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This Week's Top Stories

WNBA

Valkyries Bring the WNBA Finals to Mission Bay — and a Crowd-Control Challenge

The Golden State Valkyries host the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in Games 1 and 2 of the 2026 WNBA Finals this week, their first-ever championship appearance in just their second season.

Mission Bay's Chase Center becomes the center of the WNBA universe this week as the Golden State Valkyries host Games 1 and 2 of the 2026 WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream. Game 1 tips off Saturday at 12:30 p.m. PT on NBC, with Game 2 set for Monday, Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. The Valkyries reached the Finals after sweeping the defending-champion Las Vegas Aces 3–0 in the semifinals, earning the franchise its first Finals appearance in only its second season. The stakes are high on both sides: the Dream, featuring WNBA star Angel Reese, have also never won a championship.

Read the full story: Chase Center →
office market

SoMa Leads City in Office Absorption as AI Firms Swap Starter Suites for Full Buildings

Three of Q3's six largest office leases in San Francisco landed in South of Market, where AI and tech companies including Brex and Cognition are trading compact starter offices for vastly larger spaces — raising a new question about who fills the suites they leave behind.

South of Market outpaced every other San Francisco submarket in Q3 office absorption, according to CBRE's third-quarter 2026 San Francisco office report released this week. Three of the quarter's six leases of 100,000 square feet or more landed in SoMa, absorbing a total of 484,000 square feet as tech tenants filled furnished, Class A blocks…

Read the full story: The Registry SF →
Caltrain

Prologis Kicks Off Environmental Review for Massive Caltrain Railyards Redevelopment at 4th and King

The San Francisco Planning Department held a public scoping meeting on October 14 to launch the environmental review process for a proposed 18.6-acre mixed-use development around the Caltrain station at 700 4th Street in SoMa — one of the largest single projects ever proposed in the city.

San Francisco's Planning Department convened a public meeting on October 14 to formally begin the CEQA environmental review process for the Caltrain Railyards redevelopment at approximately 700 4th Street in SoMa.

Read the full story: SF YIMBY →

The week ahead

SoMa & Mission Bay · forecast issued October 16, 2026 · National Weather Service

  1. Fri 78°60° Sunny
  2. Sat 74°58° Sunny
  3. Sun 63°57° Sunny
  4. Mon 60°56° Mostly Sunny
  5. Tue 61°56° Chance Light Rain
  6. Wed 64°56° Slight Chance Light Rain
  7. Thu 63°56° Mostly Sunny

Upcoming & Ongoing in the Community

Friday, October 16

Mission Rock Free Friday Night Movie: 'Ratatouille'

Free outdoor movie series returns to China Basin Park for a screening of 'Ratatouille.' Bring a blanket and snacks; the Great Lawn opens early.

  • Location:China Basin Park (Great Lawn), Mission Bay
  • Time:6:30 PM
Verify details →

Saturday, October 17

WNBA Finals Game 1: Golden State Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream

The Valkyries host their first-ever WNBA Finals game at Chase Center against the Atlanta Dream. Broadcast live on NBC and Peacock; doors open at 11 a.m.

  • Location:Chase Center, 1 Warriors Way, Mission Bay
  • Time:12:30 PM
Verify details →

Saturday, October 17

Bay Area Science Festival — UCSF Mission Bay

The 13th annual Bay Area Science Festival returns to UCSF Mission Bay with 125+ free hands-on exhibits, robot zoos, live leopard sharks, air rockets, and STEM magic shows. Free admission; note WNBA Finals traffic nearby on Third Street.

  • Location:Koret Quad, UCSF Mission Bay Campus, 600 16th St.
  • Time:11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Verify details →

Saturday, October 17

Mission Bay Harvest Festival

The annual Mission Bay Harvest Festival returns to SPARK Social with fall festivities and a free outdoor movie screening beginning at 7 p.m. Free admission; all welcome.

  • Location:SPARK Social SF, 601 Mission Bay Blvd North
  • Time:4:00 PM (outdoor movie at 7:00 PM)
Verify details →

Saturday, October 17

Off the Grid Treasure Island — Final Day of Fall Series

The final Saturday of Off the Grid's six-week fall run on Treasure Island, featuring food trucks, live music, and complimentary ferry service from the SF Ferry Building with advance RSVP. Free admission.

  • Location:Cityside Park, Treasure Island (387 Avenue of the Palms)
  • Time:11:00 AM–4:00 PM
Verify details →

Saturday, October 17

Bearrison Street Fair

Free annual SoMa street fair celebrating the city's bear and queer communities, featuring Full Queer Wrestling, a Barbells/Bears/Butts Deadlift Contest, an XL Art Gallery, DJs, and more. Donations welcome.

  • Location:Harrison and 11th Street, SoMa
  • Time:12:00 PM–6:00 PM
Verify details →

Monday, October 19

WNBA Finals Game 2: Golden State Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream

The Valkyries host the Dream for Game 2 of the 2026 WNBA Finals. Broadcast on USA Network, CNBC, and Peacock. Resale tickets still available online.

  • Location:Chase Center, 1 Warriors Way, Mission Bay
  • Time:5:00 PM
Verify details →

Saturday, October 24

SIDEPIECE Day Party at Gold Bar Distillery, Treasure Island

Electronic duo SIDEPIECE headlines an open-air waterfront party at Gold Bar Distillery, featuring house music, skyline views, a full bar, and food trucks. Ticketed event.

  • Location:Gold Bar Whiskey Distillery & Tasting Room, Treasure Island
  • Time:2:00 PM
Verify details →

More from the Community

SoMa

SoMa's Newest Climbing Gym Opens on Folsom Street — With Lower Prices Than the Competition

California Climbing Collective opened its doors on October 11 at 1264 Folsom Street in SoMa, capping more than three years of planning and buildout after owners Summer Bombard and Radu Popescu signed the lease in summer 2023. The opening celebration included free climbs, a DJ, and stick-and-poke tattoos.

Read the full story: SF Standard →
SoMa

Developer Files Permits for 45-Story, 528-Unit Tower at SoMa Car Wash Site

Chicago-based Manna Capital filed preliminary permits on October 7 with the San Francisco Planning Department for a 479-foot, 45-story residential skyscraper at 1601 Mission Street — the site currently occupied by the Tower Car Wash near South Van Ness Avenue.

Read the full story: Hoodline →

Community Directory

Mexican & Latin American

South of Market Landmark

Californios

Fine-dining Mexican tasting menu

The world's first three-Michelin-star Mexican restaurant, helmed by chef Val M. Cantú, serving an inventive tasting menu rooted in Mexican and Northern California ingredients.

Visit website →

Asian

South of Market Landmark

Benu

Contemporary Asian fine dining

Chef Corey Lee's three-Michelin-star flagship, ranked among the world's 50 best restaurants, serving an Asian-inspired tasting menu in an intimate SoMa setting.

Visit website →
Dogpatch

Wooly Pig

Asian-fusion café and sandwich shop

A popular Dogpatch neighborhood spot known for bold, Asian-influenced sandwiches, plates, and fresh seasonal ingredients in a relaxed setting.

Visit website →
Dogpatch

Sohn

Korean-inspired café and bar

A spacious Dogpatch warehouse conversion with Korean-inflected dishes — popcorn chicken, cold noodles, taco bar — and a low-key vibe suited for weekday dates or weekend crowds.

Visit website →
Mission Bay

Burma Love

Burmese restaurant

A Mission Bay outpost of the popular Burma Love brand, serving Burmese staples including tea leaf salad, rainbow salad, and coconut noodle dishes near Thrive City.

Visit website →
South of Market

Dabao Singapore

Singaporean hawker-style restaurant

A five-year SoMa institution serving authentic Singaporean classics — five-spice Hainanese chicken rice, Char Kway Teow noodles — in an unfussy, minority-owned setting.

Visit website →

Italian & Deli

South of Market

Montesacro SOMA

Roman pinseria and wine bar

Beloved SoMa pinseria serving Rome's ancient oval flatbread — pinsa — made from a blend of wheat, rice, and soy flour, with an excellent Italian wine list.

Visit website →
Dogpatch

Marcella's Lasagneria

Italian lasagna restaurant

A cozy Potrero Hill/Dogpatch spot specializing in inventive baked lasagnas, from classic Bolognese to creative seasonal variations, with a homey indoor-outdoor feel.

Visit website →
Dogpatch Landmark

Piccino Restaurant

Cal-Italian café and pizzeria

A Dogpatch-adjacent Cal-Italian hangout with thin-crust pizzas, milk-braised pork ragù, walk-up bar seating, and a covered parklet ideal for daytime dining.

Visit website →

Brunch & Breakfast

Potrero Hill Landmark

Plow

Neighborhood breakfast and brunch café

A beloved Potrero Hill corner café open since 2010, drawing loyal queues for its lemon ricotta pancakes, crispy potatoes, and locally sourced egg plates.

Visit website →
Potrero Hill

Giuliana's Just for You Café

New American breakfast and brunch café

A cheerful Potrero Hill/Dogpatch café serving New American brunch with fresh-baked bread, locally sourced ingredients, and unforgettable beignets.

Visit website →

Mediterranean & Middle Eastern

Potrero Hill

Chez Maman East

French bistro

A casual Potrero Hill French bistro serving classic bistro fare — moules frites, croque-monsieur, and steak frites — in a warm, neighborhood setting.

Visit website →
Mission Bay

SF Kebab

Mediterranean grill

A reliable Mission Bay family restaurant offering Mediterranean kebabs, rice, and salads with indoor and outdoor seating, popular with UCSF campus visitors.

Visit website →

Pizza & Sandwiches

Dogpatch

Long Bridge Pizza

Neighborhood pizzeria

A Dogpatch favorite known for thoughtfully topped, well-priced pies and a casual, community-minded atmosphere near the waterfront.

Visit website →

Bars & Wine Bars

Dogpatch

Ungrafted

Wine bar and restaurant

Founded by Master Sommelier Rebecca Fineman, Ungrafted pairs an impressive, approachable wine list with thoughtfully crafted food in a relaxed Dogpatch setting.

Visit website →
Dogpatch Landmark

Dogpatch Saloon

Neighborhood bar

A beloved Dogpatch dive bar with a loyal dog-friendly following, craft cocktails, and late-night hours — open daily from 2 p.m. through 2 a.m.

Visit website →
Dogpatch

Third Rail

Craft cocktail bar

A Dogpatch cocktail bar known for creative drinks alongside housemade beef and candy jerky, with shot-beer-jerky combos that keep regulars coming back.

Visit website →
Dogpatch

Bar Piccino

Craft cocktail lounge

A refined Dogpatch cocktail bar with a full Negroni menu, creative non-alcoholic cocktails, mezcal flights, and Oyster Sundays in an intimate setting.

Visit website →

Seafood & American

Mission Bay Landmark

Mission Rock Resort

Waterfront bar and restaurant

A beloved SF Legacy Business at the water's edge near Oracle Park, serving fresh Dungeness crab deviled eggs, clam chowder, and $1 oysters at happy hour.

Visit website →
Mission Bay

ATwater Tavern

Waterfront bar and restaurant

A Mission Bay waterfront tavern popular on Giants game days, offering American pub fare and a broad drink menu steps from Oracle Park.

Visit website →

Know of a listing that's wrong or a business that's closed? Report a correction →

Sources & Editorial Notes

Stories in My Town News are compiled from public sources, and with assistance from AI. Please verify important details at the cited source. All named individuals appear only in their publicly documented roles. Directory listings reflect publicly available contact information and are updated periodically.
1

WNBA Finals Game 1: Valkyries vs. Dream

 ·  https://www.chasecenter.com/events/20261017-wnba-finals-game-1/

3

Golden State Valkyries advance to WNBA finals in historic second season

 ·  https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-finals-chase-center/4157219/

4

'Ballhalla Better Be Prepping': Where to Cheer on the Valkyries in the WNBA Finals

 ·  https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals

5

2026 WNBA Finals Schedule: How to Watch Atlanta Dream vs Golden State Valkyries

 ·  https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/2026-wnba-finals-schedule-watch-145729116.html

6

Brannan Street Becomes San Francisco's Big-Deal Hub as SOMA Leads Q3 With 484,000 SQFT Absorbed

 ·  https://news.theregistrysf.com/brannan-street-becomes-san-franciscos-big-deal-hub-as-soma-leads-q3-with-484000-sqft-absorbed/

9

San Francisco Office Market Report Q3 2026

 ·  https://kidder.com/market-reports/san-francisco-office-market-report/

10

Meeting Tonight About Caltrain Railyards Project CEQA Review, San Francisco

 ·  https://sfyimby.com/2026/10/meeting-tonight-about-caltrain-railyards-project-ceqa-review-san-francisco.html

11

Bay Area Science Festival Hits Mission Bay Saturday as Valkyries Tip Off Next Door

 ·  https://hoodline.com/2026/10/bay-area-science-festival-hits-mission-bay-saturday-as-valkyries-tip-off-next-door/

12

At San Francisco's Newest Climbing Gym, Failing Is Part of the Point

 ·  https://sfstandard.com/2026/10/16/california-climbing-collective-soma-open/

13

479-Foot Tower Pitched For Mission Street Car Wash Site, With Pool and Golf Simulator

 ·  https://hoodline.com/2026/10/479-foot-tower-pitched-for-mission-street-car-wash-site-with-pool-and-golf-simulator/

14

Skyscraper Proposed For 1601 Mission Street, San Francisco

 ·  https://sfyimby.com/2026/10/skyscraper-proposed-for-1601-mission-street-san-francisco.html

15

San Francisco October Festivals & Street Fairs 2026

 ·  https://sf.funcheap.com/city-guide/october-street-fairs-festivals/

16
17

Off the Grid — Treasure Island Fall Edition

 ·  https://www.tisf.com/off-the-grid

18

Events on Treasure Island San Francisco

 ·  https://www.tisf.com/events