For Immediate Release

April 7, 2025

Dear San Franciscans and Fillmore Jazz Festival Lovers,

It was with great sadness that we announced the cancellation of the Fillmore Jazz Festival last week due to the overwhelming overhead costs of producing San Francisco’s largest street festival. The expenses—including city fees, talent, security, medical support, staffing, and city-mandated SOPs—pushed our annual budget well over $500,000.00

As a free, two-day event held over the Fourth of July weekend, the festival brings together more than 100,000 attendees and spans 12 blocks from Jackson Street to Eddy. Unfortunately, the Fillmore Merchants Association is still carrying debt from the 2024 festival. Without significant financial contributions or a major sponsor, it was simply not feasible—or responsible—for me to take on the financial risk personally.

However, after the announcement of the cancellation, I was contacted by a representative of Chris Larsen and Avenue Greenlight, who generously stepped in to offer the financial support we needed to bring the festival back. We have also received commitments from District 2 & District 5 Supervisors Stephen Sherrill and Bilal Mahmood.

I am thrilled to announce that the 2025 Fillmore Jazz Festival is officially back on and will take place July 5th and 6th.

While this generous bridge support gets us close to making the festival a reality, we still need help to preserve festival into the future. That’s why we’ve launched the Fillmore Jazz Festival Preservation Fund, and we’re asking for your help. Your donations will help preserve the legacy of the festival for years to come—ensuring its vitality, prosperity, and future in the heart of San Francisco. We are also looking for addition sponsors and for volunteers to work the event. Please contact fma@fillmorestreetsf.com

Thank you for your continued love and support of this iconic event. Warm regards,

Timothy Made’ Omi
President of The Fillmore Merchant Association President of The Council of District Merchants

 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/keep-the-fillmore-jazz-festival-alive

Avenue Greenlight is a philanthropically-funded, community-driven initiative in San Francisco that promotes economic recovery and revitalization of the city’s diverse commercial corridors by supporting local businesses and community projects.

Festival Photos

Please credit Lynn Friedman