You’ve seen the yellow ball pit, the confetti room, the 1,000 multicolored ribbons and the shimmering disco balls on Instagram. But did you know that the Color Factory goes beyond the Sutter Street exhibit to span 17 locations creatively crafted around the city?
The additional experiences can be found on a secret neighborhood map you can snag on your way out of The Color Factory. Some are hidden with clues and some are more straightforward. The nearest to the exhibit include a yellow star on the corner of Mason and Sutter, a message at Hotel Rex across the street, and Sutter Nails where you can pop in to get the technicolor Color Factory manicure.
The bulk lie in Union Square, with several speckled throughout Chinatown and a couple in the Tenderloin. Use the map to explore colorful surprises, secret menu items and vibrant murals. Here are a few favorites.
SEE
A colorful stairwell inspired by the “tastes of Chinatown” is by Color Factory design lead, Erin Jang (find it on the corner of Grant Ave. and Vinton Ct. in the alley).
Pose in front of this mural by type designer Jessica Hische (corner of Sutter St. and Claude Lane).
TASTE
For a healthy bite, grab a hot pink dragon fruit bowl at Jane (925 Larkin St) and take a look down Cedar St. to peep some pink on the wire.
Try a limited edition Color Factory strawberry cream boba, a jasmine tea fresca with milk, at Boba Guys (429 Stockton St).
Walk down a hidden alley to the teeny Fortune Cookie Factory (56 Ross Alley) and cop a handmade matcha Color Factory cookie to eat in front of the bright green wall outside.
At Little Giant Ice Cream (214 Sutter St), enjoy the Color Factory special complete with a monochromatic cone and matching sprinkles.
DO
Stroll across the street to Hotel Rex (562 Sutter St) and find the book titled The Red Thumb Mark on the front shelf to find a secret message inside. Then head to the bar for a $5 glass of red wine.
Get a temporary tattoo from the vending machine at Moth & Dagger Tattoo Studio (610 Bush St).
Find Method (637 Commercial St.) and push the colorful button under the red flag to be immersed in bubbles. You know...like their soap.
Head to Mister Jiu’s (28 Waverly Pl) secret back door where you’ll find multicolored buttons to start a dance party!