Frequently Asked Questions + Event Guidelines
The 2022 Soapbox Derby at McLaren Park

Sunday, April 10, 2022, from 10 am.–5 p.m.

• Soapbox Derby races (timed trials of each car) from 11–4 p.m.
• Awards Ceremony begins 15 minutes after the last race

Check out our Event Schedule + Lineup page for more details.

This event is free and open to the public. RSVP is encouraged. Register here. (You’ll receive reminder emails from us!)

You do not need to present an Eventbrite ticket to enter this event.

The event will be held in the northeast region of San Francisco’s McLaren Park, from the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater to the McLaren Tennis Courts, with John F. Shelley Drive serving as the racetrack.

For the most direct route, enter the park at Mansell St. and University St. or Cambridge St. and University St.

Public Transportation

McLaren Park can be reached via the 29 Sunset MUNI bus line. The closest stops are at Mansell St. and University St. (inbound) and Mansell St. and Visitacion Ave. (outbound).

Rideshare, Taxi, or Carpool

The best locations for drop off and pick up are the intersections of Mansell St. and John F. Shelley Dr. (top of the racing hill) or Wayland St. and Cambridge St.

Parking

Car parking is limited inside McLaren Park and in the surrounding neighborhoods. If you plan to drive and park, anticipate an additional walking distance to the event site.

• Accessible parking spaces are available at select locations within and just outside of the event site
• Both locations are stops on the accessible event shuttle route (wheelchair-accessible cart).
• Find more information in the Safety + Accessibility section of the FAQ.

Bicycle or Electric Bike

• Valet Bicycle Parking will be hosted by the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition on Shelley Drive, just north of Mansell St. (Bring a u-lock in case the valet reaches capacity.) Note: there are many hills leading to the event site in McLaren Park.
• E-bike or bicycle rental: Lyft is offering an $8 credit to Soapbox Derby attendees to help you get to and from the event. Use code SOAPBOX22 to unlock, ride, and park a conventional or electric bicycle at a Lyft station within a ½-mile radius of the event site on John F. Shelley Drive. (In your Lyft or Bay Wheels app, click the menu in the upper-left corner, click “Rewards,” and add the code in the “Add Promo Code” section.)

Yes! Download an accessible PDF here.

• Onsite first aid will be provided by Special Medical Aid at The Lot, located near the start line.
• A first aid kit will be available at the information desk in the Theater + Festival zone near the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater.

• The racetrack will be lined with barriers between the racers and attendees.
• Attendees will only be allowed to cross the track in designated crossing areas at specially announced times.
• Attendees should not cross the racetrack at any other time.

• Accessible parking spaces are available for attendees with a properly displayed disability parking placard or license plate (including ones issued by a different state or country).
• Accessible parking will be located at the Philosopher’s Way Trailhead parking lot located near the intersection of Mansell St. and Visitacion Ave.
• There are additional accessible parking spaces at the Cambridge St. and Shelley Dr. event entrance.

• An accessible event shuttle (wheelchair-accessible cart) will run throughout the day, picking up and dropping off at the two accessible parking zones and other areas throughout the event site, as indicated on the event map. (Download the event map here.)
• If you are planning on using this service and have any questions, please contact us at publicengagement@sfmoma.org.
• If you are looking for the accessible shuttle or need assistance on the day of the event, please contact Kim Teevan at 415.806.7736 (event day only) or ask for assistance from a staff member wearing a black t-shirt that says “SOAPBOX DERBY” in red on the back.

Yes, there is an accessible seating zone near the finish line, as well as in the Theater + Festival zone near the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater.

• In addition to existing park restrooms, there will be two restroom zones at the event site with portable toilets.
• One zone will be in The Lot and the other will be in the Theater + Festival zone near the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater.
• All portable toilets are all-gender facilities. There are accessible portable toilets in each restroom zone.

Permitted:

• small bags and backpacks
• strollers and small wagons for children
• low-back, short lawn chairs and blankets
• food and beverages in non-glass containers

NOT permitted:

• no weapons of any kind
• no illegal substances
• no smoking and vaping of any kind
• no umbrellas, tents, coolers, or glass bottles
• no tripods, lights, or other large-scale camera equipment

Do not leave any bags or belongings unattended at the event site.

Water

• We encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle (non-glass) and fill it at home so you can stay hydrated throughout the day.
• There are park water fountains at the event site to refill your reusable bottle.

Sun protection and comfortable footwear

• This is an outdoor event. Shade is limited. You may want to wear sun protection, such as a protective hat and sunscreen.
• The event site at McLaren Park has both paved roads and unpaved trails, and the racetrack itself is on a 7% incline. You may want to wear supportive, comfortable shoes for walking.

Find more information about accessible event seating and the accessible event shuttle (wheelchair-accessible cart) in the Safety and Accessibility section.

There are no ATMs inside McLaren Park.

Several of our food and beverage vendors accept credit cards.

No, please do not bring your own car.

Yes. Dogs are permitted, but they must remain on leash and cannot be left unattended.

This will be an event with crowds, loud noises, and lots of activity, so please determine if this will be a good environment for your dog. Of course, please clean up after your pet.

Yes, feel free to take photos and videos for your personal use. Tag SFMOMA on social media at @sfmoma and #sfmomaderby to share your images and videos from the event!

Due to space limitation, large-scale camera equipment such as tripods are not allowed, unless you are a member of the press. Members of the press, please contact press@sfmoma.org for further instructions.

Yes, SFMOMA will be documenting this event through photography and video.

By attending this event, you consent to being photographed and filmed, and authorize SFMOMA and its licensees to use your likeness worldwide, in any medium known now or later developed, for purposes in keeping with the museum’s mission or as related to the event.

This is an art and community event for all ages.

Bring your kids to The Pit for family fun! Cast your vote for the Kids’ Choice Award car, make a derby hat and parade down the racetrack, check out some books on the go, and more!

There will be a lost-and-found at the Information Desk at the Theater + Festival zone near the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater.

Beyond the 50+ custom soapbox cars descending the hill one by one, you can expect:

• live music from Science Band!
• DJ sets by Chulita Vinyl Club
• karaoke provided by TNT Traysikel
• an awards ceremony featuring special guest judges and 30+ artist-designed trophies
• and more!