Downtown Hayward is abuzz with energy! As the Downtown Hayward Improvement Association (DHIA) welcomes the fall season, the neighborhood is energized by a fresh lineup of new businesses, events and community activities.
Say Hello to new friendly faces!
Family Red Hots has quickly become the new go-to spot in downtown for anyone craving authentic Chicago-style hot dogs. Operating as a cloud kitchen within East Bay Eats, Family Red Hots offers a variety of hot dogs, making it perfect for catering large takeout orders or corporate outings. Opened last month, this pop-up is already gaining a loyal following with its popular offerings like the Louisiana Style Hot Link, Vienna Hot Polish, plant-based dogs and more.
Also, newly operating within East Bay Eats is ChaChaGo, a beloved milk tea and boba spot from Fremont. Now expanding to Hayward, ChaChaGo is bringing its selection of teas, juices, smoothies and snacks to even more boba enthusiasts.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at The Old City Roastery, where Mediterranean delights are the star of the show. Specializing in traditional Middle Eastern sweets, this new spot offers a mouthwatering selection, including honey-coated simsimia, fustuqia and indulgent Turkish treats. The Roastery is open daily from 10:30am to 9pm.
New Construction
Hayward has developed policies that foster a safe and accessible community for all forms of travel, accommodating motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists and users of public transportation. Now, the City of Hayward has initiated construction on Main Street, a key street that requires improvement due to its proximity to existing and future housing, retail shops and services, within easy access of BART and other public transit services. The Main Street Complete Street project is designed to enhance pedestrian facilities and introduce bike lanes, creating a safer, more welcoming environment for multimodal transportation.
The project includes reducing the road from four lanes to three, installing curb extensions at intersections, adding bike lanes, upgrading ADA access with new curb ramps, replacing sidewalks, repairing potholes and creating on-street parking with protective barriers for cyclists. Roadways will also be resurfaced and restriped, with sustainable landscaping added along the sidewalks. These improvements are aimed at encouraging slower, safer driving while promoting a walkable, pedestrian-friendly downtown. Construction has begun and is expected to continue through Summer 2025.
Community Events
As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to an end, Downtown Hayward is celebrating one last time with the Hayward Mariachi Festival on Friday, October 11 at City Hall. The free festival features an array of lively activations, delicious food vendors and much more. Throughout the evening, attendees will get to enjoy a live taco eating contest, live music and Folklorico Dancers, a Beer & Margarita Garden for adults and a Kids Zone. At the center of the celebration, mariachi bands will perform as the evening goes on, encouraging attendees to get up and dance! There will also be an outdoor market highlighting a variety of local food and artisan vendors.
It’s back! Hayward Public Library is excited to welcome the return of the annual Trunk or Treat event that is sure to be a blast for all the little ones. This spook-tacular event including face painting, bubbles, crafts and activities for kids, free food, a car show, a job fair, and above all, Halloween treats for kids. Along with the Halloween activities, attendees can enjoy lively performances from local cheer squads, bands, folkloric dancers and other beloved local talent. Whether you decide to dress in costume or as you are, this event is guaranteed to be fun for all! Times and dates are soon to be announced so keep your eyes peeled.
For the latest updates on Downtown Hayward Improvement Association, please visit visithaywardca.com and follow us on Instagram @DowntownHayward, and Facebook @DowntownHaywardCA.
