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First Thursdays SF: Clear skies finally for July 4th

3 min read
Courtney Muro

Sure it was a little hazy, but our usual thick blanket of fog took the night off July 4th, giving us clear skies and a great view of the fireworks at First Thursdays, a new-ish series that transforms downtown streets into a celebration of music, fashion, and fun.

We danced under a chilly sky to beats from DJs MOM and Coco & Breezy, enjoyed live music, and witnessed, erm, a hot dog eating contest? How American, and hosted by one Ms. Peaches Christ who appeared to really run with it.

Seeing adults getting into hula hoops and jump ropes was pretty hilarious; It added to the overall vibe of just having fun and not taking things too seriously. In the midst of that stood a giant outdoor bar, crowned with a massive disco ball suspended from what appeared to be a forklift — a quirky yet perfect centerpiece for the night’s festivities.

First Thursdays brought a much-needed breath of fresh air to downtown San Francisco — a place we often talk about nowadays instead for its retail woes. As the night drew to a close, it was clear that this gathering had not only entertained but also rekindled a sense of community.


Courtney Muro is a San Francisco-based content strategist, producer, designer, and creator. She took all photos for this story. Saul Sugarman contributed words.

The Bold Italic is a non-profit media organization, and we publish first-person perspectives about San Francisco and the Bay Area. Donate to us today.

More photos from First Thursdays — July 4th

All photos by Courtney Muro for The Bold Italic.

Last Update: November 05, 2025

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Courtney Muro 33 Articles

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