Local organizations co-host “Sunset After Dark” on September 26 filling in for Sunset Night Market

SAN FRANCISCO — This year District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio would not organize Sunset Night Market in the upcoming September as previous two years, another similar night event, Sunset After Dark, is being planned by local community members to be held on September 26. Interested vendors are encouraged to submit their applications.

The Sunset After Dark will be held from 5pm to 9pm on September 26, Friday evening. The venue would be the 3-block of Irving Street between 20th and 23th Avenues. The planning and outreach of the night festival is still currently underway.

Since Engardio was elected in November 2022, Sunset Night Market was held in September 2023 and 2024. Due to the political climate and the recall election on September 16, Engardio has announced that he would not organize any Sunset Night Market to be held in 2025.

The 2024 Sunset Night Market was extended to 7 blocks of Irving Street between 19th to 26th Avenues. Engardio wrote in his latest newsletter that the Sunset After Dark night event would be held on Irving Street on September 26.

"The gigantic Sunset Night Market is not returning this fall, but merchants on Irving Street are working on plans for a three-block version called Sunset After Dark. This is a community-led effort by residents, merchants, and community partners who loved the night market and wanted to make sure the Sunset didn’t miss a year," Engardio stated in his newsletter.

The hosts of the Sunset After Dark event include Smokin' D's BBQ, the Outer Sunset Merchant and Professional Association, Dear Community, and Sunset Youth Services.

"The community-driven event will celebrate the heart and soul of the Sunset with local food, music, culture, and art. My office is fully supportive and I’m thrilled the community is coming together to organize a wonderful evening in the Sunset," Engardio wrote.

Rob Aiavao, who is a board member of the Dear Community and serves as a spokesperson of the Sunset After Dark festival, welcomed any interested vendors to apply. "We’re still working through the final number of vendors, but are definitely encouraging people to apply online," said Aiavao.

Aiavao said Sunset After Dark is a new community-powered event organized by Dear Community and Smokin D’s BBQ, with support from local merchants, parent-teacher associations, and neighborhood residents. "This vibrant street festival will transform three blocks of Irving Street into a family-friendly celebration of food, culture, small business, and the incredible people who make the Sunset special."

"Born out of a desire to bring neighbors together and support the local economy, Sunset After Dark is an entirely grassroots effort," Aiavao added. "This event is fully driven by Sunset residents, merchants, and school partners with decision-making rooted in neighborhood priorities."

While the original Sunset Night Market is on pause in 2025, Aiavao said the Sunset After Dark would provide a fresh opportunity for the community to reimagine what a shared public celebration can be.

"Our team is focused on putting on a community event that reflects the values and spirit of the Sunset. We’re working to ensure that it’s truly rooted in local voices, organized by and for the neighborhood, with a focus on connection, celebration, and support for small businesses and schools," Aiavao said.

The funds for the Sunset After Dark are from community donors and close coordination with Irving Street businesses and civic groups.