San Francisco launches Spectra Light Show with 1271 LED lights and free concerts

The San Francisco City Council meeting on April 17, 2025, highlighted several community initiatives, including the launch of the Spectra Light Show and the Civic Center soundtrack concert series.

The Spectra Light Show, created by Oakland artist Joshua Hubert, features 1,271 LED lights illuminating the rooftops from the main library to the Asian Art Museum. This colorful, audio-reactive display will run for the next two years, providing ample opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the installation. The project is a collaboration between Illuminate, Reichen Park, the library, the Asian Art Museum, and the Civic Center CBD.

In addition to the light show, the Civic Center soundtrack concert series will offer free outdoor live music every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 3 PM through July. The series will showcase local talent across various genres, and attendees can also enjoy free fitness classes, chess lessons, and ping pong in the Civic Center area.

Commissioner Anderson also addressed the significance of the Revolution statue at Embarcadero, noting that only 8% of statues in the United States depict women. This statue aims to contribute to increasing that representation.

Public comments during the meeting included concerns about the environmental impact of night lights, with one resident urging caution due to potential disruptions to wildlife.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to cultural initiatives while also acknowledging the need for environmental considerations in urban planning.