A Halloween block party will take over SF’s newest entertainment zone

California’s first entertainment zone made its debut in SF in September with a special Oktoberfest celebration. The block party, which included two SF bars and allowed guests to take their alcoholic drinks “to-go” within the zone, was largely hailed as a success 10,000 people present. Now the next event for the entertainment zone is coming up, and this time it’s Halloween.

The city recently announced it would host a Halloween party Nightmare on Front Street, will take over the entertainment zone to celebrate the spooky holiday. The party is planned October 31st, from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The festive party is free and open to the public. Organizers promise music, themed games, horror films and a classic costume contest. As with Oktoberfest, the three bars on the block are permitted to sell alcoholic drinks to-go. The bars will have their own spooky themes, complete with special Halloween cocktails.

The new entertainment zone aims to increase traffic to downtown SF, which has been plagued by complaints about empty office space and low foot traffic, making it difficult for local businesses to survive. And so far the success of the Oktoberfest event is promising, the participating companies report one Increase by 1,500% on sale during the event.

“San Francisco knows how to have fun, host major events and attract visitors from across the Bay Area and around the world.” said Mayor London Breed in a press release. “Front Street Oktoberfest may have been the first in California and our city, but it certainly won’t be the last. We know the impact this surge in activity is having on our small businesses and local economy, and we see lasting benefits…”

Mayor London Breed has also proposed legislation for four new entertainment zones in the city to boost downtown revitalization efforts.