Your Guide to The Aurora Borealis Festival

This fall, High Prairie Park at Painted Prairie will transform into a breathtaking celebration of light, art, and culture. On October 10 and 11, 2025, the Aurora Borealis Festival invites families and friends to experience the magic of the Northern Lights, Aurora style! Immerse yourself in a weekend of wonder that celebrates our community’s creativity, diversity, and spirit.

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What To Expect at The Aurora Borealis Festival

More than just an event, The Aurora Borealis Festival is a celebration of light, community, and culture. Organized by Visit Aurora, this free, family-friendly festival invites you to immerse yourself in a captivating world where technology and nature blend to create awe-inspiring displays and interactive art installations.

Aurora Borealis Effect: A Dazzling Display of Light

As dusk falls, the festival's centerpiece, the Aurora Borealis Effect, will light up the night sky. Inspired by the natural Northern Lights, this stunning display uses nine multi-colored lasers that shine through a water-based haze. The result is a mesmerizing dance of green, blue, and magenta lights that will leave you in awe. Randi Morritt, COO of Visit Aurora, explains, “We’re taking a cue from nature but also infusing technology and our own interpretation of light. It is an art exhibit, after all.”

Painted Prairie Mainstage: A Showcase of Talent

Whether you're into soulful vocals, experimental beats, or powerful cultural performances, the performance stage at the Aurora Borealis Festival will be a must-visit. Catch the ethereal sounds of Jade Oracle, the genre-bending magic of The Milk Blossoms, and Denver’s own Kayla Marque bringing her signature blend of soulful vocals, introspective lyrics, and genre-bending “ritual pop” to the stage. With DJs like Polyphoni and Rewild keeping the energy high, and a diverse mix of dancers and local talent lighting up the stage, there’s something for every kind of festival-goer. See the schedule below so you know what day to catch your favorites:

Friday:

DJ Polyphoni
Jade Oracle
Kalpulli Mikakuikatl
Destiny Shynelle
Kayla Marque

Saturday:

DJ Rewild
Eye Yoob
Kalama Polynesian Dancers
Miss Flowers
The Milk Blossoms

This year’s Aurora Borealis Festival features seven immersive and interactive art installations that invite visitors to explore, connect, and reflect. With a curated blend of creativity and sensory experiences, each installation offers a unique way to engage with light, space, and imagination, making the festival an inspiring backdrop for discovery and memorable moments.

ChameleTuna by Ilya Sobol Art

"ChameleTuna," beautifully combines the Tuna fish's shape and the Chameleon's color-changing behavior, which is ingeniously influenced by the clothing colors of the interacting audience. For instance, when a person wearing a red jacket approaches, ChameleTuna detects the color and gracefully transforms to match the vibrant red hue. The magic continues as the next person interacts, prompting ChameleTuna to mimic their outfit color, and so on. This dynamic display results in a captivating blend of colors, with each hue overlapping harmoniously without ever concealing the others.

Heart Hug by Ilya Sobol Art

HeartHug is a celebration of the embrace, it is a visualization of a hug between two or more people, broadcasted for all to see. When two or more spectators hug beneath the sculpture, the heart lights up with a full spectrum (rainbow). If one or more people stand without a hug, only half of HeartHug shines with just one random color.

MegaloTorus by Jillian S. Estrella and Sierra B. Estrella

MegaloTorus is inspired by the torus, the geometric form found in the Earth’s magnetic field that shapes the aurora borealis. This installation transforms that hidden geometry into a sculptural environment of dynamic light and sound, with patterns that respond in real time to music or ambient audio. MegaloTorus is designed as a flexible, inclusive gathering place, with its cavernous form inviting participants to step inside, lie beneath the lights, or dance among the shadows, welcoming both quiet reflection and energetic gatherings.

The Solarium by Fictive

Solarium is an interactive lighting installation that celebrates the vibrant spirit and community of Aurora, infused with the wonder of the northern lights. The artwork combines the ornate details of a greenhouse with organic plant life and dazzling waves of light to create a multi-layered experience. Visitors can activate glowing geometric orbs to send playful bursts of color throughout the space and even uncover a hidden mystery.

Forest of Confusion by Martin Beran

Wander into the Forest of Confusion, an interactive grove of Colorado Blue Spruce that invites families to explore, play, and bring the forest to life. Each six-foot “tree” rests in a soft blue glow, a nod to the Colorado Blue Spruce, until you wander close. Proximity activates the trees, shifting them from blue into new colors and patterns, and as more trees awaken, the entire 60-foot grove builds toward a shared finale. When every tree is activated, the forest bursts into a synchronized light show you create together. Best experienced after dark for full effect, Forest of Confusion invites visitors of all ages to play, explore, and share the magic.

Elemental Reverie by Scorched Steel

Elemental Reverie is an immersive art installation that invites contemplation and introspection through a series of octagon-shaped benches. Inspired by the Chinese bāguà elements of Lake, Sun, Thunder, and Mountain, each bench incorporates symbolic patterns and offers a unique sensory experience. The benches serve as a physical seat and a sensory experience, inviting visitors to pause and engage with the materiality of the element they represent.

Draco's Talons

Draco's Talons is an interactive art installation inspired by the lore of the Draco Constellation. By re-writing the typical narrative of humans' interactions with dragons, we have tamed this dragon to be our friend. Featuring 4 talon sculptures representing his paw, you can sit in the middle and control the intricate LED lit patterns inspired by the original North Star. Draco creates a dynamic visual spectacle that evokes humanity’s ancient connection to cosmic light and mythology.

Global Gift Bazaar: A Shopper’s Paradise

If you’re looking to take a little piece of the magic home, be sure to explore the Global Gift Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace housed under a stunning, peak-topped tent. Featuring an eclectic mix of local makers and artisans, the bazaar is the perfect place to find something truly one-of-a-kind! From handcrafted bags by Kahealani Lee Designs, to playful accessories from Violet’s Bows & More and quirky finds at Jay’s Crap Shack. You’ll also discover natural beauty products, cozy knits, custom art, and even small-batch sweets from vendors like KB Candies LLC. Stop by the Global Gift Bazaar and soak in the creative energy that makes this community shine.

Flavors of Aurora Food Court: A Culinary Journey

Get ready to eat your way through the Flavors of Aurora Food Court, where the city's rich culinary diversity comes to life. This year’s lineup features everything from sizzling street food to comforting classics, with options to satisfy every craving. Sample fresh sushi and teriyaki from Geisha Japanese Cuisine, dig into smoky Southern favorites at Mississippi Boy Catfish & Ribs, or spice things up with bold Korean bites from Mukja. Craving tacos? Loma Bonita Kitchen has you covered, while Now Pho brings savory soul food and Vietnamese comfort dishes to the table. Whether you're a foodie or just hungry from exploring, this is the perfect spot to relax, refuel, and taste what makes Aurora so flavorful.

Silent Disco: Dance Under the Stars

Get ready to turn up the energy at the Silent Disco, one of the festival’s most unforgettable experiences! Slip on a pair of wireless headphones, choose from three live DJ channels, including everything from high-energy EDM beats to nostalgic throwbacks, and hit the dance floor under a glowing, clear-top tent. With the stars shimmering overhead and the crowd moving in sync to different rhythms, it’s a surreal, electrifying vibe you won’t want to miss. Dance like no one’s watching. Here, it’s all about feeling the music and the moment.

Insider Tips for Enjoying the Festival

• Dress Warmly: October nights in Colorado can get chilly, so be sure to dress in layers to stay comfortable as you explore the outdoor exhibits. (Or stop by the food court for some hot chocolate to keep your hands warm!)
• Bring a Camera: With so many visually stunning displays, you’ll want to capture the magic. Make sure your camera or smartphone is charged and ready to go.
• Plan Your Visit: With so much to see and do, planning your visit will ensure you don’t miss out on any of the festival’s highlights. Check the festival map and schedule in advance to make the most of your experience.

Why You Can’t Miss the Aurora Borealis Festival

The Aurora Borealis Festival is not just an event; It’s a celebration of everything that makes Aurora special. From the innovative art installations to the vibrant community spirit, this festival offers a unique opportunity to connect with others, experience cutting-edge creativity, and be part of something truly magical. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the Aurora Borealis Festival is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Purchase Your Tickets Today!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable experience. Reserve your free tickets today by visiting auroraborealisfestival.com. Mark your calendars for October 10th & 11th, and get ready to be dazzled by the light, art, and community at the Aurora Borealis Festival. We'll see you there!