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Second summer in the city: Scenes from a sweltering night in SF

San Franciscans stripped down to short shorts to window shop, dance and picnic under the stars.

A group of people are dancing outside at night, with blurred motion and light trails around them. The setting is casual, with everyone in relaxed attire.
People dancing at an impromptu party at Alamo Square on Saturday night. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
By The Standard Staff

A sweltering day that drew crowds to San Francisco’s usually chilly beaches turned into a balmy Saturday night as people strolled through the Castro in short shorts, picnicked under the stars at Alamo Square, and ducked into dark dive bars to beat the heat.

The Standard sent photographer Jason Henry out into the streets to capture SF’s new favorite season: “second summer.”

A person on a bus wears a white tank top, patterned shorts, and red socks with high-top sneakers. They have tattoos and hold a black bag, standing confidently.
Damon Stuart, 31, said it was so hot on Saturday that he felt overdressed even in shorts. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
A lively group of people are socializing indoors. Two individuals in the center are holding hands and smiling. The room has dark red walls and artwork on the wall.
People dance at Club Waziema on Saturday. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
Two people sit at an orange table outside a brightly lit store, decorated with a neon pizza sign and a "Happy Hour" chalkboard. They're both wearing red shoes.
Lavelle Grimm, 44, left, and Russell Williams, 45, sport matching sneakers and short shorts at a Castro Street cafe. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
A person is standing in front of a bright orange, open-front restaurant. They're wearing a tan tank top, black shorts, and shoes, smiling with hands on the counter.
David Reese, 30, hangs out at a Castro taqueria. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
A crowded street scene at night shows a bus and a car in close proximity. People, some with cameras, surround the vehicles, capturing the moment.
People try to help a Muni bus close its doors, which got stuck on a Waymo robotaxi wending its way through the crowds on Divisadero Street. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
A person in a colorful, patchwork jacket and shorts stands in front of a shop window displaying mannequins in swimwear. A glowing "Open" sign is visible above.
George Calderon, 24, window shops on Castro Street. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
Two men stand chatting by a wall, while another man sits at a table outside a bar, wearing a flamingo tank top, shorts, and flip-flops.
For one night at least, Castro Street was all tank tops and shorts. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
A lively party scene with people dancing energetically in a dimly lit room, featuring various outfits and expressions, creating an upbeat and vibrant atmosphere.
People dance the night away at Club Waziema on Disivadero. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
A man in a tuxedo stands smiling on a street at night, holding white gloves. Behind him, people are socializing under string lights.
On a night when most people wore as little as possible to beat the heat, Jim Warren, 80, bucked the trend in black-tie formal. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard
People gather in a park at night with lit tables and a city skyline in the background. Trees frame the scene, and there's a mix of standing and walking individuals.
Seth Finkin, 39, DJs a dance party at Alamo Square. | Source: Jason Henry for The Standard

Filed Under

Alamo SquareCastroDivisadero StreetLifeSummerWeather