Y for Youth Community Festival celebrates the power and potential of young people and raises critical funds to grow and sustain our Bay Area youth programs.  

Saturday May 11th, 2024, Crane Cove Park, situated in the Dogpatch Neighborhood in San Francisco, 18th @Illinois St, San Francisco, CA 94107

Open to the public 12PM – 9PM 

Crane Cove Park is a 7-acre urban park located on the San Francisco waterfront with a rocky beach, green space, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and walking paths. Together with our community and partnerships, the Y of San Francisco is investing in a new facility that re-envisions Building 49 in the Dogpatch at Crane Cove.  

Historically, Y for Youth has been a traditional luncheon or banquet tailored to a few hundred donors and sponsors. This year, we are breaking the mold and throwing a celebration grounded in community, filled with food, activities, and entertainment for people of all ages. We'll also be honoring Golden State Warriors Champion Festus Ezeli, who will receive the prestigious Charles M. Collins Youth Impact Award in recognition of his commitment to Bay Area youth, mirroring the dedication of our former CEO Chuck Collins. We will also have a chance for those who feel inspired to make a 100% tax deductible donation to the support the YMCA of San Francisco youth programs & services.

All ages are welcome! General Admission to the festival is free! You can register your party online beforehand for a chance to win a prize. There's also a VIP Experience available for purchase. 

Live Music & Peformances  (Local Bands include Octopretzel, Alaphabet Rockers, Bayonics, & Con Brio) 

Performances by Marin Y Hawaiian Dance Group, Japanese Taiko by Drum Revolution, Filipino Tinkling by Barangay, Chinese Lion Dancers by My Yang  

Family Dance  (Hip Hop & Latin Dance)

Booths showcasing the YMCA of San Francisco programs & collaborations with our external partners  

Art Exhibit displaying local youth artwork  

Face Painting 

Balloon Animals  

Local Food Trucks  

Soccer Demonstrations & Play  

Paddleboard Rentals 

Lawn Games (Corn Hole, Giant Jenga, Giant Connect Four, Ladder Toss, and others) 

Please note, swimming in not allowed, wading in designated areas is okay but it’s important to keep 300 feet from piers and vessels   
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The VIP Experience offers exclusive perks like a covered tent with seating, private restrooms, complimentary food and drinks, special Y for Youth program access, an exclusive gift, a meet and greet, and premium reserved seating for the headliners. 

San Francisco weather can be a bit of a wildcard, so come prepared for anything! We're hoping for sunshine, but it's a good idea to wear layers. Our foggy friend Karl sometimes likes to join the party, so bring a jacket or windbreaker just in case. This is a family-friendly event, with lots of activities, dancing and games so comfort and casual attire are perfect. Note: This event is set for rain or shine!  

Yourself, your friends, family, and anyone in between!  

Identification – while admission is free, you will need proof of age if purchasing alcohol   

Cash or Credit Card – there will be food, drinks, and limited-edition Y For Youth t-shirts & sweatshirts available to purchase. There will also be opportunities to make a 100% tax deductible donation to support our youth programs and services.  

Sunscreen, hat, jacket – San Francisco weather can be unpredictable!  

We will have water stations, but we recommend bringing a reusable water bottle  

Dancing Shoes – we have a great line up of local artists!  

Lawn Chairs/Blankets  

Outside alcohol, glass containers, illegal substances or weapons are prohibited

You can bring outside food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy at the festival. Outside alcohol and glass containers are not permitted. A variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase from vendors for those who prefer not to bring their own. Note: You must be 21 years of age to purchase alcohol. Anyone who wishes to purchase alcoholic beverages will be required to show a valid photo ID and will be issued a wristband. Security will be monitoring the area to ensure alcohol is only consumed by people of legal drinking age wearing wristbands. 

The event is designed for a fun, relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. Feel free to explore the various activities, grab some food, enjoy the entertainment, and if you need to take a break or leave you are welcome (and encouraged) to come back later! 

Parking around Crane Cove can be tough. We recommend public transportation, carpooling or ride shares. 

Public Transportation – the T Line runs along 3rd Street; you disembark at the 17th Street & Illinois Street stop and walk a short distance to the park entrance (about half a block)  

Walk from Embarcadero Station / Ferry Building is approximately 2.5 miles   

By bike or scooter - The Bay Trail runs through the park  

Crane Cove Drop Off Zone - If you enter the park at 18th Street, you can pull up the access road and park briefly to drop off gear / people. There is no sustained parking here, but it is ideal for rideshares or anyone wanting to drop off and then park. 

North San Francisco - 4.8 miles, approx. 11 minutes via Alemany Blvd and I-280 N.   

South San Francisco - 8.7 miles, approximately 12 minutes via US-101 N. 

East San Francisco Bay Area - 12.9 miles, approximately 19 minutes via I-80 W.  

West San Francisco - 4.3 miles, approximately 19 minutes via Golden Gate Ave.  

Street parking is available, but make sure to check for meters, event parking, and time-limited zones. Hint: cross to the western side of 3rd Street for more options. 

Crane Cove Parking Lot located at 19th and Illinois Street; this lot currently only offers fixed $20/day spots.  

The Carpenter’s Union Lot - this is a private lot located at the corner of 3rd Street and 18th Street. DO NOT PARK HERE! You will be towed, even if just parked temporarily.  

UCSF Garage - there is a new garage nearing completion at the corner of Mariposa and Illinois. We have not heard yet if public parking / hourly rates will be available.  

Yes, Crane Cove Park is ADA accessible  

Yes, restrooms will be available at the event. For those who purchase a VIP experience, there will be private restrooms available inside the tent.  

To ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all guests, only service animals are permitted at this event 

The YSF Y for Youth is looking for enthusiastic partners to join our community celebration!  

Here are some ways you can get involved: 

• Become a Sponsor 

• Become a Volunteer

• Donate

If you are interested in sponsoring our Y For Youth Community Festival, you can visit https://www.ymcasf.org/y-for-youth-sponsorship or email Marcos Santiago, Chief Advancement Officer for the YMCA of San Francisco.

We are currently looking for volunteers to support throughout the day.  

• Morning Crew (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM) 

• Afternoon Crew (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM) 

• Closing Crew (6:00 PM – 10:00PM) 

Don't see your ideal time slot? No worries! We have a variety of exciting volunteer opportunities – we're sure to find the perfect fit for you. For more information or to register please website or contact Amy Richman at arichman@ymcasf.org with any questions. 

Your generous donation to the YMCA Y For Youth makes a real difference in the lives of Bay Area youth. To make a 100% tax deductible donation, you can visit https://www.ymcasf.org/y-for-youth-gift