Brightening the Bay Area this week, two significant light festivals are showcasing spectacular public art. The festivals, taking place in Palo Alto and Oakland, feature immersive light displays and interactive experiences that promise to captivate audiences.
Code:ART 2025 Launches in Palo Alto
Running from October 16 to 25, 2023, the Code:ART 2025 festival invites visitors to explore dynamic projections and immersive environments from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. each evening. The festival offers a unique opportunity to meet both local and international artists from October 16 to 18. This free event is organized by the Palo Alto Public Art Program and features innovative artworks, including eight-story projections created by 3D mapping artists.
The impressive projections will be displayed on the facade of City Hall located at 250 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly. In addition to the towering displays, attendees can experience an alley transformed into a movement-activated hall of lights and a whimsical installation called the “Screamaton,” which combines a photo booth with a rage cage. The festival also includes nightly performances on King Plaza, alongside live music and pop-up concerts throughout downtown Palo Alto.
For more details, visitors can check the festival’s social media at instagram.com/publicartpa.
Autumn Lights Festival in Oakland
Meanwhile, the Autumn Lights Festival in Oakland runs from October 16 to 18, 2023, operating from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. This annual event, now in its 14th year, showcases approximately 75 glowing, locally-produced artworks and serves as a fundraiser for the Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt. The festival takes place at the picturesque Gardens at Lake Merritt, located at 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland.
Established in the 1950s, the gardens span seven acres and feature serene water and forested spaces, including bonsai and rhododendron groves. The festival transforms this natural setting into an illuminated wonderland, with past installations including vibrant nature-themed creations such as light-festooned trees and a “Neon Zoo.”
Tickets for the Autumn Lights Festival are available for $32 for adults and $15 for children aged 6-17, with all fees included. Interested attendees can purchase tickets at gardensatlakemerritt.org.
Both festivals present a unique chance to experience art and community in a vibrant, interactive setting. Whether in Palo Alto or Oakland, attendees can look forward to an enchanting week filled with creativity and light.