San Francisco’s Sunset Night Market in the Sunset District returned Friday after a year-long hiatus. The first Sunset Night Market of 2026 was also a celebration of the Lunar New Year, and many in the neighborhood joined in to welcome the year of the Fire Horse.

This night market, which was the first in what will be a series of night markets in the neighborhood during 2026, was hosted by Sunset Mercantile, Wah Mei, Asian Inc., and Into the Streets. Streets were blocked off to cars for the market, allowing people to walk up and down Irving Street from 20th to 25th streets. The market featured more than 75 retail and art vendors, as well as more than 35 food vendors.

“I think it’s amazing, I didn’t see anything like this last year, I think SF is definitely on the come up,” said San Francisco resident Hans Zhang.

Zhang said many of his family members are celebrating the Lunar New Year in China right now, so it felt fitting to celebrate at this event in San Francisco.

“It’s just great to be able to embrace my culture, come out, and eat delicious food with my friends too,” he said.

The event also featured DJs, musicians, magicians, lion dancers, and San Francisco Chef Martin Yan.

Yan was doing a cooking demo at the vent, preparing a chicken salad to welcome in the year of the Fire Horse.

“In terms of the economy, in terms of people, we are galloping ahead,” Yan said of the New Year.

Yan, who has lived in San Francisco for more than four decades, explained that he has watched night markets in San Francisco blossom during the post-pandemic years.

“When they first started the night market in San Francisco a few years ago, I was one of the first guests, and ever since, every year, anytime there’s a night market like this, I’m always here,” Yan continued, adding that this Lunar New Year celebration felt like a good way to ramp up the energy in San Francisco ahead of the city’s upcoming Lunar New Year parade next weekend.

Kelli Cabral had a booth at the night market, selling beaded handmade jewelry from her San Francisco business, Collective Luminaries.

Cabral said this market is a great way to connect with new customers and community members.

“It’s awesome, we love the music, the drumming that’s going on, the lion dancers, everybody’s having a great time,” she said.

Cabral made special Fire Horse key chains to sell just for this market.

Many peoplein the neighborhood walked to the night market to grab a bite to eat and to shop.

“The pro of having community like this far outweighs a little more traffic for me,” said Alex Balistreri, who lives nearby and was particularly excited to visit booths for local artisans.