The heart of Downtown’s Civic Center Plaza is getting a refresh, and San Diegans are invited to check it out. Mayor Todd Gloria joined the Downtown San Diego Partnership, City Councilmembers, the Prebys Foundation and U3 Advisors last week for the launch of Plaza Central — a new activation project in Civic Center Plaza, the location of City Hall and the San Diego Civic Theatre. 

Confetti cannons, bubble machines, roller skaters, music and street tacos ushered in the Downtown Dreamin’ launch. It was a full-day, ticketed celebration showcasing Downtown’s creativity, culture and community. 

The Plaza Central project is designed to revitalize the Civic Center, create a dynamic venue that reflects San Diego’s culture and diversity, and elevate perceptions of this part of the urban core. 

Plaza Central builds on the City’s Civic Center Revitalization project and the vision unveiled earlier this year by the Downtown San Diego Partnership, the Prebys Foundation, and more than 20 community partners — bold plans to reimagine the Civic Center as a vibrant cultural and residential hub. The plans outline a future filled with housing, public art, and new gathering spaces that make Downtown’s core a true neighborhood. 

While that long-term transformation takes shape, we’re not waiting years to make this area exciting and beneficial for the people who live and work here. Soon, the City will invite developers to submit proposals to redevelop key Civic Center properties to create new homes, jobs, and public spaces that reflect San Diego’s future.

Pop-up events will be free and open to the public every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting, with no cover charge. Food will be available for purchase from various vendors. The activation’s ongoing components will also include live music, cultural performances, games and shared seating. 

Stop by to join in the fun or just take a break and soak in the revitalized Civic Center's energy.