Matchbook-Neon Typography Tour 3/4

Name: Matchbook-Neon Typography Tour 3/4
Start: 2026-03-04T18:00:00-08:00
End: 2026-03-04T19:30:00-08:00
Location: On the sidewalk across the street from Tad's Steaks on the first block of Ellis Street

Schedule

Wed Mar 04 2026 at 06:00 pm to 07:30 pm

UTC-08:00

Location

On the sidewalk across the street from Tad's Steaks on the first block of Ellis Street | San Francisco, CA

From vintage type to old glowing signs, follow the historic corridors of mid-century nightlife in San Francisco via neon and matchbooks.
About this Event

This tour starts near Market Street and wanders through the Union Square neighborhood via the history of mid-century night life in San Francisco. It is a treasure hunt to discover these beautiful signs hidden in plain sight above local watering holes, small hotels, corner stores, beautiful garages, and old-school eateries. Tour ends at Union Square.

Spend an evening with Stephen Coles of Letterform Archive and San Francisco Neon's co-founders Al Barna and Randall Ann Homan. Tours include local history with typography insights into San Francisco's vintage matchbooks and neon signs. Photography and a lively Q&A are encouraged. Be prepared to walk 1.5 hours .

Reservations details: We'll email you all the details the day before tour, including public transit and parking tips the day before your tour.

Matchbooks photos from the collection of Stephen Coles. David's and John's Grill photos from the "San Francisco Neon: Survivors and Lost Icons" book, available at sfneon.org. Tad's Steaks photo by Heather David.

Small Print: Please note that we reserve the right to change/cancel the tour due to obstructions, stormy weather, or insufficient reservations. Full refunds issued for canceled tours. All participants agree to assume 100% responsibility for their own safety, conduct, and well-being, and recognize that possible hazards exist while participating in outdoor (or any other) activities; and agree to participate solely at their own risk. If you join this group, and purchase tickets, and/or attend any San Francisco Neon events; it shall be conclusively presumed you understand and agree to this policy.