By Mauricio Segura June 3, 2025
Photo: GBT Graphics
Morgan Hill is about to discover that summer fun isn't just for big city lights. This year, Downtown Morgan Hill is launching a Summer Kickoff and Twilight Market, and the Bay Area Panthers are leading the charge. On Thursday, June 19, from 4 to 7 PM, East Third Street will transform into a lively block party filled with football flair and small-town charm.
This event marks the debut of the Twilight Market series, and organizers are pulling out all the stops. Families can expect meet-and-greets with Panthers players, coaches, and staff, interactive football-themed games, a dedicated kids’ play zone, and even a photo booth to capture the memories. Local restaurants will offer special promotions for attendees, and MOHI Farm is setting up a s’mores bar to give guests a sweet way to toast the summer season. Raffle prizes will include game tickets and official team merchandise, giving fans another reason to get excited.
One of the standout features of the evening will be the artisan market, where about twenty local vendors will showcase handmade goods, gourmet snacks, and other specialty items. Live music will add to the atmosphere, making it more than just an event but a full-blown celebration of community. Designed to be both relaxing and energizing, the Twilight Market invites locals to kick back and enjoy the summer evening with neighbors and new friends.
The event is the result of collaboration between the Downtown Morgan Hill Improvement District, Visit Morgan Hill, and the Bay Area Panthers. Krista Rupp from Visit Morgan Hill called the event a reflection of the city’s community spirit and its growing identity as a destination for both sports and lifestyle experiences. Panthers President David Eisenberg expressed the team’s excitement to get involved, especially since the players train right in Morgan Hill. He emphasized the importance of connecting with the community that supports them on and off the field.
This kickoff is just the first act in a packed weekend. On Friday, June 20, the popular Friday Night Music Series will return. Saturday brings the Tequila and Taco Festival at the Morgan Hill Outdoor Sports Center. Then on Sunday, June 22, the Bay Area Panthers face off against the Arizona Rattlers at the SAP Center in San Jose. Together, these events form a vibrant weekend lineup that blends food, music, sports, and culture.
But the Twilight Market is about more than fun. It represents a growing vision for Morgan Hill. The city is carving out a unique identity that blends its Silicon Valley proximity with a close-knit, small-town atmosphere. It is the kind of place where local shops thrive, neighbors know each other by name, and community events bring people together in meaningful ways. The Twilight Market is a natural extension of that identity, giving people a reason to gather, celebrate, and support local businesses.
The presence of the Panthers at this event also adds depth to their connection with the city. Beyond training in Morgan Hill, the team is becoming a familiar and welcomed presence in the community. Whether they are handing out autographs, tossing a football with kids, or simply joining in the fun, their involvement signals that the Panthers are not just a team, but part of the town’s cultural fabric.
With the Twilight Market set to become a recurring series throughout the summer, Morgan Hill may have found a new tradition worth keeping. Picture the scene: locals browsing artisan booths under string lights, kids laughing as they play catch with professional athletes, neighbors enjoying live music while sipping drinks and sharing stories. It is the kind of event that reminds everyone why they love where they live.
Organizers planned the timing carefully, launching the series just as schools let out and summer schedules open up. The event is free, family-friendly, and loaded with entertainment. It is the kind of evening that brings people together without needing a big-ticket draw. Instead, it’s the energy of the community, the presence of the Panthers, and the spirit of summer that will make it memorable.
As twilight falls on East Third Street, Morgan Hill will shine bright with energy, laughter, and hometown pride. Whether you are a die-hard football fan, a curious newcomer, or just looking for a good way to spend a Thursday night, this event is your invitation to start the season right. With good food, great people, and a team that knows how to put on a show, Morgan Hill is proving once again that small towns can throw big parties.
