San Francisco Street Food Festival Returns After 5-Year Hiatus!

UPDATE: The highly anticipated San Francisco Street Food Festival is making a triumphant return this weekend after a five-year hiatus that saw the event sidelined by the pandemic. Kicking off on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. at China Basin Park, this festival is not only a comeback but also celebrates the 20th anniversary of La Cocina, the nonprofit culinary incubator reshaping the Bay Area’s food landscape.

This year’s festival promises to be an exciting two-day event, running through Sunday, November 9, with a lineup that includes over 25 La Cocina businesses serving diverse cuisines from Nepalese momos to Palestinian flatbreads. Live music, local artisans, and family-friendly activities will enhance the experience, making it a must-visit for food lovers.

La Cocina launched this festival back in 2009 as a platform for fledgling food entrepreneurs, and it quickly evolved into a beloved institution, attracting over 100,000 attendees at its peak. As Emiliana Puyana, La Cocina’s program director, shared, “At the time, there weren’t farmers markets every day of the week. Off the Grid wasn’t a thing.” The festival’s success helped ignite the food truck phenomenon in the city.

La Cocina has supported more than 50 chefs in becoming self-sufficient business owners since its inception in 2005. This year, the festival returns to its roots, focusing on a more community-oriented approach rather than the overwhelming crowds of previous years.

General admission tickets are priced at $14.14, with children under 12 entering for free. Food and drink purchases will be separate from vendor stalls, with small bites ranging from $6 to $12 and larger plates priced between $12 to $22.

The vendor lineup features familiar faces like Binita “Bini” Pradhan of Bini’s Kitchen, who has been part of every festival since 2012. New entrants include De La Creamery and the Colombian restaurant Pacifico. Unique collaborations, such as vegan black tahini ice cream paired with chocolate chip cookies, promise to delight attendees.

Why does this festival matter now? The return of the Street Food Festival comes at a crucial time for San Francisco’s culinary scene, which has been grappling with issues of affordability and diversity. La Cocina’s advocacy has been instrumental in shaping local food policies, making it easier for small-scale food entrepreneurs to thrive.

Getting to the festival is straightforward: China Basin Park is located at 1 China Basin Park, just across McCovey Cove from Oracle Park. Public transport options include the Muni T Third line, biking, or walking from nearby transit stations. Attendees are advised to arrive early, as seating is limited and first-come, first-served. Remember to dress comfortably and bring sunscreen, as shade is scarce!

The festival will proceed rain or shine, with strict entry policies for alcohol consumption. Attendees must be 21 or older to drink, and outside food, beverages, and pets are not permitted, although service animals are welcome.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the culinary talents of the Bay Area and support local businesses. The San Francisco Street Food Festival is back, and it promises to be a vibrant celebration of food, culture, and community!