Event Dates
From: Awaiting dates
To: Awaiting dates
San Francisco’s
Illuminate Festival of Light 2023/24
The City by the Bay always dazzles, especially during the holiday season when it is aglow with the annual Illuminate SF™ Festival of Light
San Francisco’s Illuminate Festival of Light 2023/24
The City by the Bay always dazzles, especially during the holiday season when it is aglow with the annual Illuminate SF™ Festival of Light.
- Visiting San Francisco this Winter? Stay close to all the light installations in the heart of the city’s downtown/union square district. Alternatively choose the Mission District for a different vibe and host to San Francisco’s famous gay parties.
The Festival
- San Francisco’s Illuminate Festival of Light celebrates the power of light with artworks by world-famous artists.
- lluminate SF has grown since its inception from six to 62 temporary and permanent eco-friendly light art installations created by a diverse array of acclaimed international and local artists
- Stay close to the start of the light trail in Union Square (7 mins to Embarcadero) at the Citizen M San Francisco, rated Wonderful by guests featuring modern rooms and superb amenities in a perfect location,
The Light Art Trail
- Tip – A great way to see a collection of the installations is to take the Light Art Trail. The Trail begins along the Embarcadero at “The Bay Lights,” which is displayed on the north side of the Bay Bridge’s western span.
- The Trail ends at a poignant gay installation. “Hope Will Never Be Silent” glows over Harvey Milk Plaza in the Castro, commemorating the words of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the history of California.
- This installation is designed to honour his life and legacy through the light’s power of attraction, offering a sign of hope to all who visit.
- Stay close to all the major light installations at the Omni San Francisco, rated “Superb” by guests with a modern gym, spacious rooms and friendly and attentive staff.
Installation Highlights 2023
While all are worthy of a visit, here are our top choices not to be missed:
- Helical Trace: A permanent installation inside the new LUMA Hotel in Mission Bay, Helical Trace is local artist Jim Campbell’s newest contribution to San Francisco’s Light Art Trail. The dynamic light installation can be seen from the street through the lobby’s floor-to-ceiling three-story windows.
- Awaiting installation details for the 2023-2024 edition.
Where to Stay?
- San Francisco is divided into several neighbourhoods, but the primary 2 are The Castro and Soma, with Soma being the area where you will find Folsom Street and most of the leather and fetish bars.
- If you want to be close to all the tourist attractions and stay in some of the best hotels in the city, then we recommend the downtown/union square district
Recommended Hotels
The following hotels are close to the gay bars and the city’s top attractions:
InterContinental Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott , Palace Hotel, Hotel Zelos,
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The W Hotel is our preferred hotel in
the city close to everything with a gym
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Illuminate Festival of Light, Website
Gay Map of San Francisco
We have divided the map into two areas, the Castro, San Francisco’s world famous gay district and SOMA, the are where the Folsom Street Fair takes place each September.
Map of Gay San Francisco (SOMA)
Map of Gay San Francisco (The Castro)
Recommended Hotels in San Francisco
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in San Francisco that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Palace Hotel
5 Star, Luxury
Famed bars, an awe-inspiring crystal chandelier restaurant, a fitness area and a glass dome indoor pool are featured at this landmark Palace. Leather tufted headboards, 11-foot ceilings, pillow-top bedding set the stage for a luxurious night’s sleep. High-end luggage inspired desk, tables and the bathroom vanity. A 48-inch flat-screen satellite TV, marble bath & rain shower
Hotel Zetta
4 Star, Readers Choice
This Central San Francisco hotel offers rooms with a 46-inch flat-screen smart TV. Free WiFi, an iPod docking station, a portable wireless Bluetooth speaker, and double-panned windows for quiet. A seating area, work desk, and an Illy espresso coffee machine, walk-in shower, bathrobes & premium toiletries. A state-of-the-art fitness centre & laundry services
The Marker
4 Star, Great Value
Offering French-inspired architecture, The Marker San Francisco, provides guests with an ideal city centre. The guest rooms and suites at this upscale hotel boast amenities such as an LCD flat-screen TV with on-demand movies and an iHome alarm clock radio. All guest rooms feature ironing facilities, a hairdryer, a make-up mirror and boutique bath products.
Handlery
3 Star, Location
This San Francisco hotel is located in Union Square, it offers an outdoor pool and rooms with an MP3 connection. It features a barbershop and a business center. Access to a fitness centre one block from the hotel and an on-site sauna. Each classically-designed room is equipped with a flat-screen cable TV and mini-refrigerator. Free coffee and tea are also provided
Video Highlights of Illuminate SF
Discover the best of Iluminate San Francisco
Recommended Hotels in San Francisco
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Expedia
We have chosen hotels in San Francisco that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
The Westin
4 Star, Luxury
Along with a restaurant, this smoke-free hotel has a 24-hour fitness center and a bar/lounge. A coffee shop/café, valet parking, and conference space. All 1195 rooms offer comforts like pillowtop beds and premium bedding, plus WiFi and LCD TVs with cable channels. Guests will also find Netflix, room service, and coffee makers. Housekeeping is available on request.
InterContinental
4 Star, Stylish
Along with an indoor pool, this smoke-free hotel has a restaurant and a health club. Additionally, a bar/lounge, a 24-hour business center, and a conference center are onsite. All 556 rooms offer WiFi, iPod docks, and plasma TVs with digital channels. Other amenities available to guests include 24-hour room service, wired Internet, and minibars.
Axiom Hotel
4 Star, Readers Choice
Along with a restaurant, this smoke-free hotel has a 24-hour fitness center and a bar/lounge. Other amenities include a snack bar/deli, a coffee shop/café, and valet parking. All 152 rooms feature espresso makers and bathrobes, along with refrigerators and coffee makers. Free WiFi and pillowtop beds are standard, as are flat-screen TVs with digital channels.
citizenM San Francisco
4 Star, Modern Classic
A restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, and a bar/lounge are available at this smoke-free hotel. Additionally, a rooftop terrace, a 24-hour business center, and a coffee shop/café are onsite. All 195 soundproofed rooms feature free WiFi and iPads. LED TVs come with cable channels, and guests can also appreciate comforts like pillowtop beds and premium bedding.
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