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Union Street Music Festival: San Francisco’s Summer Kick-Off

San Francisco’s progressive attitude, natural beauty, and cutting edge culinary scene have helped the city to become one of the most popular destinations in America with more than 25 million people visiting in 2016. From taking in the views of San Francisco Bay to shopping in Union Square, the city has something to offer everyone. No trip would be complete without visiting world famous sites like Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, and Fisherman's Wharf.

 

The Union Street Music Festival has served as San Francisco's Summer kick-off event for more than four decades, and will take place June 3-4 on Union Avenue. It’s one of the largest music festivals in the city, attracting more than 60,000 people annually. It’s a family-friendly event and will feature musicians representing Blues, Jazz, Country, as well as the local scene. Guests over 21 can enjoy beer or wine, and everyone will have access to a bevy of other refreshments. Those in search of meals and treats can buy foods from some of the city's top food vendors. A portion of the event's proceeds go toward a variety of local schools, helping them further the education of students through different projects and programs. We got the chance to interview Marly Goldblatt, a representative of the event to learn about this great all-ages music event.

 

RAL: How long has the event been running?

MG: The Union Street Music Festival is entering its 41st year

 

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?

MG: In past years, the event has averaged about 60,000 over the two days.

 

RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?

MG: During the morning there are a lot of families with kids, and in the afternoon it turns to adult couples and groups of friends ranging in age from 25 to 50 years old.

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?

MG: It has always been known as the festival that kicks off the local summer events, and this year we are featuring four entertainment areas: Blues, Jazz, Country, and Local.

 

RAL: Take me through a day at the event.

MG: Show up, get a beer or glass of wine, listen to some music, eat some tasty festival foods, enjoy some unique sponsors and buy some art

 

RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?

MG: We may have some local comedians emcee the entertainment areas

 

RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?

MG: There are various food vendors at the event (please check the website) and also some iconic San Francisco Restaurants, like Perry’s, on the street

 

RAL: What is the environment like?

MG: Our event covers five blocks of Union Street between Gough and Fillmore. It’s a free festival, with something to offer every music lover. The atmosphere is fun, vibrant, and welcoming.

 

RAL: Is there maybe one place in particular that guests have been flocking to since the event started?

MG: Hotel Del Sol has been around for years and is a unique place, two blocks from the event site.

 

RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?

MG: Absolutely, the presenter and main beneficiary of the festival is the Union Street Association, which is a nonprofit group of businesses in the Union Street area

 

RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community?

MG: Yes, the Association works to help support different schools in the community

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

MG: Our event is located in one of the most beautiful places in the United States, and the street itself is very unique. We have had people tell us they met at the event 20 years ago and are now coming back, married, with their kids.

 

For more information about the Union Street Music Festival, please visit the event website.