I was introduced to the Color Factory in mid-July about a couple weeks before the actual opening through a press email. The Pop-Up was organized by Oh Happy Day– a team of creatives that I’d been following for years. They’re famous for all of their DIY ideas and in general just bringing more color and happiness to things. When I heard that they were behind this project and collaborating with other well-known artists in this space, including Geronimo Balloons, I didn’t even bother trying to dig for more information. I bought the tickets the first chance I got and for Day 1!

By the time it opened officially, they were completely sold out for the month of August. Interestingly enough, they only planned to be open for one month, but decided to extend through September because of demand. Personally, I love things like this. Not only is it something to do, but it’s fun to be a part of a pop-up experience! The collaborators put so much work into it and it’s beautiful. People of all ages will love it. In a way it’s sort of like a giant playground for adults.

Here’s what I love about it:

• When you get tickets, you select a designated time and you need to arrive within 30 minutes of your window in order to get in. This really stressed me out because it was the first day and trying to rush there in San Francisco traffic, I wasn’t confident if I could make it. It ended up working out and the reason why they do this probably is to control the crowds. During each half hour, they know how many people are actually going through the pop-up. The best part is that it never got too crowded! I could get the pictures that I wanted and I didn’t feel rushed. I could just go at my own pace.
• It can be educational. Each piece has a little description and a note about the artist so that you can learn as you go along.
• It’s interactive! There’s a lot that you can see, but you’re also taking part as the creator too.
• Going through the pop-up takes about an hour, which I think is pretty decent for the ticket price. I heard the Museum of Ice Cream takes around 30 minutes, which doesn’t seem very long to me.
• Everyone is so friendly! The staff was so incredibly nice and you can just tell that they’re having a great time with you. There’s a lot of love and passion that went into making this for the people of San Francisco.
• There are designated areas within the pop-up that allow you to take photos hands-free! All you have to do is get a photo card when you arrive and program it with your name and email address and then at these spots, you would scan your card and then a timer will count down until it takes your photo. It’s great because you don’t have to take a bunch of selfies and you can do group photos altogether. The area where they can improve is probably being a little bit more clear about where to stand in the photo so as to not include other people or be off center.

Things that could be better:

• The snacks throughout are a nice touch, but it’s not a lot. It’s no Museum of Ice Cream. You’re not really going for the food anyways.
• It can be pricey! It’s a fun experience for sure, but ticket prices are higher than what I thought they’d be.
• When I said earlier that it’s a giant playground, I really meant it. As cool as this pop-up is, I imagine that there’s a lot of germs around because you’re touching so many things, you’re even doing a scratch and sniff and there’s a ball pit. Maybe… take a shower when you get home.
• It’s sold out already and you have to put your name down for September. 🙁

Also – just to note, this place is a Boomerang heaven! I actually ended up taking more Boomerangs than photos and the reason why I’m limiting some of them here is because I think you should go and see it for yourself! I definitely don’t want to spoil it for you. Don’t make the same mistake that I did though. On your way out, you can continue the “color tour” by picking up a map that will take you to other colorful spots all around San Francisco in conjunction with The Color Factory opening!