A Cultural Haven in San Francisco Faces Closure
For five years, Kapwa Gardens served as a cherished cultural hub for San Francisco’s Filipino community. Located in a transformed parking lot at 967 Mission St., within the city’s Filipino Cultural Heritage District, the space became a vibrant gathering place that brought people together through art, culture, and community engagement. Opened in 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the garden was made possible by the efforts of nonprofit organization Kultivate Labs and over 300 volunteers.
Kapwa Gardens quickly became more than just a physical space—it evolved into a symbol of resilience and unity. The venue hosted a wide range of events, from yoga sessions and live performances to private gatherings and cultural celebrations. It provided a platform for local artists, vendors, and community members to express themselves and connect with others.
Despite its success, the space is now set to close as it will be vacated to make way for a senior housing development. Organizers were aware of this change from the beginning, but the closure still marks the end of an era for many who found solace and inspiration in the garden.
“Kapwa Gardens revived the spirit of bayanihan—our tradition of collective care and barn-raising—at a time when everything felt fractured,” said Desi Danganan, executive director of Kultivate Labs. “In the middle of a pandemic and a downtown in decline, it became a sanctuary.”
Over the years, the SOMA-based space has hosted more than 200 public events and generated over $115,000 in vendor sales in 2023 alone. The impact of Kapwa Gardens on the community has been significant, offering not only a place to gather but also a space for cultural expression and economic opportunity.
As the closure approaches, organizers are planning a free farewell event on July 26 to celebrate the beloved Yum Yams gathering, which honors ube—a purple yam native to the Philippines. The event will feature a variety of ube snacks, DJ sets, local vendors, and other activities. Attendees can RSVP online for the occasion.
The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. at 967 Mission St. in San Francisco. More details about the celebration can be found on kapwagardens.com.
While the current location will soon be replaced, plans for Kapwa Gardens 2.0 are already underway. The city of San Francisco has awarded pre-development funding for the future site at 4th and Folsom Streets. According to Danganan, the new space will include essential facilities such as power and running water.
“This next version isn’t just a garden,” Danganan said. “It’s a chance to build a cultural gateway for the Filipino Cultural District.”
The vision for the new Kapwa Gardens reflects a commitment to preserving and expanding the cultural legacy of the Filipino community in San Francisco. As the original space prepares for its final chapter, the community looks forward to the possibilities that lie ahead.
