Hayes Valley is known for its bohemian culture, chic style, and plethora of independent design businesses lining the neighborhood streets. This quaint neighborhood located in the middle of San Francisco is a mecca for those searching for local, unique designer products. Although many designer's store fronts can be browsed while walking down Hayes Street there is an exciting event held the last weekend of May which draws twice the number of designers out of their shops and studios and onto the Hayes Valley Green. The Union Design Festival (formerly Capsule Design Festival) hosts a one day festival showcasing over 130 designers.
The festival surrounds the Hayes Valley Green, the center of this little neighborhood, and reaches from Grove Street to Fell Street and from Octavia Street to Linden Alley. Musicians and DJ's play music from the center of the park and designers and artists booths can be perused while strolling around the park. The festival promotes a large number of locally, sustainably and organically produced items. Each designer or artists is screened based on originality, locale and product design. Products range from textiles, clothing, jewelry, shoes and bedding. The Union Design Festival is a great way to experience the city culture and artistic ingenuity that San Francisco is known for. This is a free event, open to the public and more information can be found by visiting the website at uniondesignsf.com.