San Francisco, CA – Mayor London N. Breed today joined the Office of Economic Workforce & Development (OEWD) and the Downtown SF Partnership to announce the City’s fourth annual Let’s Glow SF, the largest holiday projection mapping show in the country that last year alone drew 67,000 viewers to Downtown to enjoy the show. The free outdoor event has expanded this year to include seven iconic Downtown buildings featuring large-scale animated light installations by 13 artists from around the world and award-winning design studios, and an art installation at the East Cut Crossing.
The program will run from December 6 to 15, 2024 with nightly shows from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., and will feature an all-ages block party on Front Street, the State’s first entertainment zone, on December 13, 2024.
Mayor Breed’s budget includes additional grant funding support to expand Let’s Glow SF’s footprint to bring the animated holiday projections to buildings in Yerba Buena and the East Cut neighborhoods—including Annie Alley and the PG&E Substation, located at 425 Folsom Street. Other locations include the Ferry Building and the top of Salesforce Tower, which will showcase Let’s Glow SF artwork on its LED panel, visible throughout the Bay Area.
“Let’s Glow SF is truly becoming a San Francisco holiday tradition. When we kicked this off in 2021, our City was still in the midst of a pandemic and Downtown looked so different, we were so committed to finding ways to bring back the joy to our Downtown, and just when we needed it most, the Downtown SF Partnership stepped up to help,” said Mayor London Breed. “This event is loved by so many, and last year brought over 67,000 visitors back into our Downtown to take in the glow, and we expect even more this year. San Francisco has a story to tell, and Let’s Glow SF helps share our story by highlighting the beauty and creativity that makes San Francisco so special.”
The signature event is part of the Mayor’s Roadmap to San Francisco’s Future and is the latest in a series of the Downtown SF Partnership’s entertainment initiatives aimed at transforming Downtown into a leading 24/7 arts, culture, and nightlife destination. Last year, Let’s Glow SF generated $8 million in economic impact for Downtown and drew more than 67,000 people over ten nights.
On December 6, a ‘Countdown to Glow’ public kickoff will take place at the foot of Market Street facing the Ferry Building with entertainment beginning at 5 p.m. Opening remarks will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the light shows will officially turn on at 7 p.m. Attendees will be able to experience the wonder of the season with exciting performances from Catalyst Arts and Circosphere, a DJ, complimentary hot chocolate from Sunset Roasters and Marley’s Treats, and scrumptious pizza available for purchase from Mozzeria. Free Let's Glow SF swag will be available while supplies last.
Throughout the 10-night event, attendees can tour 16 Downtown bars and restaurants as part of their Let’s Glow SF crawl adventure and take advantage of food and drink specials including prix fixe menus, holiday-themed cocktails, and other discounts.
“Thanks to the Mayor’s support, we are turning up the wattage on this year’s Let’s Glow SF,” stated Sarah Dennis Phillips, Executive Director, OEWD. “Downtown San Francisco is going to be the place to be this holiday season. I want to thank Downtown SF Partnership for galvanizing businesses and the community benefit districts to jump on board as they expand this exciting initiative. It’s wonderful to see art, technology, and architecture coalesce into a one-of-a-kind, captivating experience that inspires people to venture out, support Downtown businesses, and create new holiday memories with friends and family.”
Let’s Glow SF 2024 show locations include: the Ferry Building at 1 Ferry Building; 101 California Street; Pacific Coast Stock Exchange at 301 Pine Street; One Bush Plaza at 1 Bush Street; PG&E Substation at 425 Folsom Street; Salesforce Tower at 415 Mission Street; and Annie Alley, between the storied Dawn Club and Palace Hotel off Market Street, which will include outdoor drink and food offerings for all ages. Each building’s video projection, using techniques with light, colors and music, will tell an enchanting story that celebrates the holiday season. New this year, the East Cut Crossing at 250 Main Street will host Nexus Dream, an abstract, illuminated inflatable sculpture by artists Anne-Sophie Acomat and Jérémie Bellot.
Let’s Glow SF is hosted by the Downtown SF Partnership (DSFP), the community benefit district that oversees 43 blocks across San Francisco’s Financial District and Jackson Square Historic District, and is organized and produced in collaboration with A3 Visual. Other partners include Amazon, Yerba Buena Partnership, and The East Cut Community Benefit District.
“We’re beyond excited to bring Let’s Glow SF back for another year, and this time it’s bigger, brighter, and expanding its footprint across more of downtown,” said Robbie Silver, President and CEO of the Downtown SF Partnership. “This year’s event not only showcases even more iconic locations and talented artists, but it also demonstrates our commitment to collaborating with other neighborhoods and partners to reimagine public spaces. Let’s Glow SF is a shining example of how innovative programming can revitalize our streets and bring communities together. San Francisco has been on its way up, and events like this are the way forward in driving our city’s economic recovery and setting the stage for a vibrant future.”
"Let’s Glow SF represents the perfect fusion of cutting-edge technology and artistic expression,” said Sean Mason, Chief Creative Officer of Immersive Division, A3 Visual. “Each projection showcases the unique talent of artists from around the globe, using the city’s architecture as their canvas. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Downtown SF Partnership, expanding the event and providing audiences with even more immersive and spectacular experiences this year."
Let’s Glow SF will celebrate the close of the festival on December 13, from 5-10 p.m. with a block party for all ages on Front Street, the first designated entertainment zone in California. During the event, Front Street will be closed to vehicles and will feature public music, illuminated performers, and holiday fun for all ages. People 21+ will be able to enjoy alcoholic beverages to-go from Schroeder’s, Harrington’s Bar & Grill, and Royal Exchange within the designated area while taking in the seasonal illuminations Downtown.
“Let's Glow SF is an amazing annual celebration Downtown that brings thousands of people to the neighborhood. We’re really looking forward to expanding the seasonal festivities at the first-ever Let's Glow SF block party on Front Street where people can enjoy cozy drinks like mulled wine and spiked cider while listening to live music, watching performers and taking in the illuminated artwork,” stated Ben Bleiman, Managing Partner of Tonic Nightlife Group.
“Activations that highlight the strengths of Downtown—walkability, architecture, innovation, and people connecting with each other—are essential as we demonstrate all that downtown San Francisco can be,” said Andrew Robinson, Executive Director, The East Cut Community Benefit District. “The East Cut is thrilled to be included in this year's expanded Let's Glow SF event, engaging residents, visitors, and local businesses throughout the neighborhoods. This is more than just a light show—this is a celebration of San Francisco culture.”
“Let’s Glow SF shines a bright light on how downtown is embracing creativity and a shared commitment to a thriving future by diversifying its attractions,” said Scott Rowitz, Executive Director, Yerba Buena Partnership. “This event is a testament to the power of public art in strengthening the City’s cultural and economic fabric. The Annie Alley installation adds to Yerba Buena’s compelling attractions that are transforming Downtown with new public festivals, art exhibits, and great bars.”
According to Peter Quartaroli, owner of Sam’s Grill, “Let's Glow SF is fast becoming a holiday tradition for families and friends to drift around Downtown taking in the lights and vibes of the City, food, drinks, and a magical show. It's a reminder that downtown is alive and well!”
This year’s Let’s Glow SF features an impressive lineup of world class, local and international artists and creative design studios including:
- Spectre Lab - a creative studio specializing in immersive video and interactive experiences based in France.
- Light Harvest Studio - a multimedia collective pushing the boundaries of AV technology, fuses filmmaking with live immersive experiences.
- The Fox, The Folks - a multimedia art team based in Indonesia with expertise in storytelling through video mapping, stage performances, advertisements, and more.
- Maxin10sity - a world-renowned projection mapping company, based in Hungary, that is known for its creative design.
- Adobe - Founded 40 years ago, Adobe offers groundbreaking technology that empowers everyone, everywhere to imagine, create, and bring any digital experience to life.
- Jérémie Bellot - a digital artist and architect who designs and produces architectural, visual, light, and sound installations, often questioning the role of light in lived and perceived space through immersive audiovisual projects.
- Jacob Stephens - an independent immersive artist and creative coder with over 20 years of experience working on award-winning films and television shows, creating large-scale immersive installations, and designing innovative digital experiences that engage and inspire.
- Leslie Epzstein - a French designer specializing in projection mapping; combining her backgrounds in performing arts and visual communication to create immersive works that explore themes of time, space, and mythology in international light festivals and installations.
- Jeff Dobrow - a creative director and technology-based visual artist based in Virginia, explores the evolving, fluid relationship between technology, art, and process to produce interactive, immersive, and involving experiences.
- Dirty Monitor - a Belgium-based multidisciplinary creative studio and pioneer in the field of content conception and realization for video mapping and other audiovisual productions, specializing in live performances, installations, and product launches.
- Yann Nguema with Anima Lux - Nguema is a French artist with a scientific background specializing in visual media, music, and programming.
- Float4 - an immersive design studio that creates digitally augmented environments, turning spaces into extraordinary experiences. Their award-winning multidisciplinary team brings innovative, awe-inspiring projects to life, captivating global audiences.
- Henry Hu - a Singapore-based visual artist and designer who blends computer science with visual aesthetics to explore beauty and innovation in his internationally acclaimed work, spanning motion graphics, 3D art, and exhibitions.
- Adam LaBay - Using world class design, expert programming, high-end equipment and efficient operations LaBay specializes in laser effects for TV, film, and live events—operating across California and globally.
Let’s Glow SF 2024 is presented by Amazon, an investor committed to making a significant contribution in the economic recovery of Downtown San Francisco. Additional sponsors include JPMorgan Chase and Zoox.
"As a company deeply invested in the community, we are proud to support Let’s Glow SF as it continues to grow and highlight the creativity and innovation that makes San Francisco special,” said Stephanie Gaywood, Head of Community Engagement, Amazon in Northern California. “Events like this bring people together and shine a light on the resilience of downtown, creating lasting memories and boosting the local economy. We are excited to be part of this celebration and look forward to seeing the city illuminated with inspiring art."
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