San Francisco Street Food Festival Returns THIS WEEKEND After 5 Years!

UPDATE: The highly anticipated San Francisco Street Food Festival is set to return THIS WEEKEND after a five-year hiatus caused by the pandemic! Kicking off on November 8, 2025, at China Basin Park, this beloved event marks not only its return but also the 20th anniversary of La Cocina, the nonprofit that has transformed the city’s food landscape.

The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, right across from Oracle Park. With over 25 La Cocina businesses showcasing diverse cuisines—from Nepalese momos to Palestinian flatbreads—this festival is poised to be a significant celebration of food and community!

The return of the festival comes as a much-needed boost for San Francisco’s culinary scene, which has faced substantial challenges in recent years. La Cocina originally launched this festival in 2009 to support emerging food entrepreneurs, and it quickly grew into one of the city’s most popular events, attracting upwards of 100,000 attendees at its peak.

“It’s like what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas; if you’re born in La Cocina you are always La Cocina,” said Binita “Bini” Pradhan of Bini’s Kitchen, who has participated in every festival since joining La Cocina in 2012.

This year’s festival seeks to return to its roots with a more community-focused vibe, moving to a more intimate setting at China Basin Park. General admission tickets are priced at $14.14, while children under 12 can enter for free. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, with small bites ranging from $6 to $12 and larger plates costing between $12 to $22.

Organizers expect a diverse lineup of vendors, including veterans and rising stars, such as De La Creamery and Pacifico, who will be collaborating to offer unique dishes like vegan black tahini ice cream.

Why does this festival matter right now? The return is crucial as it reflects a broader shift in San Francisco’s food policy, advocating for small-scale food entrepreneurs facing systemic barriers. La Cocina has directly supported nearly 100 businesses, particularly focusing on women, immigrants, and people of color.

As the city grapples with affordability and diversity challenges, the festival serves as a beacon of hope and resilience, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the Bay Area while promoting economic empowerment.

Getting to China Basin Park is easy; it’s accessible via the Muni T Third line, biking, or walking from Caltrain. Limited paid parking is available nearby, but attendees are encouraged to arrive early due to first-come, first-served seating.

Prepare for a fantastic weekend filled with food, music, and community spirit! The festival will occur rain or shine, and attendees must be 21 or older with valid ID to consume alcohol. No outside food, drinks, or pets are allowed, except for certified service animals.

Don’t miss the chance to experience the vibrant flavors and cultural richness that the San Francisco Street Food Festival promises to deliver! Share this news now and get ready to feast!