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press release

NEXUS: SF/Bay Area Black Art Week Celebrates the Bayview with a Night of Art, Food, and Music

Office of Economic and Workforce Development

The African American Cultural District, Ruth Williams Bayview Opera House, and Office of Economic and Workforce Development partner with the Museum of the African Diaspora to present a small business stroll highlighting Bayview’s vibrant Black owned businesses, local artists, and cultural history | The Celebration Hits its Crescendo with the 5th Annual Afro LatinX Concert at the Bayview Opera House

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco’s African American Cultural District (SFAAACD), the Ruth Williams Memorial Bayview Opera House, the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), and the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) are coming together to present a vibrant small business stroll and cultural celebration as part of NEXUS: SF/Bay Area Black Art Week (September 30–October 4). This collaborative event highlights Bayview’s rich history, local artists, Black‑owned businesses, and Afro‑LatinX culture—culminating in an unforgettable night of art, food, music, and community.

“As the Bay Area comes together to celebrate Black art for the third annual NEXUS event, we saw an opportunity to connect one of San Francisco’s historic Black neighborhoods to this moment,” said Anne Taupier, Executive Director, Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “We’re proud to support the Bayview Opera House and the African American Cultural District in presenting this curated experience. It showcases the Bayview as the gem it is — a historic Black community uplifted by the small businesses, artists, and cultural leaders who make it shine.”

On Saturday, October 3, 2026, the African American Cultural District will host D10 Dime Walk: Bayview’s Night of Art, Food & Music, a day‑to‑night experience guiding visitors through Bayview’s cultural landmarks, creative businesses, and artist spaces. The celebration starts with a Historical Tour & Art Walk led by April Spears-Mays, Executive Director of the Cultural District.

“We’re thrilled to be part of NEXUS Week with MoAD and to celebrate the artists whose work brings Bayview Hunters Point’s stories to life,” said April Spears-Mays. “Our neighborhood has a rich cultural legacy, and events like this create space for our artists to share their perspectives while inviting more people to experience the creativity already here.”

Guests will explore key cultural sites along Third Street and connect with local artists and Black‑owned businesses, with featured stops including Let’s Eat BBQ, the San Francisco SFAAACD Hub, and the Bayview Makers Shop on Third Street. These stops highlight the intersection of art, food, culture, and entrepreneurship that continues to shape Bayview. The tour begins at the Bayview Opera House at 3:00 PM and concludes at the SFAAACD Hub at 5:00 PM.

Following the art walk, guests will gather for a community reception and dinner at Tato’s Kitchen SF from 5:00–7:00 PM, one of the neighborhood’s beloved Mexican restaurants. The reception features food, conversation, and live music, bringing together artists, residents, cultural workers, and community supporters. Performers include DJ Leydis, Batuki, and Yrak Sáenz, with Gina Madrid serving as host.

The evening culminates at the historic Ruth Williams Opera House with the 5th Annual Afro‑LatinX Concert, produced by La Fauna Music and hosted by Oakland artist and cultural organizer Gina Madrid. More than a concert, it’s a celebration of the musical and cultural connections between Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Bay Area, showcasing Black and Brown artists across Latin, reggae, hip‑hop, Caribbean, funk, and global sounds.

The 2026 lineup features Grammy‑winning duo Los Rakas (Panama) and renowned hip‑hop artist Guanaco (Ecuador), along with Bayonics, ELENAH, Kulcha Latino DJs, DJ Leydis, Yrak Sáenz, and Batuki, bringing together international and Bay Area talent for a dynamic Afro‑LatinX experience.

"We are spearheading a cultural renaissance in Bayview Hunters-Point at the Ruth Williams Bayview Opera House, San Francisco's oldest theater since 1888. Transitioning from a community center to a performing arts venue, we are providing quality entertainment locally, activating local businesses, and showcasing neighborhood artistry,” said Theo Ellington, Executive Director, Bayview Opera House. “This serves as your official invitation to the Afro Latinx pre-party from 5 PM to 7 PM at TATO's kitchen, followed by a show happening on our main stage across the street featuring performances by Los Rakas, Bayonics, Guanaco, Elenah, Kulcha Latino DJs, and host Gina Madrid right here at the Ruth Williams Bayview Opera House.”

“We're proud to partner with the Ruth Williams Bayview Opera House, the San Francisco African American Cultural District, and San Francisco OEWD to extend NEXUS programming to the Bayview district,” said Monetta White, Executive Director, Museum of the African Diaspora. “This concert series, set in one of our city's historic centers of Black culture, reflects and builds new connections between the African Diaspora, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Bay Area.”

EVENT DETAILS

D10 Dime Walk: Bayview’s Night of Art, Food & Music
Saturday, October 3, 2026

Historical Tour & Art Walk with April Spears
3:00–5:00 PM
Pick‑Up: Ruth Williams Bayview Opera House, 4705 Third Street
Drop‑Off: SFAAACD Hub, 1751 Carroll Avenue
Space is limited; please register in advance at rwoh.org.

Community Reception & Dinner at Tato’s Kitchen SF
5:00–7:00 PM
Tato’s Kitchen SF, 4608 3rd Street
Food, conversation, and live music featuring DJ Leydis, Batuki, and Yrak Sáenz
Hosted by Gina Madrid

Tickets / Community Support
$40 Community Support — Reception + General Admission

5th Annual Afro‑LatinX Concert
7:00–11:00 PM
Ruth Williams Opera House, 4705 Third Street
Doors: 7:00 PM | Show: 8:00 PM

Tickets
$20 Suggested Donation, includes General Admission for concert only
$40 Community Support, includes pre‑show reception with light bites and live music at Tato’s Kitchen and helps sustain artist fees, production costs, and accessible cultural programming.
Register at 5th Annual Afro Latinx Concert — Ruth Williams Opera House

SUPPORTERS

Supported by the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, San Francisco Arts Commission, Zellerbach Family Foundation, Community Challenge Grant, and San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development, with contributions in part by Creative West and the National Endowment for the Arts.