By Ellen Eason

Fall and winter festivities capture the neighborhood’s joyful community spirit, starting with Halloween and extending through December. On Sunday, Oct. 25, the Inner Sunset Farmers’ Market will host Halloween activities, including a parade of costumes, trick-or-treating at participating merchants, games and a contest to guess the weight of the giant pumpkin.

Join the fun while filling your shopping totes with autumnal produce, fall flowers and more.

The Inner Sunset Flea Market will hold its final 2026 markets on Oct. 11 and Nov. 8 on Irving between Ninth and 11th avenues. The October market will feature “Tricks, Treats and Treasures,” while the November market will host the communal Big Lunch and annual pie contest.

Mark your calendar for the magical Inner Sunset Holiday Stroll on Dec. 5. The neighborhood comes alive with seasonal décor, “living windows” with live mannequins in shop windows, music, trolley rides and a cookie-decorating workshop for the kids. Find details about the above events at innersunsetmerchants.org/events.

Lightscape returns to the San Francisco Botanical Garden on Nov. 20-Jan. 3, 2027. Experience the one-mile trail of one million lights with all-new art, color and sound transforming the garden into an after-dark wonderland. Nearby restaurants and shops will offer extended hours and special promotions during the festivities. For tickets, see gggp.org/lightscape.

Change is coming to the Ninth Avenue and Irving Street intersection. Oakland-based Mama’s Boy Pizza, known for its New York-style pizza slices, will open a location in the former Reliable Rexall drug store as early as next spring. Across the street, BMO is planning a branch in the space vacated by Bank of America. Farther down the street at 424 Irving St., Abanico Coffee Roasters, a Salvadoran-inspired specialty coffee shop, will bring its Latin American-focused menu and small-batch roasted beans to a cozy spot.

Congratulations to San Franpsycho on its 25th anniversary. The locally owned business offers unique apparel and accessories often with San Francisco-inspired graphics at its 1256 Ninth Ave., Haight Street and SFO locations.

Fitness in the Sunset

Keeping in shape is easy in the Inner Sunset. Choose your sport for an invigorating workout, socializing or simply enjoying some fresh air.

Golden Gate Park is an expansive playground with activities ranging from tennis and pickleball to baseball, roller-skating, golf and much more.

The San Francisco Lawn Bowling Club is hosting a 125th birthday celebration that’s free and open to the public on Oct. 25 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 320 Bowling Green Dr. Details at sflbc.org/sflbcnews. The club offers free lessons and a vibrant community that hosts weekly social bowls and tournaments.

Held every Sunday (weather permitting) on Conservatory Drive, Lindy in the Park marked its 30th anniversary in August. This free swing dance venue is the perfect place to practice dancing to jazz and swing music. More information at lindyinthepark.com.

Beyond the park, the neighborhood offers a variety of classes to enhance your physical and mental health. Good Wolf Tang Soo Do, a Korean martial arts school (1329 Seventh Ave.), CORE40 (827 Irving St.) and Sunset Gym (1247 Ninth Ave.) all have gret offerings.

For youga, try Bija (1348 Ninth Ave.), Moon and Stars (1262 Ninth Ave.), Tiny Haven (211 Hugo St.) or Yoga Shala (455 Judah St.).

YuBalance Appeals to All Fitness Levels

Owners Rory and Shala Cox saw a niche in the market when they opened the second location of YuBalance at 447 Irving St. more than eight years ago.

“There was nothing like YuBalance between the beach and our original Mission District location,” Shala said. “My husband and head trainer, Rory, and I had been living in the City for over a decade and knew that everybody in San Francisco visits the Inner Sunset because it is easily walkable from several neighborhoods. It’s the best.”

YuBalance’s high-intensity strength training workouts are designed for busy professionals.

“Workouts are led by certified Personal Trainers and are backed by science” Shala said. “Aside from the workout, we have a great community of members who form connections. I like to call our workouts healthy-sober fun, and our members call it their ‘personal Cheers’ because everyone knows your name.”

The 45-minute classes are the most popular service. The high-intensity classes, YuFit (upper body), YuPower (lower body) and YuSweat (cardio) are eight progressing full-body circuits. Each month brings new workouts and playlists, with built-in progressions to keep you motivated throughout. Participants use free weights combined with body weight movements and minimal equipment like TRX, BOSU, resistance bands and exercise balls.

Body Sculpt and Ball Method are foundational classes that most closely resemble personal training. Members can move at their own pace. New clients use lighter weights and practice the fundamentals, while more experienced members use heavier weights to build muscle – all under the supervision of a personal trainer.

In addition to classes, 30-minute personal training sessions are great for those who prefer to work out alone or don’t feel ready for classes yet. The full-body workout is challenging, fun and rewarding.

“While most of our members are of working age, we have members in high school and members in their 80’s,” Shala added. “All are welcome at YuBalance. “

The Inner Sunset Merchants’ Association is the voice of our neighborhood’s business community. We are committed to supporting, promoting and advocating for the needs of our local business community. Learn more at innersunsetmerchants.org.

Ellen Eason is a writer and Inner Sunset resident.