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The Mab is back

From the Dead Kennedys to Devo, Patti Smith to the Police, Robin Williams to Whoopi Goldberg — 443 Broadway has been the beating heart of San Francisco’s creative underground. Punk was born here. Comedy sharpened here. Movements found their voices here.

  • “The beating heart of San Francisco’s creative underground.”

    — The Chronicle

  • “Few institutions in San Francisco are as crucial to punk as Mabuhay Gardens.”

    — KQED
    Phase 1

    $550K

    gets us breathing room and keeps the doors open.
    Phase 2

    +$3M

    secures the building and licenses outright.
    Phase 3

    +$700K

    funds renovations and accessibility upgrades.
    Phase 4

    +$250K

    establishes a Community Trust to lock in the vision of true community ownership.

    From punk to poetry, comedy to community
    — the Mab belongs to all of us.

    0% of the way there — Phase 1: Breathing Room
    Donate on GoFundMe

    Phase 1 — Breathing Room

    Book shows, reopen doors, cover essential costs while we fundraise.

    Phase 2 — Secure the Deed

    Acquire 435–443 Broadway via nonprofit so the building can’t be flipped.

    Phase 3 — Make it Work

    Equipment upgrades, ADA elevator, sound, lights, safety, artist support.

    Phase 4 — Community Trust

    Evolve toward a long-term community ownership structure that protects the venue forever.
    The Queen of Broadway

    Francesca’s Story

    Francesca Valdez started as the cleaner, became house manager, and eventually bought the whole building in 2001.

    She guided it through COVID, kept it alive for 35 years, and always saw herself as steward, not owner.