Soulscape 2026

Attendee Guide

The World's First AI Cinema Lab

"Hosted at KQED, San Francisco."

Welcome to Soulscape 2026. This guide is here to help you settle in and make the most of your time at the event. Whether you're joining us for the Cinema Lab, the Summit, or both — everything you need to know about the venue, getting around, and the neighborhood is right here.

Soulscape brings together filmmakers, technologists, and storytellers for an experience where Silicon Valley technology meets Hollywood craft — hosted inside KQED, one of San Francisco's most iconic media institutions.

We hope this guide makes your visit seamless. Grab a coffee, find your people, and get ready to create.

Soul over Slop.

The Venue & Logistics

  • Location: KQED, San Francisco, CA
  • Transit: Full directions and Muni transit options available on the KQED site.
  • Website: kqed.org/about/visit

Transportation Details

Arrive by Waymo, Uber, or Lyft — skip the parking hunt and get straight to work.

  • On-site parking: Not available at KQED
  • Parking lots: None nearby
  • Street parking: Available on surrounding streets, but often unpredictable.

Hotel Partners: Exclusive Group Rates

We've secured exclusive group rates at three 4-star hotels in downtown SF. Use the links below — booking through other channels won't guarantee special pricing. All reservations are made and paid for individually by each guest.

Note: Soulscape has no affiliation with any of these hotels. For any booking details, room-specific questions, or policy clarifications, please contact the hotel directly — all terms and conditions are as determined by each hotel.

Booking deadline: April 6, 2026 — group rates not guaranteed after this date

San Francisco Marriott Marquis

780 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Option 1 · Closest
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4-Star  ·  1.43 miles from venue  ·  TripAdvisor 4/5  ·  Booking.com 8.3/10  ·  Google 4.3/5
$159 / night Total incl. all fees & taxes: $222.81/night
(Room $159 + Tax $27.83 + Commerce Fee $0.73 + Destination Fee & Tax $35.25)
  • Free Basic WiFi in guestrooms
  • $20 Food & Beverage credit (B55 Crafthouse, View Lounge, or Mission Street Pantry)
  • Daily Fitness Center access
  • Two (2) cable car passes (one way) during stay
  • 39-story landmark · Rooftop View Lounge (39th floor)
Book Soulscape Rate → Phone: 1-877-622-3056  ·  Cancel 72h before arrival

Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA

50 Third Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

Option 2
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4-Star  ·  1.53 miles from venue  ·  TripAdvisor 4/5 (#44 of 241)  ·  Booking.com 8.8/10  ·  Google 4.2/5
$189 / night + tax Total with tax: ~$222/night
  • Destination Fee: WAIVED
  • Free WiFi in guestrooms
  • Free Fitness Center access
  • 48-hour individual cancellation policy
  • 36-story hotel with city views · On-site restaurant & bar
Book Soulscape Rate → Cancel 48h before arrival

The Marker Union Square San Francisco

501 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94102

Option 3 · Best Rate
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4-Star Boutique  ·  1.54 miles from venue  ·  TripAdvisor 4/5 (#19 of 240)  ·  Booking.com 8.6/10  ·  Google 4.2/5
$120 / night + tax Total with tax: $141.23/night
  • Destination Fee: WAIVED for our group
  • 48-hour individual cancellation policy
  • Complimentary The Marker branded PATH water bottles
  • Luxurious linens and pillowtop bedding · Blackout drapes · Bedside USB
  • Historic boutique property (built 1910, Beaux-Arts architecture)
Book Soulscape Rate → Cancel 48h before arrival

Around KQED

Nearby Dining Picks

The Setup: Breakfast & Coffee

Tartine Manufactory 595 Alabama (at 18th) • Local Icon Grab a loaf of the best bread in SF. Great for breakfast too — the babka is incredible.
Sightglass Coffee 3014 20th St • Best in Hood Best coffee nearby. Try the vanilla iced coffee. Leans light roast.
The Coffee Movement 2814 19th St Seasonal Orange Cream Latte is a must when the weather is warm.
Atlas Cafe 3049 20th St Sandwiches, salads, coffee, and beer. Turkey sandwich or chicken goddess salad.

The Break: Lunch, Dinner & Drinks

Southern Pacific Brewing 620 Treat • KQED Staff Fave The neighborhood's go-to for groups. Great craft beer, solid food, tons of outdoor seating.
Farmhouse Thai 710 Florida • Upscale The fried chicken is legendary. Outdoor parklet. The kind of place you take people to impress them.
El Faro 2399 Folsom St • SF Legend Where the first retail burrito in San Francisco was sold — September 26, 1961.
San Ho Won 2170 Bryant St • Dinner Only Esquire Best New Restaurant 2022. Reservation required. Absolutely worth it.
True Laurel Near Alabama St • James Beard Featured on KQED Food's Check, Please! Bay Area S17. A SF institution for cocktails.

Expanded Directory: More Neighborhood Spots

Quick Bites & Food

Gus's Community Market2111 Harrison St
Acai bowls, poke, roast chicken, salad bar.
Ernest1890 Bryant (at Mariposa)
Early contender for Best New Restaurant in SF.
Two Sons Sandwiches2249 17th St
Seriously good sandwiches. A neighborhood gem.
Chuck's Takeaway3332 18th St
Bánh mì by the Slanted Door chef. Extremely tasty.
Next Level Burger450 Rhode Island St
100% plant-based. Inside Whole Foods.

Cafes & Mexican

El Metate, El Tepa & Chuy's
Reliable local spots for Mexican. Chuy's has a large backyard.
Mora Taco TruckPotrero & 17th
Generously stuffed burritos. Go for carnitas or al pastor.
el Mil Amores2780 21st St
Recommended by the Kitchen Sisters team. 7am-3pm.
The Coffee Shop2761 21st St
Great baked goods and solid coffee near Bryant.
Stable Cafe2128 Folsom St
Beautiful garden patio. Perfect for a breakfast meeting.

Asian Dining & Bars

Bon, Nene & Live Sushi
Japanese-French comfort food and great quick bento boxes.
Aedan Koji Kitchen613 York St
Beautiful bento boxes and donburi. Outstanding quality.
Lost Resort2736 20th St
Great cocktails and food. Bar with neighborhood vibes.
Bar Gemini & Quik Dog
Upscale wine bar, plus great food/cocktails to go.
Asiento Tapas Bar2730 21st (at Bryant)
A KQED classic. Big windows, tapas, and board games.

SOULSCAPE 2026

Logistics subject to change — verify hours directly with venues.