Downtown Entertainment Zone

General Information

What is an Entertainment Zone?

An Entertainment Zone is a designated area where people can purchase alcoholic drinks from participating businesses and enjoy them outdoors in public spaces during approved times. California Senate Bill 969 allows cities to create Entertainment Zones to support vibrant downtown districts. On October 7, 2025, the Woodland City Council passed Ordinance No. 1742 to establish a Downtown Entertainment Zone. 

What are the benefits of an Entertainment Zone? 

San Francisco piloted the first Entertainment Zone Program in 2024 and now has 21 zones. Participating businesses reported increased sales during entertainment zone events and a positive community experience. Potential benefits for Woodland include: 

  • Attract more visitors downtown
  • Increase foot traffic and sales for both participating businesses and adjacent storefronts during events
  • Create a lively, community-friendly atmosphere
  • Encourages circulation throughout the downtown

Management Plan

How is the Entertainment Zone managed?

The Entertainment Zone is managed by the City of Woodland Economic Development Office using the guidelines established in the Downtown Entertainment Zone Management Plan. For more information, visit the Downtown Entertainment Zone Management Plan webpage. 

When and where does the Entertainment Zone apply?

The Entertainment Zone is not active all the time. The Entertainment Zone only activates when and where a permitted special event that requests activation is taking place. Outside of special events that are approved to activate the zone, regular alcohol rules remain.

Location

Within boundaries of a City-approved special event, located within the area bounded by the South side of Court St., the East Side of Walnut St., the North Side of Lincoln Ave., and the West Side of 6th St. 

Entertainment Zone Map

Hours

During City-approved special events, any day from a maximum of 10 AM - 11:59 PM

Example Zone Activation

If a special event were to request activation and be approved for an event on Main St. between 1st St. and 2nd St. from 6pm-8pm on a Thursday evening, the zone would only be activated on this block from 6pm-8pm on that Thursday evening. All other areas in the zone would have regular alcohol policies enforced during the event.