
Imagining a Hayes Street for people

Show your support for a permanently pedestrianized Hayes Street
We urge every San Franciscan who envisions a future where streets are for every resident's enjoyment, to show your support. Sign the petition to make Hayes Street permanently car-free. You can also tag photos and comments with #HayesPromenade on the platform of your choice.

Haye who's ready for a cleanup! Join the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, the Civic Joy Fund, SF Public Works, Refuse Refuse, Shine On and TogetherSF for a friendly neighborhood cleanup, every Saturday!
Volunteers will meet at Gambit Lounge (581 Hayes St) to clean from 10am to 11am, then enjoy snacks and each other's company. Then receive a voucher for freebies and discounts at local merchants.
To sign up visit: https://www.mobilize.us/togethersf/event/413069/
SF/Marin Food Bank is held on Friday mornings, from about 8:30 until 1pm.
Location: Bethel AME Church on Golden Gate at Laguna.
In Barcelona’s L'Eixample district, Carrer del Consell de Cent recently transformed from a 2 and 3-lane street to a single-lane pedestrianized space, known as a “living street”.
This case study documents that transformation through photos at 5 locations, over time.
On September 16th, the Market & Octavia Community Advisory Committee unanimously passed a resolution urging the SFMTA to Pedestrianize Hayes Promenade.
In the News
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Stretch of Hayes Street stays car-free after SFMTA vote
By James Salazar, San Francisco Examiner, November 20, 2024. Image credit Craig Lee.
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SFMTA keeps Hayes Street car-free for another year with a catch
By James Salazar, San Francisco Examiner, November 8, 2024. Image credit Craig Lee.
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San Francisco Wants To Cut Back Car-Free Hayes Street
By Garrett Leahy, San Francisco Standard,
October 12, 2023. Image credit Camille Cohen. -
SFMTA wants Hayes St. closure reduced to once-a-week, advocates fume
By Greg Wong, San Francisco Examiner, October 11, 2023. Image credit Olivia Wise.
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City Staff Still Gunning for Hayes Valley Open Street
By Roger Rudick, Streetsblog, October 11, 2023. Image credit Roger Rudick.
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Advocates move to permanently make Hayes Street car-free
By Greg Wong, San Francisco Examiner, September 25, 2023. Image credit Craig Lee.
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SFMTA reverses course, keeps Hayes Street car-free (for now)
By Greg Wong, San Francisco Examiner, July 26, 2023. Image credit Craig Lee.
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Car-Free Hayes Street To Continue for Now as San Francisco Walks Back Reopening Plan
By Garrett Leahy, San Francisco Standard,
July 25, 2023. Image credit Camille Cohen. -
S.F. backs off plan to reopen Hayes Valley block to cars on weekends
By J.D. Morris, San Francisco Chronicle, July 25, 2023. Image credit Salgu Wissmath.
Background

The 400 block of Hayes Street is approximately 14,766 square feet, to put that into perspective, neighboring Proxy occupies 11,430 square feet. Imagine how much we could do with that one block of Hayes.

Cities worldwide are prioritizing people, pedestrian safety, and sustainability. Barcelona’s superblocks, Paris’ low-traffic zones, and Copenhagen’s vast bike network should inspire us all to demand more here in San Francisco. We have a golden opportunity to re-envision the role of our streets. Hayes Street is not just a thoroughfare but a vibrant stretch of community space. A pedestrianized Hayes Street would provide a beautiful avenue for sitting, eating, and walking. It would foster a community-centric atmosphere where people, especially families, the elderly, and children can play and bike freely.

At the start of the pandemic, our neighborhood came together to make Hayes Street car-free on Friday evenings and weekends. This experiment opened up new space for people and businesses to congregate safely. It’s time to imagine something even better, and more permanent.
No dancing experience required!
We'll do some fun and easy dances and teach you all the moves.
Taught by Joel & Sean from Lower Haight Line Dancing.
No dancing experience required!
We'll do some fun and easy dances and teach you all the moves.
Taught by Joel & Sean from Lower Haight Line Dancing.
Save the date! The Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association’s first community meeting of 2025 will feature our new Supervisor, Bilal Mahmood.
For more information, and to submit questions in advance, visit: https://hayesvalleysf.org/calendar/?event_id1=9032
Come enjoy a night market highlighting local Hayes Valley artisans, and feature electrifying live music, interactive exhibits, family-friendly lawn games and more! Local eateries will have discounted food and drink.
In partnership with the Hayes Valley Merchants Council, Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, and PROXY, produced by Into The Streets, and sponsored by Rivian.
Discover another San Francisco, a city that went bonkers for opera (sung in saloons!) in the 1800s, nurtured a ballet company known for its classical and contemporary skills, and most recently didn’t listen to reports of jazz being dead and built a world recognized jazz center. Hear how this happened and be in on the next generation of musicians, dancers, and actors.
To sign up visit: https://sfcityguides.org/tour/applause-sfs-performing-arts-hub/
On Saturday, January 4th, some neighbors brought lawn games out for kids in the morning. Some other neighbors ran a foursquare event in the afternoon. More great examples of community-driven activation of Hayes Promenade.
On Saturday, December 7th, some neighbors organized a four square event and chalk art on Hayes Street. This was an organic community-organized event, love to see it!
Kick off the holidays with the Hayes Valley Holiday Stroll, a neighborhood tradition for 34 years! Stroll around the neighborhood surrounded by music, holiday lights, and decorated windows. Visit the shops for in-store activities, wine & treats, and special promotions.
Pet Parade & Trick-or-Treat trail, October 26, 2024. In partnership with Hayes Valley Art Works, Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, Hayes Valley Merchants Council, PROXY, and Into The Streets. Featuring live music from DrClock.
Come by Hayes Promenade for live music and free family-friendly activities! Saturdays In The City is a great way to enjoy yourself in different neighborhoods across San Francisco with friends and family while supporting local businesses and community.
Featuring DJ Ron spinning, juggling and kid’s entertainment, and live music and kid’s music workshop with Aguacero (Puerto Rican Bomba Music and dance). Produced by Into The Streets, with support from the Community Ambassadors Program.
Come by Hayes Promenade for live music and free family-friendly activities! Saturdays In The City is a great way to enjoy yourself in different neighborhoods across San Francisco with friends and family while supporting local businesses and community.
Featuring Istanbul Connection and DJ El Chino. Produced by Into The Streets, with support from the Community Ambassadors Program.
Come by Hayes Promenade for live music and free family-friendly activities! Saturdays In The City is a great way to enjoy yourself in different neighborhoods across San Francisco with friends and family while supporting local businesses and community.
Featuring MJ’s Brass Boppers and DJ Ron. Produced by Into The Streets, with support from the Community Ambassadors Program.
Explore art in the heart of Hayes Valley — with live music, local artists, and activities for all ages!
In partnership with SF Arts Commission, SF Office of Small Business, Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, Hayes Valley Art Works, and Hayes Valley Merchants Council.
Come ONE Come ALL to the 113th Anniversary of the Hayes Valley Carnival! Experience the mesmerizing magic of "WOW!" byCircus Bella and Preshow performances by the Stars of Prescott Circus Theatre from 1 PM and 3 PM,a captivating blend of circus enchantment and madcap mayhem. Circus Bella offers a modern twist on a one-ring circus overflowing with heart and soul.
For more information visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hayes-valley-carnival-tickets-945105184047
Come by Hayes Promenade for live music and free family-friendly activities! This is our inaugural Saturdays In The City — a great way to enjoy yourself in different neighborhoods across San Francisco with friends and family while supporting local businesses and community.
Featuring Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers. Produced by Into The Streets.
Explore art in the heart of Hayes Valley — with live music, local artists, and activities for all ages!
In partnership with SF Arts Commission, SF Office of Small Business, Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, Hayes Valley Art Works, and Hayes Valley Merchants Council.
Enjoy some free live music on the street in support of Hayes Promenade! Check the schedule to see who is playing each weekend.