The Bay Area is set to dazzle this week with two prominent light festivals showcasing stunning public art installations. The festivals, which feature impressive displays of creativity, will run from October 16 to 25, 2023, in Palo Alto and October 16 to 18, 2023, in Oakland.
Code:ART 2025 kicks off in Palo Alto, operating from 18:00 to 22:00 each evening. This free festival invites attendees to explore a variety of interactive art experiences, including dynamic projections, immersive environments, and responsive sound installations. The event will feature the works of both local and international artists, with opportunities to meet them from October 16 to 18.
A highlight of Code:ART 2025 is the display of eight-story artworks created by 3D projection-mapping artists, projected nightly on the façade of City Hall, located at 250 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto. Visitors can also enjoy a unique alley transformed into a movement-activated hall of lights, alongside an interactive installation called the “Screamaton,” which combines a photo booth with a rage cage. Each night will be complemented by live performances and pop-up concerts across downtown Palo Alto, providing an engaging atmosphere for festival-goers. For more information, attendees can visit the official Instagram page of the Palo Alto Public Art Program.
In Oakland, the Autumn Lights Festival will run from 18:00 to 23:00 from October 16 to 18. Now in its 14th year, this annual event showcases around 75 locally-produced light artworks and serves as a fundraiser for the Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt. The festival takes place at the gardens located at 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland, which span 7 acres and feature beautiful landscapes, including bonsai and rhododendron groves.
Last year’s Autumn Lights Festival captivated attendees with nature-themed exhibits, including illuminated pink squids and towering mushrooms reminiscent of a video game. The gardens will be transformed into an enchanting wonderland during the festival, where visitors might even spot the elusive albino raccoons that are known to roam the area at night. Tickets for the event are priced at $32 for adults and $15 for children aged 6 to 17, with fees included. Tickets can be purchased online at gardensatlakemerritt.org.
Both festivals promise to deliver unforgettable experiences, inviting residents and visitors alike to appreciate the intersection of art, technology, and community spirit in the Bay Area’s vibrant cultural landscape.
