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San Francisco’s sky will glow with 49 colored beam...
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By Desiree Luo, Staff WriterJune 18, 2026 - San Francisco Chronicle


For just two weeks, San Francisco will glow after dark. 


The sky above Civic Center Plaza will be illuminated by 49 colored beams of light from Sunday, June 21 through July 4 as part of a public art installation presented by Illuminate, the San Francisco arts nonprofit that aims to create large-scale public artwork throughout the city.


“As our city welcomes people from around the world this summer for Pride, July Fourth, and the World Cup, we are showing the creativity, energy, and spirit that make San Francisco the greatest city in the world,” San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie said in a statement Thursday, June 18, announcing the project.  


The display, titled “7X7,” will launch with rainbow-colored lights to commemorate Pride Weekend.


That same weekend, Illuminate will activate its Market Street laser display, “WelcomeSF.” Spanning more than four miles, it will be “the world’s largest Pride flag,” according to the mayor. 


The display, titled “7X7,” will launch with rainbow-colored lights to commemorate Pride Weekend.


The Golden Gate Bridge will be closed to traffic during the show. 


Illuminate also hopes to capitalize on the ongoing FIFA World Cup, which is drawing international crowds to the Bay Area. 


Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara — with the temporary official moniker “San Francisco Bay Area Stadium” due to FIFA branding restrictions — will have hosted its sixth and final match of the tournament by the time the display goes dark. 



If the U.S. Men’s National Team wins its group, Levi’s Stadium will welcome the squad July 1 for the tournament’s first knockout round. 


Greg

Article says

"The Golden Gate Bridge will be closed to traffic during the show"
????

Can someone please provide corroboration or more info? 
I did a search but didn't find anything.

Thank you 
Alison Merrill 
I'm guessing that the GG bridge will be closed only for the July 4th fireworks, not the colored lights show which happens every night Jun 21-July 4. 



Ellen DeLaura


Such fun! Can't wait! Love the new mayor!



Sent from my Galaxy




Ellen DeLaura


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