Northern lights shine on Aurora with immersive laser show, cultural festival

AURORA | The northern lights are making their way back to Aurora this fall, thanks to technology, artistry and a community-wide celebration. The Aurora Borealis Festival, an annual signature event from Visit Aurora, is set to return for its second year on Friday, Oct. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 11, at High Prairie Park in Painted Prairie, in northeast Aurora.

The family-friendly festival, first launched in 2024, recreates the aurora borealis with a dazzling laser show set to music, offering guests a rare chance to experience the beauty of the northern skies without leaving the Front Range. Organizers say the goal is not only to showcase light, sound and creativity, but also to bring people together to celebrate Aurora’s cultural vibrancy.

“At its heart, this is more than just a light show,” said Bruce Dalton, president and CEO of Visit Aurora. “The Aurora Borealis Festival is about celebrating our community, our diversity, and all that makes Aurora a unique and welcoming destination for families.”

The centerpiece of the festival is the Aurora Laser Show, a colorful and immersive experience designed to mimic the natural wonder of the northern lights. Set to a soundtrack of carefully selected music, the show paints the night sky with shifting colors and patterns, turning High Prairie Park into a canvas of light.

Beyond the laser performance, attendees will find illuminated installations scattered throughout the grounds. Each piece merges light, art and storytelling to create interactive experiences. Featured works this year include Chameletuna and Hearthug by internationally recognized light artist Ilya Sobol, Elemental Reverie and Draco’s Paw by Denver-based Scorched Steel, Megalotorus by Jillian and Sierra Estrella, and The Solarium by Cody Borst, known for crafting immersive, narrative-driven art.

Festivalgoers will also play a role in shaping the event. Each installation will include a QR code linking to the DEN Illumination Passport app, allowing visitors to vote for their favorites. The top three works will win cash prizes, announced from the Painted Prairie Mainstage at 9 p.m. Saturday.

The skies won’t be the only things glowing. The Painted Prairie Mainstage will feature live performances from a rotating lineup of five artists each day. Friday’s performers include DJ Polyphoni, Eye-Yoob, Kalpulli Mikakuikatl, Destiny Shynelle and Kayla Marque. Saturday’s roster will highlight DJ Rewild, Jade Oracle, Miss Flowers and The Milk Blossoms.

In addition to the mainstage acts, guests can step into a silent disco. It’s a dance party where attendees don headphones and groove to DJ sets while surrounded by glowing lights. Organizers say the disco adds another layer of interactive fun for those looking to keep the energy high after the shows.

The Aurora Borealis Festival is spotlighting the city’s culinary scene through Westword’s Flavors of Aurora Food Court. From food trucks to gourmet bites, options will range from international flavors to festival favorites.

Organizers say the food court reflects Aurora’s diverse population and gives attendees a taste of the city’s cultural richness.

Those expecting to take home a souvenir can explore the Global Gift Bazaar, an open-air marketplace of local vendors, artisans and small businesses. Items will include handmade jewelry, textiles, art and home décor. Among the vendors featured this year are Lola Severina, Cityscape Knits, KB Candies, Enlaces, Clari Designs, Love Level, Old Soul Henna, Kahealani Lee Designs, Violet’s Bows and More, Katherine Reed Studios, Jay’s Crap Shack, May Contain Nuts, Vibalminerals and Joey Lopez Design.

Organizers say the bazaar gives festivalgoers the opportunity to directly support Aurora’s creative community while browsing unique, one-of-a-kind items.

For those looking for an elevated experience, the festival offers a Peak Beverage VIP Lounge for guests 21 and older. VIP ticket holders will receive premium parking, exclusive views of the lighting displays, gourmet catering, a souvenir mug with two complimentary beverages and access to a private lounge space. VIP packages also include a programmable LED wristband that syncs with the light show.

In just its second year, the Aurora Borealis Festival is working to established itself as a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar. Organizers say they hope to build on last year’s success by offering even more immersive art, stronger musical lineups and expanded food and vendor offerings.

Dalton emphasized that the festival showcases Aurora as more than a gateway city to Denver and the Rockies. “Events like this give us a chance to highlight the incredible talent, culture and creativity we have right here in Aurora,” he said.

Timed-entry tickets start at $17 for general admission and run up to $83 for the VIP experience. Organizers encourage families, couples and groups of friends to purchase tickets in advance.