diverse lineup of vendors including returning favorites like Bini’s Kitchen and new entrants such as De La Creamery. Unique collaborations, like vegan black tahini ice cream paired with chocolate chip cookies, promise to delight attendees.

With a focus on community engagement and culinary excellence, the San Francisco Street Food Festival is set to make a powerful return, revitalizing the local food scene and celebrating the rich cultural contributions of its diverse food entrepreneurs. Don’t miss out on this delicious event!