San Francisco’s iconic Ferry Building is transforming from a daytime farmers market into a vibrant evening destination. Once known for its bustling lunch crowds and midday shopping, the historic space is now strategically reimagining its nighttime appeal.

With the return of office workers and a renewed urban energy, businesses inside the Ferry Building are experimenting with extended hours. Humphry Slocombe ice cream has seen a 50% sales increase during its late-night hours, proving that San Franciscans are hungry for evening experiences.

Hudson Pacific Properties, the building’s management, is actively encouraging tenants to stay open later. New restaurants like Lucania and Arquet are planning dinner services, while existing spots like Blue Bottle and Gott’s Roadside are already extending their hours to capture the post-work crowd.

The strategy isn’t just about keeping shops open longer. Management is introducing evening programming like workout classes, mahjong meetups, and live music events. The social club Shack15 is even hosting DJ nights that keep the energy high until 11 p.m.

Entrepreneurs like Fort Point Brewing’s Justin Catalana are excited about the shift, noting that the city feels more alive. They’re creating unique experiences like outdoor movie screenings to draw people in after sunset.

While challenges remain - many shops still close early and some businesses are hesitant to commit additional staffing - there’s a collective sense of momentum. The Ferry Building is proving that San Francisco can be more than just a daytime city, offering compelling reasons for locals and tourists to explore its spaces well into the evening.

As Clay Walker from Gott’s Roadside put it, “We don’t need to put on our pajamas at 8 p.m. That’s a little bit of a cop-out”.