SAN FRANCISCO — Yerba Buena Gardens becomes a free outdoor dance studio Sunday for YBG Dance Day, a six-hour program built around participatory classes and afternoon performances.
The event is presented by Yerba Buena Gardens Festival and Rhythm & Motion. Organizers say it is open to complete beginners as well as experienced dancers, and people can stay for one class or spend the full day on the Great Lawn.
What time is YBG Dance Day?
YBG Dance Day runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11.
Rhythm & Motion’s current schedule gives a more useful breakdown: classes run from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by performances from 2 to 3:30 p.m.. That leaves a short transition between the participatory and performance portions of the day.
What kinds of dance classes are included?
The organizers say the day spans multiple styles rather than one continuous class. Current program material names Rhythm & Motion Dance Workout, bachata, jazz funk and soul line dance among the offerings.
Classes are designed as one-hour sessions. The festival’s guidance is simple: wear comfortable shoes, bring water and come with enough flexibility to join at your own level.
Is YBG Dance Day free?
Yes. Yerba Buena Gardens Festival lists the event as free and offers a free RSVP. The event description says everyone is welcome.
What are the afternoon performances?
This year’s Dance Day also honors Rhythm & Motion founder Consuelo Faust, who died in 2025. Rhythm & Motion says the afternoon performance block celebrates her belief that anyone can dance and that dance can bring people together.
The organization lists artists and choreographers including Carola Zertuche, Jill Parker, Elizabeth Soberanes, Tania Santiago, Amy Siewert and MJ’s Brass Boppers among the performance participants.
Where exactly is the event?
The program is on the Great Lawn at Yerba Buena Gardens, on Mission Street between Third and Fourth streets.
The T Third’s Yerba Buena/Moscone Station is the closest Muni Metro stop. Powell Street BART is also within walking distance for people coming from elsewhere in the Bay Area.
What should you bring?
The organizers recommend comfortable shoes and a water bottle. If you plan to stay into the performance block, a light picnic setup can make sense, but keep the lawn open for classes and follow event staff directions about where spectators should settle.