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Bayfront Upgrades, SF Park Changes & Fall Festivals

Bayfront Upgrades, SF Park Changes & Fall Festivals

San Francisco’s Sunset Dunes unveils new family and multi-use zones, Mission Creek Boathouse reopens with kayak game-day trips, and the Bay gears up for Mid-Autumn and Singapore festivals.

Wilson Leung
September 12, 2025

BAYAREAOWN WEEKLY RECAP

Hello from the Bay Area. September is bringing cooler mornings, sunnier afternoons and plenty of local change. From new zones at Sunset Dunes and the return of Mission Creek Boathouse to San Bruno resetting its development plans and big cultural festivals on the horizon, here is what is happening around the Bay. Let’s get to it.

DEVELOPMENTS & REAL ESTATE

Sunset Dunes Upgrades (San Francisco – Oceanfront)
The city just launched the next phase of upgrades at Sunset Dunes, turning the 2-mile oceanfront park into a smoother, safer experience. The plan now splits the space into two zones: a Park Zone for families, yoga, and picnics, and a Multi-Use Zone for cyclists, runners, and scooters. New signs, pavement stencils, and on-site rangers aim to keep traffic flowing, especially with kids back to school. With Lincoln, Judah, and Noriega as gateways, Sunset Dunes is fast becoming one of San Francisco’s most loved coastal escapes.

Mills Park Development Canceled (San Bruno – El Camino Real)
San Bruno has officially canceled the long-stalled Mills Park development at 601–799 El Camino Real, ending plans for 427 housing units plus retail. First rejected in 2019 and later approved in a scaled-back version, the project never broke ground. On August 26, the City Council formally terminated its agreement with developer G.W. Williams, citing economic shifts and lack of progress. While this marks the end of an era, city leaders note new rezoning could make the site more attractive for future proposals.

Mission Creek Boathouse Reopens (San Francisco – Mission Bay)
After eight months, the Mission Creek Boathouse is back, now operated by Dogpatch Paddle. The waterfront hub expands rentals and lessons for kayaks and paddle boards, plus adds guided tours, youth camps, and private events. One of the biggest draws: kayak packages to watch Giants games from McCovey Cove — with 18 more chances this season. By adding after-school and summer programs, the Boathouse is making Mission Bay’s waters more accessible than ever.

MARKET TRENDS

Mortgage rates: The 30-year FRM fell to 6.35% on Sept 11, down 15 bps w/w — the biggest weekly drop in a year. Freddie Mac+1

Applications: MBA’s weekly survey (week ending Sept 5) shows apps +9.2% w/w; refis jumped and purchases rose alongside the rate dip. MBA Newslink+1

San Francisco rents: $3,040 citywide median in Sept 2025 (+1.2% MoM, +11.5% YoY). Apartment List

National rent context: U.S. median rent -0.2% MoM and -0.9% YoY in August; vacancy at a new cycle high. Apartment List

📩 Want to better understand what this means for the future of Bay Area housing? We’re here to help — send us a message at [email protected].

FOOD & DRINK

DINING SPOTLIGHT

HYPHY BURGER

Smash burgers, cereal milkshakes, and over-the-top combos bring West Oakland a playful new burger joint.

1700 7th St, Oakland

BOSCO

Traditional meets modern Italian with fresh pastas, hearth-fired meats, and inventive starters, now open in SoMa.

888 Brannan St, San Francisco

SPECIAL NOODLE

Hand-made noodles, baos, and dumplings made to order; their house special noodles & mixed rice/noodle rice combos are fan favorites.

1530 S De Anza Blvd, San Jose

RIPOSO

Bright, modern Italian-inspired spot with handmade pasta, artisan pizzas, locally-sourced salads, and wood-oven highlights.

256 E Grand Ave, South San Francisco

YOUTUBE

This $2 Million Project Will Change Brisbane CA FOREVER

Brisbane’s Sierra Point is getting a $2 million transformation into parks, trails, and biotech space.

UPCOMING EVENTS

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO?

Berkeley/Albany — Solano Avenue Stroll (Sep 14)
Mile-long street festival with food, music, and makers.

Foster City — SF International Dragon Boat Festival (Sep 20–21)
High-energy dragon boat races plus food, music, and family fun at the lagoon.

Los Gatos — Los Gatos Art & Wine Festival (Sep 20–21)
Juried art, live music, and regional wineries downtown.

Mill Valley — Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival (Sep 20–21)
Redwood-grove fine arts fair in Old Mill Park.

Newark — Newark Days (Sep 18–21)
Carnival rides, parade, and community fest.

Oakland — Oakland First Fridays (Sep 5); Friday Nights at OMCA (Sep 12, 19, 26)
Art walk and night market vibes in Uptown + museum courtyard food trucks.

Pacifica — Fog Fest (Sep 27–28)
Coastal parade, live music, and local vendors on Palmetto Ave.

San Francisco —
SF Symphony Gala (Sep 12) · Flower Piano (Sep 12–21) · Portola Music Festival (Sep 20–21) · Sunday Streets Western Addition (Sep 21) · Folsom Street Fair (Sep 28) · Golden Gate Park Band Sundays (Sep 14, 21, 28)

San Jose — Luna Park Chalk Art Festival (Sep 20)
Sidewalk art takeover at Backesto Park.

San Mateo — Singapore Festival (Sep 21)
Cultural food, music, and performances in Central Park.

Sonoma — Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival (Sep 26–28)
Wine country parade, grape stomp, and live music.

San Mateo — Singapore Festival 2025: Still Shiok at 60 (Sep 21)
Hawker-style eats, live music/comedy, cultural exhibits, kids’ zone — 10 AM–8 PM at San Mateo County Event Center; tickets on Eventbrite.

Millbrae — Millbrae Mid-Autumn Festival (Sep 27–28)
Downtown Broadway takeover with lion dances, food vendors, lanterns; Sat 10 AM–7 PM, Sun 10 AM–5 PM; free admission.