The new year is off to an exciting start in Downtown Hayward. January offers plenty of reasons to explore the neighborhood, while also looking ahead to some of the major moments coming up in early February.
A Blooming Addition: Dreamstate Florist and Storybook
Adding to Downtown Hayward’s growing mix of small businesses is Dreamstate Florist, now open at 22650 Second St. Known for its artistic approach to floral design, Dreamstate Florist offers thoughtfully curated arrangements that feel modern, expressive and personal.
Storybook officially welcomed its first guests last month, kicking off the new year with the buzz of a brand-new addition to Hayward’s dining scene. Located in the former Pizza House building, the restaurant brings a lively California Mediterranean–inspired menu to the area, highlighting seasonal produce, bright coastal flavors and an appealing variety of pizzas.
Main Street Complete Streets
The City of Hayward is also nearing completion of its transformative Main Street Complete Streets project. Improvements include new bike lanes, ADA-compliant curb ramps, sidewalk repairs and sustainable landscaping, along with roadway enhancements such as resurfacing, restriping and curb extensions at key intersections. Together, these changes help slow traffic and create a more walkable, pedestrian-friendly environment.
As the project reaches its final phase, a new public artwork is set to debut at the intersection of Main Street and B Street. The mural will feature the California state flower alongside the City of Hayward’s flower, serving as both a visual landmark and a symbolic celebration of the city. This installation represents the finishing touch in the broader Main Street revitalization effort, blending infrastructure improvements with public art.
Looking Ahead
As January winds down, Downtown Hayward is gearing up for one of its most iconic annual events. On Feb. 7, The Bistro will host its Annual Double IPA Festival, a celebration that has supported Hayward’s place in craft beer history.
Since opening in 1994, The Bistro has served as a cornerstone of Downtown Hayward’s social scene, known for its deep roots in the craft beer community, live music and welcoming atmosphere. The Double IPA Festival, which originated in Downtown Hayward, honors the bold, hop-forward style that helped shape the modern craft beer movement.
For the latest updates from the Downtown Hayward Improvement Association, visit downtownhayward.com and follow along on Instagram @DowntownHayward and Facebook @DowntownHaywardCA.
