• New pop-ups now open!

    We’re excited to welcome elaichi co., ZastaStudio, and Charmed in SF to the Vacant to Vibrant program!

    Check them out

  • Do you have an idea for a pop-up?

    Vacant to Vibrant supports small businesses, artists, and cultural organizations to activate previously vacant storefronts in downtown San Francisco.

    Learn more

  • In the News

    Our small businesses are making headlines—check out the latest buzz on Vacant to Vibrant!

    Read more

What is Vacant to Vibrant?

Vacant to Vibrant is a program by SF New Deal and the City of San Francisco. We help small businesses collaborate with local property owners to create engaging pop-up experiences and community spaces in downtown San Francisco.

Our team handles everything from managing pop-up permitting to securing city funding so it’s easy for locals to participate in turning vacant storefronts into vibrant gathering places – and help re-energize the neighborhood.

Drag the arrow from left to right to see the before and after transformations of Vacant to Vibrant storefronts.

How does it work?

Envision

Share your vision with us and be part of building a vibrant, new downtown from the ground up.

Property Owners Apply Here

Transform

Test out new concepts in your vacant storefront and help reimagine downtown San Francisco.

Small Businesses Apply Here

Activate

New pop-ups are bringing new energy to Downtown SF and Union Square!

Check Out the Pop-ups

Visit the Pop-ups

Discover pop-up food, shops, entertainment, and experiences!

We partner with new businesses and pop-ups every month so check back frequently or save this map for instant access.

NEW POP-UP

Save to your Google Maps

Change You Can See, With Lasting Impact

43


Pop-ups launched
in downtown SF

32


Vacant storefronts
transformed into vibrant
businesses

57%


of businesses signed long-
term leases and found
a new home downtown.

Meet the Activators

Upcoming events

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FEBRUARY

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FEBRUARY

6

Wednesday

4pm – 6pm

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We love to see it! ☺️ Our impact downtown isn’t going unnoticed—Sacramento might be eyeing an approach similar to ours. Excited to see programs like Vacant to Vibrant in cities beyond San Francisco! 🙌 Read more at vibrantsf.org/press (
The countdown to the @officialelaichico’s Vacant to Vibrant pop-up is nearly over and San Francisco’s first chai cafe is finally here! ☕️Come celebrate with us at their grand opening party on Saturday, May 2nd with some free chai, music,
From the original Haight location to London and New York Fashion Week, @zastastudio now joins Vacant to Vibrant with its own pop-up in the historic Palace Hotel on Market Street.🕺🏻 Join the grand opening celebrations next Friday, May 1 and check o
“Joining Vacant to Vibrant feels especially meaningful because we share a similar belief in transformation — turning what might otherwise be overlooked or forgotten into something purposeful, beautiful and full of new life.” - Zasta
Early-2000s nostalgia with a modern, community-focused approach to accessories, gifting, and self expression—@charmedinsf joins our Vacant to Vibrant program with its first-ever storefront opening this Friday, April 10! ✨ Create your own vinta
Psst…we’re the secret. The secret is us. 🤫 “San Francisco’s Vacant to Vibrant program has helped revitalize downtown by offering free rent, grants and mentoring to small businesses opening pop-up shops.” As we near o
All in on chai! ☕️ The good news keeps on coming—@officialelaichico is now part of Vacant to Vibrant! ✨ Berkeley-based Elaichi Co., a chai-centered cafe known for tea-forward blends and community energy, is coming to downtown San Francisco. Fo
Three years ago, @gcs_agency opened their first Vacant to Vibrant pop-up with us—that original location has since signed a multi-year lease transitioning from pop-up to permanent. ✨ With more love to give to SF, GCS is now popping up in Union
I scream. You scream. We all scream for ice cream! 🍦 @pollyann.sf is officially opening downtown! Join us for the grand opening next Friday, March 13, and find a new favorite among their 50+ flavors, including brigadeiro, durian, and matcha. To ce
Welcome to Downtown Diaries with Vacant to Vibrant!📓 A place to capture the small moments from our small businesses that share the vibrancy, community, and connection happening in everyday moments downtown. ✨ The setting for our first entry brings
ICYMI: A Vacant to Vibrant news roundup! 🤠 ⭐ Legacy Sunset business @pollyann.sf is expanding downtown—we can’t wait! (@sfstandard) ⭐ @alpastorpapi415, @rosalindbakery, @papersoncoffee and @devilsteeth = recommended stops for a perfect
New year, new job opening! 🕺 We’re kicking off 2026 with a new role @sfnewdeal! We’re looking for a Program Manager to join the team behind Vacant to Vibrant. Join us and help lead the conversation about downtown revitalization and the