After Block Party made its epic return last year, the Retail and Arts and Events teams have been working hard to make this year’s Block Party 12 better than ever.
The block party started as a humble event to highlight retail spaces at Mission Bay and has become one of the most anticipated campus events of the year.
To help get ready for Block Party 12, here is a rundown of the 12 things not to miss:
1. 1,500 Pride Bucks
Who says there is no such thing as a free lunch? This year's events will feature Pride Bucks available for the first 1,500 and redeemable for a lunch special at any of the participating vendors on Gene Friend Way and SF Kebab. (Remember: Pride Bucks must be used on October 2, 2024. No change given.)
“If you want to engage in the full experience, try to be there for an hour, get your pride bucks, get your food, enjoy a performance or two, play some bingo, and then go check out the table vendors. If you have 10 minutes or an hour, Block Party has something for you,” Arts and Events Manager, Jamie DeAraujo said.
2. Giant Jenga
Nothing says a block party like playing with actual blocks. In addition to Jenga, there will also be other lawn games such as Cornhole and Giant Connect Four.
“Block Party is meant to engage our community in fun at work…there are some people who are coming back to campus, there are some people who have been here through the pandemic, and this is an event for all of them to join together and bring back to the sense of community from all sides; from Health, from Campus, front line staff, administration – everyone!” DeAraujo said.
3. Alex the Great
Speaking of giant, Alex the Great, an impressively rotund bunny who made his UCSF debut at Puppies at Parnassus, is set to make a special appearance. A public figure in his own right (with a 39K following on Instagram), Alex the Great is also a certified emotional support animal and member of SFO’s Wag Brigade.
4. Drag Bingo + Prizes
Fan favorite Katya Smirnoff-Skyy will be hosting Drag Bingo, and possibly serenading the crowd with her famous Celine Dion medley. Bingo participants will have the chance to win gift cards from Target, Amazon and Farm Fresh to You and an assortment of prizes from participating vendors.
“I cannot speak more highly of Katya. She is so entertaining and fun - I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy her presence,” DeAraujo said.
5. FitRec Dance Crew
Fitness & Recreation Group X class instructor Geraldine Nuval will be leading a fun, easy-to-follow dance class to get you into the groove.
6. Art Activations
More in the sitting and crafting mood? The Museum of Craft and Design, Scrap, and ARCH Art Supplies will be hosting ‘art activations’: small individual and group projects you can participate in.
7. Booths + Free Swag
If you are strapped for time, make sure you make the rounds at the discount vendor tables, with vendors like SF Giants, Warriors, Cobb’s Comedy Club, and more, where there is bound to be a lot of free swag.
“From my perspective throughout the planning process, it's been special to see how community-driven this event truly is. In addition to our internal UCSF departments, we bring in local merchants and some of our discount partners to table, and local talent to perform; it's cool to see how everything is connected,” Events Assistant, Annika Le said.
8. Performances
The main stage is where it’s at: come by to listen to singer Maddie B, who has been invited to sing the National Anthem for the SF Giants, Oakland A’s, Raiders, and Golden State Warriors. She also performs weekly at the world-famous Tonga Room in SF.
9. Clothing Swap “Thrift Shop”
Missed September’s clothing swap? Arts and Events will bring the clothes to you with a pop-up free clothing swap "Thrift Shop".
10. Sun & Shade
The weather is looking warm for Block Party 12, and we are equipped with umbrellas, so whether you are in the mood for sun or shade, we’ve got you covered. We still recommend you grab your sunscreen!
11. Spark Social
New! This year, for the first time, UCSF is partnering with Spark for an after-party, with drinks discounts and a special section, especially for the UCSF community.
“People can come to Block Party 12 for their lunch break, and since you’re already on campus, go enjoy happy hour with your co-workers or grab dinner before going home at Sparks Social; it’s meant to extend the fullness of the day,” DeAraujo said.
12. Shuttles from Parnassus
...more like Party Bus! For folks who are based at Parnassus, there will be additional dedicated shuttles to take them directly to the block party.
With all the Block Party options, there’s no wrong way to enjoy the celebration.
“It’s just supposed to be fun – Arts and Events' mission is to enrich the lives of faculty, staff, and learners by bringing a sense of community and fun to their work life. We want everyone to feel appreciated,” DeAraujo said.
For Le, the event is all about getting to experience the full range of what the UCSF community has to offer.
“I am also looking forward to seeing all of the partnerships at play on that day; to see the different parts of campus come together, and to see Mission Bay and the Bay Area as a whole come together,” Le said. “As someone who is new to UCSF and relatively new to the Bay, I think it will be really special to see and feel that community energy.”