This Week's Top Stories

construction

Broadway Tunnel Now Operating at Half Capacity as 14-Month Chinatown Construction Push Begins

A $76 million seismic upgrade to the Chinatown Public Health Center has kicked off a 14-month partial closure of the Broadway Tunnel that will reshape commutes between Russian Hill, North Beach, and Chinatown.

San Francisco Public Works launched its long-anticipated Broadway Tunnel construction project this week, beginning with a full 24-hour closure on Sunday, August 16, before shifting to a sustained partial closure that transportation officials say will last approximately 14 months. The project is tied to seismic upgrades at the Chinatown Public Health Center at 1490 Mason Street, a building whose structural supports connect directly to the tunnel's eastern entrance.

hotels

The Huntington Hotel's Return Puts Two Storied Nob Hill Landmarks Back in Business

After reopening in March following a six-year closure and a top-to-bottom renovation, the Huntington Hotel has reclaimed its perch atop Nob Hill — just as the InterContinental Mark Hopkins prepares to mark its 100th anniversary in December.

Nob Hill is experiencing a rare double milestone in 2026: two of its most celebrated hotels are either back or celebrating a centennial. The Huntington Hotel — which shuttered in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic — officially reopened in March after an extensive renovation led by designer Ken Fulk and a new ownership group spearheaded by real estate developer Greg Flynn.

Chinatown

Chinatown Night Market Named #1 in the Country — Next Edition September 11

BeChinatown's monthly Grant Avenue street festival, recently voted the nation's top night market for the second consecutive year, continues through October with its next free event on September 11.

The Chinatown Night Market, a monthly street festival organized by BeChinatown San Francisco and the Civic Joy Fund, has been voted the #1 night market in the country for the second year in a row, according to Funcheap SF. The free event takes over Grant Avenue — from California Street to Pacific Street — on the second Friday of every month from May through October, running 5 to 9 p.m. With the August 14 installment just passed, the next date is Friday, September 11.

Upcoming Events

Through August 20

RESONANCE: Bill Fontana Sound Installation at Grace Cathedral

📍 Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St, Nob Hill · Various times

Ongoing

Chinatown Night Market

📍 Grant Ave. (California to Pacific), Chinatown · 5:00 PM–9:00 PM

Through August 16

"Ties vs. High Heels" — Great Star Theater

📍 Great Star Theater, 636 Jackson St, Chinatown · Various times

Sunday, August 30

Chinatown Free Sunday Family Block Party w/ Lion Dance

📍 Grant Ave. (1 block), Chinatown · 11:30 AM–2:30 PM

Saturday, September 19

Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival 2026

📍 Grant Ave. (California to Broadway), Chinatown · 11:00 AM–5:00 PM

More from the Neighborhood

Portsmouth Square's 'Bridge to Nowhere' Is Gone — Kearny Street Reopened

The 300-foot concrete-and-steel Kearny Street pedestrian bridge that connected Portsmouth Square to the Hilton Chinatown hotel was demolished in early August, completing a key early phase of the $73 million Portsmouth Square…

Bageletto Opens on Polk Street, Filling Russian Hill's Bagel Gap

Bageletto, a popular Mission District bagel shop that opened in 2025, has expanded to Russian Hill, taking over a former Peet's Coffee location on Polk Street between Broadway and Vallejo.

Chinatown's Three Big Construction Projects: What to Know This Week

Three simultaneous projects totaling $150 million are reshaping Chinatown's infrastructure. The Portsmouth Square renovation (est. completion mid-2028) has closed the 1.3-acre park for reconstruction including a new community clubhouse, playground, and adult…