Sunset Dunes Park Hosts History Exhibit and Halloween Fun
The San Francisco park debuts a new historical art installation ahead of the city's annual Great Hauntway celebration.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Seasonal Events
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Sunset Dunes Park has unveiled an 11-panel art exhibit detailing 150 years of San Francisco history, curated by SPUR and directed by Lily Hayes. This installation precedes the upcoming 6th annual Great Hauntway Halloween event, which draws thousands to the coast.
Why it matters
The exhibit provides residents with a detailed look at the evolution of public spaces and historical freeway revolts within the city. Meanwhile, the upcoming holiday celebration continues its tradition of community engagement along the Sunset Dunes stretch.
Last year's Great Hauntway drew more than 10,000 attendees and distributed over 200,000 pieces of candy. The event spans a full mile along Sunset Dunes between Judah and Taraval streets.
The players
SPUR
This is a member-supported non-profit organization that promotes urban planning and good government in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Lily Hayes
She is the director of the Shifting Sands exhibit and works to interpret local urban history for the public.
The details
The Shifting Sands exhibit utilizes 11 panels to narrate the history of San Francisco public space and the impacts of freeway construction dating back to the 1950s. The site will later transform for the Great Hauntway, featuring costumes, live music, and trick-or-treating along the shoreline.
Timeline
The Shifting Sands exhibit opened in October 2026.
The 6th annual Great Hauntway celebration takes place this Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Industry Dynamics
This project highlights the growing trend of integrating civic education into public seasonal events to engage urban residents. By connecting historical land-use struggles to modern recreation, organizations are shifting how cultural spaces serve the local community.
The Great Hauntway will provide trick-or-treating and live music to the public this Sunday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Attendees can explore the 11-panel exhibit at any time while visiting the park for the holiday activities.
The takeaway
Residents should plan to arrive early this Sunday to navigate the mile-long stretch of the Great Hauntway celebration. The exhibit panels offer a static way to engage with the park's history before or after the event crowds arrive.
Further reading
Learn more about local festivities at the San Francisco Seasonal Events hub.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Streetsblog San Francisco.
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