Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and whether or not you have a boo, don’t stress. On Feb. 8, the Mission District’s signature V-Day event, Lovers Lane, returns to celebrate love for San Francisco and its creative community.
The free block party takes over Balmy Alley, plus 25th Street from Harrison to Treat, for a Saturday of performances, food, artist vendors, family-friendly activities, lowriders, wellness services like massage and other resources.
Lovers Lane was founded by artists Lucia Gonzalez Ippolito (whose work is currently featured in SOMArts’ Palestine solidarity show, From the River to the Bay) and Alfredo Uribe. Grounded in Chicano culture, the event uplifts the many diverse creatives and community activists of the Mission.
Performances on the main stage include danza azteca from Coyolxauqui SF; an oldies DJ set from Thee Homegirls of Soul; live hip-hop from Sin Fronteras Dreams, Diabbla and Afterthought and the Top Chefs; jazz and soul vocals by Lizzy Paris; live mariachi music from CMC Mariaci; son jarocho and Arabic folk music by Corazón de Cedro; and many more.
Artists Pancho Peskador, 357 Peps, Agana, Josue Rojas, B Fitz and Twick will paint live. And the kids zone offers plenty of activities for families, including a hip-hop bounce house, bubbles, live reptiles and face painting. Hungry party-goers, meanwhile, will have over a dozen food vendors to choose from, including Asúkar Palestinian Cuban Fusion, Cocina Nicaborriqua and Hyphy Iceez.
Lovers Lane takes over Balmy Alley and 25th Street between Harrison and Treat in San Francisco on Saturday, Feb. 8, from 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Details here.