Championship Sunday: Heart-Shaped Art and the Countdown to Super Bowl LX

Morning Briefing: A City in Transition

Good morning, San Francisco. Today is Sunday, January 25, 2026. As the final week of January unfolds, the city finds itself in a unique moment of transition. While our usual rainy season has taken a break—marking nearly three weeks without a drop of rain—the atmosphere is charged with the energy of major events descending on the Bay Area. Whether you are catching the end of a world-class art festival or prepping for a day of playoff football, there is a distinct sense that the eyes of the world are beginning to turn toward us.

The Mood: Bittersweet Championship Sunday

The mood across the city today is one of bittersweet anticipation. It is NFL Championship Sunday, and while the San Francisco 49ers’ season ended in a difficult Divisional Round loss to the Seahawks, the football fever hasn't broken. Instead, it has shifted into host mode. With Super Bowl LX just two weeks away at Levi’s Stadium, the city is buzzing with logistics and excitement. This weekend, the Moscone Center is the hub of the NFL world as it hosts the Pro Bowl Games, bringing star athletes and fans to the heart of the SoMa district. San Franciscans are currently balancing the sting of postseason disappointment with the pride of showcasing the city to the global stage.

Key Talking Point: Hearts on the Waterfront

If you take a walk along the Embarcadero today, you will see a beloved local tradition returning in full force. The 2026 "Hearts in San Francisco" installation has officially arrived at the Ferry Building. Featuring 21 one-of-a-kind heart sculptures designed by local artists, the exhibit serves as a beautiful talking point for residents and tourists alike. These vibrant symbols of civic pride will remain on public display through early February before being auctioned to benefit the Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. It is a visual reminder of the creative resilience that defines the city, especially as we wrap up the third annual San Francisco Art Week today.

Feel-Good Story: Dancing Through the Stacks

For those looking for a festive way to spend their Sunday, the San Francisco Public Library is offering a literal dance of joy. As part of the city’s early Lunar New Year celebrations for the Year of the Horse, the library is hosting the Lion Dance Festival. Throughout the day, performers from the Jing Mo Athletic Association are bringing traditional lion dances to branch libraries across the city. This free, family-friendly event is a perfect way to experience the rich cultural tapestry of the Sunset, Richmond, and Chinatown neighborhoods, providing a colorful and rhythmic prelude to the larger festivities coming in February.

Quick Hits for Sunday

• Weather: Expect a dry, cloudy day with a high near 58°F. The "midwinter dry spell" continues, making it a great day for outdoor walks before the jet stream shifts next week.
• SF Sketchfest: The comedy festival is in full swing. Highlighting today’s schedule is the "Women of SNL" tribute at the Sydney Goldstein Theater and "Celebrity Autobiography" at Cobb’s Comedy Club.
• Community Party: For those with a sweet tooth, the Massive Cake Community Party is taking over today, featuring over 100 cakes in a unique local celebration.