California entertainment zones represent a new generation of placemaking policy4a relatively low-cost, high-visibility intervention that municipalities can deploy to support economic revitalization, activate public spaces, and strengthen connections between local businesses, arts organizations, and residents.

Enabled by Senate Bill 969 (Wiener, 2024), which took effect January 1, 2025, entertainment zones allow cities and counties to designate public areas where open-container alcohol consumption is permitted during specified hours or events.

As of March 2026, at least seventeen California cities have formally adopted entertainment zone ordinances, with another seven jurisdictions in active planning or research phases. Together, these communities have designated more than 51 distinct zones representing diverse approaches to implementation from daily downtown activation in Redding to event-triggered zones in Sacramento, San Jose, and Upland.

The report showcases how the two emerging models for entertainment zones show promising early results across California, focus on how implementation success depends on infrastructure and center Arts and Culture as core features of success.  

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