The Bay Lights Return | Grand Lighting Ceremony
Date and Time
- Friday, Mar 20, 2026 6pm - 9pm
Location
Between Pier 14 and Brannan Street Wharf, San Francisco
Details
Celebrate the return of the Bay Lights from the best vantage point in town, Big Art Loop - Portside! Walk with your neighbors between Pier 14 and Brannan Street Wharf as we marvel at the sparkling views on and off the water. Countdown begins at sundown (~7:30pm).
Anchored by two sculptures on the Embarcadero, there will be art, music and surprises for the whole family to discover as we walk the between Mission and Brannan Streets.
- At Pier 14 - Corpus, by Michael Christian is a 16-foot steel sculpture exploring balance and emergence.
- At Brannan Street Wharf - Atabey's Treasure, by NiNo Alicea is an 18-foot fish, honoring the Taino goddess of water.
Project Overview
Installing a massive public artwork on the Bay Bridge was the vision of Ben Davis who invited renowned light artist Leo Villareal to create The Bay Lights. What began as a bold, temporary, two-year exhibition didn’t just transform the skyline, it sparked a movement.
The lights were initially installed in 2013 and an improved version went live in January of 2016. From that first shimmer across the Bay, a nonprofit was born, dedicated to keeping public art free, ambitious, and accessible to all. Now, in 2026, The Bay Lights 360 installation has been completely rebuilt with a custom-engineered LED system designed to shine beautifully for years to come.
About Illuminate
Illuminate is a San Francisco–based nonprofit dedicated to creating monumental public art that brings people together through awe. Reaching more than 20 million residents and visitors annually, Illuminate produces original works that are always free, open to all, and rooted in generosity.