SPECTRA: A Dazzling New Light Installation Transforms San Francisco’s Civic Center
San Francisco’s Civic Center is about to shine brighter than ever with the unveiling of SPECTRA, a groundbreaking LED art installation set to illuminate Fulton Plaza. This massive public art project, developed by local nonprofit Illuminate in partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, will bring a dynamic, ever-changing display of color and movement to the heart of the city.
Spanning 1.6 acres and adorning the rooftops of the San Francisco Public Library and the Asian Art Museum, SPECTRA features 1,271 individually programmable LEDs that ripple in response to sound, light, and energy. The installation, designed by Oakland-based artist Joshua Hubert, mimics the movement of light and sound waves, creating a mesmerizing visual experience for visitors and locals alike.
A Brighter Civic Center
For years, San Francisco’s Civic Center has been a space of cultural significance, but it has also faced challenges. Illuminate’s founder, Ben Davis, sees SPECTRA as part of a larger effort to rejuvenate the area.
“The long-held promise of a revitalized city center is finally starting to take shape. The Civic Center area is being transformed into a safer, cleaner, well-lit, and more vibrant part of our city. Illuminate is honored to be part of this sustained, collective effort to restore this area as a source of pride and a true gathering place for the community.”
Hubert, known for his innovative work blending light, technology, and community engagement, was invited in 2023 to envision a project that would bring new energy to the space. His concept for SPECTRA reflects the vibrant diversity of San Francisco, incorporating movement and color in a way that resonates with the city’s artistic and cultural landscape.
A Celebration of Light and Community
SPECTRA will make its public debut on April 5, 2025 at 8:10 p.m. as part of Night of Ideas, a citywide festival of art, culture, and innovation co-hosted by the San Francisco Public Library, the Asian Art Museum, Villa Albertine, and KQED. The official Grand Lighting Celebration, hosted by Illuminate, will follow at a later date.
According to Phil Ginsburg, General Manager of Rec and Park, the installation will take public art in the Civic Center to a new level:
“SPECTRA transforms the plaza into a breathtaking fusion of light, sound, and movement—an experience that reflects the creativity and innovation that define our city. We’re thrilled to partner with Illuminate, the Civic Center Community Benefit District, and the Public Library to make public art an everyday part of life.”
Visitors can enjoy SPECTRA seven days a week, with specific viewing hours yet to be determined. The installation also complements existing public art, such as the koi fish murals by artist Jeremy Novy, which circle Fulton Plaza below.
Illuminate’s Legacy in San Francisco
Illuminate has a history of creating large-scale, transformative public art. The nonprofit’s past projects include The Bay Lights on the Bay Bridge, Photosynthesis on the Conservatory of Flowers, and Hope Will Never Be Silent in the Castro. The organization continues to push the boundaries of public art, with an ongoing mission to inspire awe and community connection through its work.
With SPECTRA, Illuminate is not just lighting up a city block—it’s illuminating the spirit of San Francisco itself. Don’t miss this chance to witness a new era of public art in the Civic Center.
Thanks to Mission Local for sharing the news that San Francisco is set to debut a brand new night market in the Mission District on May 8, 2025. A three-block stretch of Valencia Street, between 16th and 19th streets, will be closed to vehicle traffic from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for Valencia LIVE! The market will take place on the second Thursday of each month through October, with the aim of continuing for at least two years if successful.
The night market will feature performances from local artists on stages set up by Mission businesses and community groups. One stage, hosted by Blondie’s, a local cocktail bar, will feature live music. Another stage will highlight the neighborhood’s Carnaval traditions, and a parking lot will host a market for indigenous artisans. Local restaurants will set up tents with additional seating to serve food to visitors, while vendors will offer a variety of goods and activities.
On Valencia Street between 16th and 19th Streets—in the American Indian Cultural District—the second Thursday of every month from May to December of 2025 from 5-10pm.
Explore happenings, happy hours, and deals at local businesses Savor local food and delicious drinks Shop with amazing brick and mortars and pop-up market hosted by the American Indian Cultural District and American Indian Cultural Center Dance to live music in the streets curated by Carnaval SF, Blondie’s and The Chapel Make art, play games, and hang out! The market is part of an effort to support the neighborhood and bring more visitors to the area. Valencia Street has faced challenges with declining foot traffic, and organizers hope the event will help bring more people to the street. The market will be funded by donations to the Civic Joy Fund, which has previously supported night markets in other parts of the city, including Chinatown, the Richmond, and the Sunset.
In addition to the market, the event will also contribute to the city’s expanding network of “entertainment zones.” The Valencia Night Market will be one of five designated zones in San Francisco, made possible by a state law from Senator Scott Wiener that took effect last year. The law allows businesses with a music venue license to apply for entertainment zone status, which permits them to serve alcoholic beverages to pedestrians within certain hours.
The event is being organized by the Civic Joy Fund, the Valencia Corridor Merchants Association, the Mission Merchants Association, and Into the Streets, a local event planning business. The mayor’s office is also supporting the event. Local businesses have expressed support for the closure, noting that similar past events have had a positive impact on the area.
Construction work on Valencia Street is expected to move the center bike lane to the curbside, preparing the street for the market. Organizers are hopeful the event will provide a boost to the Mission District and help support local businesses.
Mmmm… Tuesday, April 8, 2025 is Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry’s, and you know what that means… free ice cream for you.
As long as you don’t mind waiting in really long lines, almost all Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops in the Bay Area (and around the world, for that matter) are opening their doors from noon to 8 pm to serve up a free scoop of any flavor of your choice.
The original and premier artisan chocolate festival on the West Coast takes place this Spring at the 17th Annual San Francisco International Chocolate Salon and Festival, in San Francisco. Chocolate aficionados, fanatics, buyers and journalists can experience the finest in artisan, gourmet & premium chocolate in one of the world’s great culinary metropolitan areas.
Save $2 w/ secret code FUNCHEAP24YRD (or $30 at door)
Advanced discount tickets are limited
6 hours of tastings
Featuring a delicious selection chosen and curated by the Organizers, previous Annual International CHOCOLATE SALON participants included master chocolatiers, confectioners, and other curated culinary artisans.
Salon highlights feature chocolate tasting, demonstrations, chef & author talks, and ongoing interviews by TasteTV’s Chocolate Television program. (Salon Entry includes all chocolate tastings, demos, etc.). The is the international chocolate festival not to miss!
List of 2025 Participants Amano Artisan Chocolate, Kokak Chocolates, Charlotte Truffles, RJ Toffees, and more TBA. Like all things in life, the list of participants is subject to change.
Get ready for an air-mazing experience like no other as the Balloon Museum arrives in San Francisco with its bold and breathtaking EmotionAir: Art You Can Feel exhibition! From March 29th to September 7th, 2025, explore inflatable masterpieces, vibrant light shows, and interactive art that’ll make you feel all the feels in the iconic Palace of Fine Arts.
Through the work of 22 internationally recognized artists, immerse yourself in the emotional journey of art. Whether you’re diving into the mesmerizing “Hyperfeeling” installation or getting lost in the colorful chaos of “Synchronized Chaos,” EmotionAir turns air into a medium for both expression and exploration. Get ready to touch, feel, and play with art in a way you never have before, from giant inflatable sculptures to sensory overloads of color and sound.
HOURS
MONDAY – THURSDAY
1 pm – 7 pm
last entry 6 pm
FRIDAY
11 am – 8 pm
last entry 7 pm
SATURDAY
10 am – 9 pm
last entry 8 pm
SUNDAY
10 am – 8 pm
last entry 7 pm
Tickets: Monday – Friday
Adult (18-65) – $42.50 , Young (13-17), Over 65, Military, California Resident, Adult Disability – $39 Child (4-12); Adult Disability California Resident – $32.50 Family Pack 2+1 – $108 Family Pack 2+2 – $139 Family Pack 2+3 – $170
Tickets Saturday – Sunday & Holidays Adult (18-65) – $54 Young (13-17), Over 65, Military, California Resident, Adult Disability – $49 Child (4-12), Adult Disability California Resident – $43.50 Family Pack 2+1 – $141 Family Pack 2+2 – $177 Family Pack 2+3 – $210
For more information please follow the links below
Get ready for the debut of 365 Night Market — a dynamic, family-friendly festival celebrating culture, cuisine, and community in the heart of San Jose.
This two-day outdoor event will feature 60+ food vendors serving iconic Bay Area street eats, from cult-favorite chains like Dumpling Time and Koja Kitchen, to hidden gem brick-and-mortars offering everything from Michelin-inspired French cuisine to Mexican tacos, Filipino BBQ skewers, and so much more.
A curated artisan marketplace will showcase local small businesses, artists, and creators who offer handmade crafts, jewelry, home goods, and streetwear.
Live entertainment will take place throughout both nights, including traditional dance, cultural performances, and high-energy DJ sets for all ages.
Despite being a first-time event, 365 Night Market has already secured strong community and sponsor support. Tesla Inc. will provide a fleet of Cybertrucks to help power the event using clean energy — making this one of the first Bay Area festivals to integrate sustainable electric vehicle technology on this scale.
KACE Tea will also be onsite, giving away free bottles of Asian-inspired fruit tea to the first 500 attendees each night.
Following its March launch, 365 Night Market will return with additional dates throughout spring and summer 2025:
April 25–26 May 9–10 May 23–24 June 6–7 June 20–21
About 365 Night Market:
Founded by a team of Asian, minority, and women entrepreneurs, 365 Night Market was inspired by the energy of Asia’s most iconic night markets. Its mission is simple: bring people together for unforgettable nights of celebration, connection, and discovery.
Event Details:
Location: Grand Century Mall, 1111 Story Road, San Jose, CA 95122
On Sunday, April 6, 2,000 runners will participate in the Golden State 5K presented by Kaiser Permanente – a day of fitness and fun with a 5K run along the San Francisco waterfront. Below are event details. We invite you to run, volunteer, or cheer on race day.
Race Route The race will START at 9 a.m. on Terry A. Francois Blvd between 16th St and Warriors Way and proceed northbound on Terry A. Francois Blvd. Runner’s make a u-turn at the turnaround point, before Mission Rock St. intersection, and return southbound on Terry A. Francois Blvd Bay Trail to run through Bayfront Park, continuing to Crane Cove Park. Runners will return north from Crane Cove Park on Illinois St. Runners will loop this course again, to make their way to FINISH at the Chase Center on Terry A Francois Blvd. Volunteer Opportunities Support your local community, as well as thousands of runners by volunteering! To join our Race Crew, please visit goldenstate5K.com
Road Closures Event Notice Sunday, April 6, 2025
Terry A. Francois Blvd between 16th St & Warriors Way (Northbound and Southbound lanes) ………..
Terry A. Francois Blvd between 16th St & Mariposa St (Northbound and Southbound lanes) ………..
Terry A. Francois Blvd between Warriors Way & Mission Rock St (Northbound and Southbound lanes) ………..
Illinois St between Mariposa St & 18th St (Northbound and Southbound lanes) ……….. 5:00am-10:45am 8:30am-10:45am 8:30am-10:45am 8:30am-10:45am
Please plan extra time if traveling through the area during these road
closure times.
Traffic Control
Officers from San Francisco Police Department and SFMTA will manage course crossings at major intersections. Amplified Sound
Amplified sound on Terry A. Francois Blvd will begin at 8:00 a.m.
For complete information, please visit goldenstate5K.com For immediate support during event hours, call our Neighborhood Hotline at (415) 496-0820, and someone will assist you. Outside of event hours, please leave a voicemail, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
For more information, please click the link below:
Since 1968, the Festival has served to cultivate the continued alliance between Japan and the United States using culture as its bridge. Each year, over 220,000 people attend this dazzling display showcasing the vibrant colors and grace of the Japanese culture and the diversity of the Japanese American Community in the festivities as San Francisco’s Japantown celebrates Japanese and Japanese-American culture. The celebration coincides with the blooming of the cherry blossoms.
57th Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival – April 12-13, 2025 | 11 am to 5 pm – April 19-20, 2025 | 11 am to 5 pm – GRAND PARADE – Sunday, April 20, 2025 – 1pm to 3pm – from Civic Center Plaza to Japantown – Festival – Post Street between Laguna and Fillmore Streets, Japantown, SF FREE
Will there be a parade for 2025? Yes!The Grand Parade will occur on the final Sunday of the Festival. A lively procession of taiko drummers, dancers, and decorative floats will celebrate the Festival and the Japanese traditions that thrive here in Nor Cal
2025 Parade Route The Grand Parade will depart the Civic Center Plaza at 1:00 pm., proceeding up Polk Street to Post Street, and ending in Japantown at Post and Fillmore Streets.
For more information please follow the links below
We are celebrating Earth Day on April 19th 2025! There are so many reasons to be grateful for our planet, and Earth Day is the perfect time to reflect and take action.
Every day is Earth Day in the Park District, and there are all kinds of ways to celebrate and honor the Earth. Join us for an Earth Day-themed activity, take a hike or ride in nature, or volunteer at an Earth Day clean-up event in a park or in your neighborhood. Events are scheduled throughout the month of April.
Earth Day is both a celebration of the natural environment we enjoy in the Regional Parks, and a reminder of our responsibility to take care of it. This year’s Earth Day theme is Planet vs. Plastics and advocates for an overall reduction of plastics worldwide. This includes investment in the land, resources, and people to support this unique system of natural and cultural resources and open spaces. Preservation of parks and trails is a core part of the Park District’s mission.
Join us at multiple locations throughout the East Bay Parks to help complete meaningful projects Park District-wide. Register by clicking the green sign-up button on the location and project you are interested in below. While some of our projects happily accept walkup volunteers, some require pre-registration. Thank you!
