Bay Area Celebrates Bhangra And Beats Night Market

One of the most anticipated summer traditions returned to the Bay Area on July 24, as the Bhangra and Beats Night Market brought thousands of residents and visitors together for an evening celebrating South Asian culture, local businesses, and downtown San Francisco.

Residents and visitors celebrate fSouth Asian culture at Bhangra and Beats in downtown San Francisco (image credit: Sobhan Hassanvand, California Local News Fellow at India Currents)

For the first time, Bhangra & Beats Night Market took over Yerba Buena Gardens alongside Jessie Square and Yerba Buena Lane, with an electric, all-ages night market in one of the city’s most celebrated arts and cultural districts.

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome thousands of people into the heart of downtown for an evening of music, dancing, and cultural celebration,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “Events like this activate our public spaces, support our small businesses, and bring the energy that is transforming downtown into a 24/7 neighborhood.” 

People gather in the heart of downtown San Francisco for the Bhangra and Beats Night (image credit: Sobhan Hassanvand, California Local News Fellow at India Currents)

As the Bay Area’s largest outdoor celebration dedicated to South Asian culture, Bhangra & Beats has become a joyful gathering place where tradition and contemporary culture come together. Every event brings families, friends, and neighbors together to celebrate through music, food, fashion, and shared cultural experiences.

“Bhangra & Beats has become a joyful gathering point for the South Asian diaspora and the entire Bay Area,” said Into The Streets CEO and Founder Katy Birnbaum. “Moving to Yerba Buena Gardens opens up an incredible new canvas for the event while bringing thousands of people into one of downtown’s most important cultural districts.”

Dancers performing at at Bhangra and Beats i(image credit: Sobhan Hassanvand, California Local News Fellow at India Currents)

The immersive evening included live music, Bhangra dancing, DJs, cultural performances, food vendors, shopping, family-friendly activities, and its signature high-energy atmosphere.

The Main Stage at Yerba Buena Gardens came alive with Non-Stop Bhangra featuring DJs Rav-E Sandhu, Nix Bhachu and DJ GT, live dhol drummers Ashi Dholi and Gulshan Dholi, and energetic performances and dance lessons from Dholrhythms Dance Company. On the Jessie Square Stage, rising Bay Area duo Lychy Jelly delivered an electrifying blend of house, bass, pop and Desi anthems.

Dhol drummers Ashi Dholi and Gulshan Dholi (image credit: Sobhan Hassanvand, California Local News Fellow at India Currents)

A vibrant, multicultural bazaar featured over 40 local vendors, interactive booths, and community organizations, with an emphasis on celebrating Indian and South Asian small businesses, including: Bini’s Kitchen, Cookie Chachi, Curry Up Now, GappeShappe, Koolfi Creamery, Lahore Di Khushboo, Le Mils Coffee, Momolicious, New Delhi Restaurant, Wahjeewah, BeautySutra by Shikha, CHINMIRA, Itra Fashan, Jaipur Blues, Kalpo Udaan, Kinara Couture, Murgabi, Ravayat, and The Didi Jewelry Project. 

“Bhangra & Beats Night Market is a great example of cultural events supporting local businesses and creating vibrant public experiences for everyone to enjoy,” said Anne Taupier, Executive Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “Events like this create a lively atmosphere in neighborhoods and bring opportunities for local restaurants, artists, vendors, and small businesses to connect with the community. We’re excited to welcome thousands of locals and visitors into our city’s arts and culture hub at Yerba Buena for this incredible celebration of South Asian culture.”

Locals and visitors enjoy a performance at Bhangra and Beats (image credit: Sobhan Hassanvand, California Local News Fellow at India Currents)

The celebration is anchored by Non Stop Bhangra. “Yerba Buena Gardens has long celebrated world music and culture, and we’re grateful to be part of that celebration—bringing Punjabi music and Indian culture to one of downtown’s most iconic arts destinations. It feels like a natural home for what the event has grown into—open, vibrant, and rooted in community,” said Non Stop Bhangra Co-Founder Vicki Virk. 

This is the first of two Bhangra & Beats Night Markets taking place in 2026. The series concludes with San Francisco’s Official Diwali Celebration on November 13.

People celebrate Punjabi music and Indian culture at Yerba Buena Gardens in downtown San Francisco (image credit: Sobhan Hassanvand, California Local News Fellow at India Currents)

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