SF’s “Bay Lights” to Finally Return in March 2026 w/ Twice the Glow
San Francisco’s iconic Bay Bridge-spanning nighttime light show is once again preparing for a comeback with more lights than ever.
Although there hasn’t been a formal announcement yet, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Bay Lights are hoping to return in March 2026 with a new installation called Bay Lights 360, featuring approximately 50,000 LED lights, roughly double the number used in the original display.
The Bay Lights have had a few optimistic target dates over the past couple of years (originally it was supposed to return in Spring of 2025), so although we’re excited, we’ll have to wait and see and weather remains one of the biggest factors to getting the installation done quickly.
That said, recent progress suggests this time may truly be different! Funcheap confirmed with Caltrans that the installation of the lights is currently happening and actually saw them on the Bay Bridge this past weekend installing the lights.
The new installation is once again designed by artist Leo Villareal and will illuminate a 1.8 mile stretch of the western span of the Bay Bridge.
What’s New for “Bay Lights 360?”
Unlike the original version, which was primarily visible from San Francisco and Marin, Bay Lights 360 will light both the interior and exterior sides of the bridge’s northern cables. This means the display will be now visible from the East Bay and parts of southern San Francisco for the first time.
The original Bay Lights debuted in 2013 and became a defining part of San Francisco’s nighttime skyline before being turned off in March 2023 after a decade of exposure to harsh bay conditions. According to SF Travel, the new version has been custom engineered to better withstand wind, marine air, and vehicle exhaust, incorporating lessons learned from the first installation.
View this post on Instagram
Installation work is already underway. Caltrans has confirmed overnight lane closures on certain nights as crews install the lighting equipment along the bridge cables.
The project is backed by Illuminate, the nonprofit arts organization behind the original Bay Lights, which has raised roughly $11 million to fund the return of the artwork.
If all goes according to plan, Bay Lights 360 will debut in early spring 2026. As always, the installation will be free to experience, with no tickets, ads, or corporate branding.
Should you plan a special trip just yet? Maybe hold off for now. But if the latest updates stay on track, SF’s skyline could soon be glowing once again and brighter than ever.
We will be watching closely and will share updates as soon as the lights announce their official return.
