The Fillmore on a rainy Saturday afternoon might not seem like the most happening spot in the city. But near the intersection of McAllister and Gough streets, suddenly a booming bass and the chatter of lively conversation can be heard from the sidewalk.
Following a cheerful, mysterious sign inside, visitors descend a short flight of steps and are enveloped by a crowd of people sipping drinks and browsing racks of vintage gems, with vendors greeting newcomers with a smile. This is Cherry Bomb—a community-oriented vintage market born in a garage that, after two years, has grown into much more.
Founded by sisters Sophia and Lulu Panzarella along with their friends, Cherry Bomb was created as a space for connection—a place where sustainable fashion meets friendship. “It was part of my plan to find a community,” said Sophia, who started the market after moving to the city post-graduation. “I loved the vintage scene in other cities, but it felt like San Francisco needed something more slay, more girly, more about community.”
Since its first DIY event in a garage, Cherry Bomb has grown into a rotating pop-up, taking over iconic San Francisco venues like the Kilowatt, the Make-Out Room, and most recently, Mirage Tattoo. But even as crowds and geographic locales have grown, the heart of the event stays the same: keeping prices reasonable, meeting like-minded people, and enjoying good music.
“The prices are what make us different,” Panzarella said. “Vintage can be so pricey nowadays, but we still encourage $5 bins. Cherry Bomb has always been about not everything being so expensive.”
For Alexa O’Donell, a first-time visitor waiting to get a flash tattoo at the market on Oct. 25, the prices were part of the appeal. “I saw how much cheaper the tattoos were than at most flash places,” she said. “And after, I’m going to check out all the clothes. There’s just so many people my age selling their own things—tooth gems, vintage, all of it—in one place.”
Regular attendee Elizabeth Byron first heard about the event through her roommate who helps organize the market, and has been returning ever since. “I always find really cute pieces! I found this really nice red sweater once for Valentine’s Day, and it was the perfect fit,” said Byron. “What market do you go to that has drinks, really good music and DJs, tooth gems and tattoos? It’s a whole vibe.”
The blend of fashion and community keeps vendors like Keoki Bovee coming back. Known around the market for selling distressed tees, denim, and Carhartt, Bovee has been a part of Cherry Bomb since its first event, and has sold at almost every market since. “The first one was super sick,” Bovee recalled. “It was small, but the garage was super big and the space was cool. I remember it being really rad and wholesome, and it went off without a hitch.”
Help us save local journalism!
Every tax-deductible donation helps us grow to cover the issues that mean the most to our community. Become a 48 Hills Hero and support the only daily progressive news source in the Bay Area.
The market largely focuses on community over profit, and it can be seen with the continuous support of local businesses who help host the pop-up. “For sellers, we’re not charging them a ton of money to vend so they can keep most of what they make,” said Sophia.
She added that Cherry Bomb also partners with local businesses to help boost their traffic. Most notably, working last May with Eli’s Mile High Club in Oakland, a well-known bar that almost closed its doors last March. “We’re helping local businesses grow and stay afloat,” Panzarella added. “By working with these awesome bars that aren’t doing well, we get to work with them and bring them a new customer base.”
Looking ahead, Cherry Bomb has most recently found its new home at Mirage Tattoo on Fillmore Street. Sophia and Lulu plan to make the market more accessible and move away from the 21 and older bar scene, towards making the market all ages. “As a teacher and an educator, I’ve been trying to create a space where more young people can come, that’s a step I’ve been trying to make for so long,” Sophia said.
She envisions the market to evolve into something even larger. “It’d be amazing to see schools and organizations work with the market, to have live bands and more DJs, or partner with a radio station.” Cherry Bomb is a place where someone can meet their new best friend, buy a cute top, and listen to good music. Wherever the pop-up lands, it’ll be a place to discover, connect, and belong.
“Every single market has the same energy,” Sophia said. “I make a new friend every single time. I’m just so thankful for all the creative outlets that bring people together.”
The next Cherry Bomb market will be December 14, noon to 7pm, at Mirage Tattoo in San Francisco. More info here.
