Free Programming in Union Square Plaza
Schedule for January 30 – March 31, 2026
Park Programs
Thursday, February 5 – Saturday, February 7
Get ready to touch down in the heart of San Francisco! In addition to our regular programming schedule below, Union Square Park is transforming into the ultimate fan zone for Big Game week, made possible with support from Comcast.
11:00am – 2:00pm | Saturday, February 14
Ring in the Year of the Fire Horse with the grounding flow of a Tai Chi class, taught by 64 Movements at 11:00am, followed by the high-energy spectacle of Lion and Dragon Dances, performed by LionDanceME at 12:00pm. Cap it all off with a breathtaking Chinese Cultural Dance Performance by Helen Dance Academy at 1:00pm. In between shows, enjoy free mahjong lessons and a special drop-in crafts workshop led by local Bay Area artist Teo Octavia.
9:00am – 6:00pm | Open Daily
Sketching Lessons
4:00 – 6:00pm | Mondays
Join City Studio’s roster of artist/educators once again on Monday afternoons starting February 2 for sketch classes in Union Square. Artists will use a wide range of materials and cycle through figure drawing, architectural drawings, botanical illustrations and more! This time around we will have two different projects going each week! Artist/educators are graduates or students from California College of the Arts and the University of San Francisco. Click here for class schedule.
4:00 – 6:00pm | Tuesdays
Turn your Tuesday into a celebration of music and joy as the vibrant sounds of blues and jazz music fill the Square! Curated by Jazz in the Neighborhood and Biscuits and Blues on a rotating basis. Click here for class schedule.
5:30 – 6:30pm | Wednesdays
Get ready to move, groove, and feel amazing at this free outdoor fitness class led by Rae Studios! Break a sweat and meet a new community at this rotating class. All participants should RSVP at www.raestudios-sf.com/union-square or be prepared to sign a waiver onsite each week. Click here for class schedule.
11:30am – 1:30pm | Thursdays
Bring your lunch for an alfresco escape and tap your toes to local indie and singer-songwriters. Curated by Trixie Rasputin Presents.
Chess Lessons and Social
11:30am – 1:30pm | Fridays
Come learn to play chess, hone your strategy, or meet new opponents during weekly programs led by the Mechanics’ Institute. Located at the Reading and Chess Pavilion in the southeast corner of the park.
Juggling Lessons
11:30am – 1:30pm | Saturdays
Test your dexterity and meet the talented jugglers of Circus Bella! Join in for a quick lesson, stay the whole time, or just enjoy watching others put their skills to the test. All skill levels are welcome and beginner equipment (scarves and balls) will be provided.
Second Saturdays ‘Round the World
11:00am – 2:00pm | February 14, March 14
Experience the many cultural traditions represented in San Francisco through a day of themed music, dance performance, and crafts. Check back for more info on upcoming months’ themes.
Mahjong & Mixer
3:00 – 6:00pm | Sundays
Unwind with a sophisticated afternoon of strategy and community at these free mahjong lessons and social hour sessions led by local enthusiast Andrew Wheeler. Come for the tiles, and stay for the smiles!
Program schedule is subject to change. Follow @unionsquaresf on social media for the latest info.
Free Programming is made possible by a grant from the Office of Mayor Daniel Lurie and the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development to Biederman Redevelopment Ventures, in cooperation with San Francisco Recreation and Parks and support from the Union Square Alliance.
Note: Union Square Alliance is not directly managing these events. For questions and comments, please contact [email protected].