It’s officially Pride Month, which means San Francisco has been filled with rainbows and many exciting installations and celebrations. One popular installation is back once again for 2025, starting this weekend. From June 27-29, Market Street will be illuminated by the “world’s largest pride flag.”
The laser installation, WELCOME, will project 20 large-scale rainbow lasers down Market Street to celebrate Pride. The installation is a recurring project from Illuminate, a San Francisco arts nonprofit that brings large-scale installations to SF. The pride installation is a collaboration between the city’s fondly named mascot, Karl the Fog. The 2025 installation will have 20 massive lasers covering 4.1 miles down Market Street and will be visible throughout San Francisco. This year, the installation will also incorporate the new statue in front of the Ferry Building, called R-Evolution.
The art installation is planned to span three nights from June 27 through June 29, with an opening night celebration. The lasers will be on from dusk until dawn, so you have plenty of time to view the installation during the weekend. On Friday, June 27, organizers are hosting a kick-off party from 8 to 10 pm at Embarcadero Plaza featuring DJs, drag shows, and more.
The glowing pride flag has increased in size each year, with only six lasers in 2022. Now, we can look forward to more than triple the number of lights for 2025’s version. The plans for this year’s installation are still tentative because Illuminate is still in the process of fundraising the necessary funds. You can find information on their fundraising campaign here.
The laser pride flag is not the only installation coming to SF this June. The Pink Triangle, an iconic installation for almost 30 years, is also open.
Illuminate is responsible for many highly visible public art installations throughout SF, including the Bay Lights, Grace Light, and more. The nonprofit was founded in 2011 with the goal of highlighting awe in San Francisco’s beauty. The organization is also responsible for the popular Bay Lights installation, which is expected to return soon.