Summer of Awe

Summer of Awe debuted through four scintillating installations during the summer of 2023 as Illuminate worked to turn San Francisco into the City of Awe.

The series of large-scale activations focuses attention – and laser space cannons – on some of San Francisco’s most iconic monuments.

2024 installations include:

“Welcome” (June 28 – 30, 2024) Twenty laser space cannons (In honor of the 20 year anniversary of legalizing same-sex marriage in San Francisco) shooting 4.1 miles up San Francisco’s Market Street, creating the world’s largest Pride Flag. An extraordinary kick-off to San Francisco’s Pride weekend. #WelcomeSF

“Aurora” (July 3-7, 2024) Twenty laser space cannons will cascade vertically from the Ferry Building creating a luminous backdrop for the skyline of San Francisco. #AuroraSF

“Window” (July 11 – 14, 2024) Laser cannons atop the roof of the famed Fairmont Hotel in Nob Hill, shooting directly into the “Rose Window” at Grace Cathedral. #GraceWindow

2023 installations included:

“Welcome” (June 23 – 25, 2023) – Twelve laser space cannons shooting 4.1 miles up San Francisco’s Market Street, creating the world’s largest Pride Flag. An extraordinary kick-off to San Francisco’s Pride weekend. #WelcomeSF

“loveAbove” (July 4 – 8, 2023) – Twelve lasers shooting upwards from the base of the iconic Sutro Tower in celebration of its 50th birthday on July 4. #loveAbove

“Candle” (July 14 – 16, 2023) – Ten lasers shooting into the sky from the top of Coit Tower, creating a massive candle on the city’s skyline. Visible from sunset to sunrise. #CoitCandle

“Window” (July 27 – 29, 2023) – Laser cannons atop the roof of the famed Fairmont Hotel in Nob Hill, shooting directly into the “Rose Window” at Grace Cathedral. #NobHillWindow

All Summer of Awe activations are a partnership between Illuminate and laser experts Nu-Salt Laser International, and Karl the Fog.

Illuminate’s work is fueled by the generosity of individuals across the world, but partial funding for the Summer of Awe has been provided by San Francisco’s Office of Employment and Workforce Development (OEWD) in an effort to positively activate the city.