SAN FRANCISCO — The Castro Night Market returns Friday, Sept. 18 with food vendors, neighborhood merchants and live entertainment — but the transportation changes begin six hours before the market opens.
The free market itself runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. around 18th and Castro streets. Castro Merchants says it is free and open to the public.
When does 18th Street close?
SFMTA says 18th Street between Hartford and Collingwood will close to traffic from 11 a.m. Friday until 1 a.m. Saturday. The Castro and 18th Street intersection remains open.
That means drivers should not use the 5 p.m. market opening as the start of the traffic impact. The closure is already in place through the afternoon.
What happens to the 33 Ashbury/18th Street?
The 33 Ashbury/18th Street reroutes from 11 a.m. through the end of service.
Inbound toward the Richmond, the 33 detours from 18th and Sanchez via Sanchez, 16th, Market, 17th and Eureka before returning to 18th. It misses the 18th Street stops at Noe, Castro and Eureka.
Outbound toward SF General, the route detours from 18th and Diamond via Diamond, Market, 16th and Sanchez. It misses the 18th Street stops at Castro, Noe and Sanchez.
SFMTA lists alternate boarding points around Market/Castro, Eureka/18th, Hattie/18th, Diamond/18th, Sanchez/18th and Church/18th depending on direction.
Are the 24 and 35 rerouted?
SFMTA says the 24 Divisadero and 35 Eureka are not planned for the same detour, but both may experience minor delays through the area.
Is the Castro Night Market free?
Yes. Castro Merchants describes the Sept. 18 event as free and open to the public. It is also described as a non-alcoholic event.
Should you drive?
The closure removes part of 18th Street from normal traffic for most of the day, and parking in the Castro is limited even without a night market. Muni or a short walk from Market Street is likely to be more predictable than trying to park beside the event footprint.
Source file