Pop-Up Town Squares

Pop-Up Town Squares turn underused spaces like parking lots, alleys, and city streets into welcoming neighborhood gathering spaces. Using plenty of greenery, art, seating, and live music, we’re building spaces for communities to flourish

The goal is simple: to test out new ideas for San Francisco’s streets that bolster merchant corridors and build more connected communities.

Pop-up Town Squares are designed as pilot projects. They offer a chance to experience a greener public realm, and a more connected community.

By trying things out, getting feedback, and making changes along the way, we can work with neighbors to shape a space that reflects what their neighborhood wants and needs.

Some Pop-up Town Squares are paired with existing events like night markets, street fairs, and festivals, when neighbors are already out and about. It’s a chance to imagine what these spaces could become long-term, while enjoying them together in the midst of our communities. 

A Green Streets project

Green Streets is an emerging initiative of the Civic Joy Fund that reimagines underutilized public spaces. This growing network of experimental green spaces connects San Franciscans to their neighborhood villages, and to each other.