AURORA, Colo. – This October, Coloradans have the opportunity to look to the sky for a truly one-of-a-kind chance to experience the Northern Lights, recreated with cutting-edge technology. The Aurora Borealis Festival will return for its second year this Friday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, illuminating High Prairie Park in Painted Prairie with the awe-inspiring beauty of the aurora borealis. At the heart of the festival is the Aurora Borealis Effect laser show, a dazzling display of lights and colors set to captivating music. In addition to the laser show, guests can wander through illuminated installations, witnessing firsthand how art and technology can merge to create this stunning experience.
Not only will the skies light up, but so will the main stage. An exciting line-up of captivating and electric performances will complement the glowing sky. The Painted Prairie Mainstage will showcase incredible local talent throughout the weekend. Each day of the festival will feature a rotation of five artists. The featured performers on Friday, Oct. 10 include: DJ Polyphoni, Eye-Yoob, Kalpulli Mikakuikatl, Destiny Shynelle, Kayla Marque. On Saturday, Oct. 11, performers include: DJ Rewild, Jade Oracle, Miss Flowers, and The Milk Blossoms. Beyond the stage, a silent disco will also be available for guests to dance the glowing night away.
“We are thrilled to bring the magic of the aurora borealis to Colorado. It’s an honor to bring this unique family-friendly event back for a second year,” said Bruce Dalton, President and CEO of Visit Aurora. “This is more than just a light show, it’s a way to bring the community together and to celebrate the magic of everything that Aurora has to offer Colorado’s families.”
As guests take in the performances under the night sky and explore the festival grounds, they can also take in the amazing illuminated installations by a variety of talented artists. Each installation will have a QR code available, where attendees can vote for their favorites in the DEN Illumination Passport app. The three pieces with the highest rankings will win cash prizes, which will be announced on Painted Prairie’s Mainstage at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11.
Installations this year include:
- Chameletuna & Hearthug is an interactive sculpture that visualizes an embrace: when two or more people hug beneath it, the heart glows in a full rainbow, while a single participant lights only half the heart in one color. This installation is created by Ilya Sobol, a Los Angeles-based, internationally recognized public light artist.
- Elemental Reverie & Draco’s Paw is an immersive installation featuring octagon-shaped benches inspired by the Chinese bāguà elements of Lake, Sun, Thunder, and Mountain. Each bench offers symbolic patterns and sensory experiences that invite reflection and connection, created by Denver-based sculptor Scorched Steel.
- Megalotorus is a sculptural installation inspired by the torus, the self-organizing geometric form that shapes Earth’s magnetic field and powers the northern lights, by Denver artists Jillian S. Estrella and Sierra B. Estrella. Through flowing light and sound, it immerses participants in the hidden geometry and rhythm behind the aurora. creators of immersive and interactive LED art.
- The Solarium is an interactive lighting installation that celebrates Aurora’s vibrant spirit and the wonder of the northern lights by Denver’s Cody Borst with Fictive. Combining the ornate details of a greenhouse with organic plant life and dazzling waves of light, it invites visitors to activate glowing geometric orbs that spark bursts of color and reveal hidden mysteries.
- Forest of Confusion is an interactive grove of six-foot Colorado Blue Spruce that shift from a soft blue glow into vibrant colors and patterns when touched or approached by Colorado-based artists B.J. Nolletti, Jenny Beran, and Martin Beran. As more trees awaken, the 60-foot forest builds toward a shared, synchronized light show—best experienced after dark.
- SKY FLAMES one sculpture by Denver artist Diana Merkel will be on display at the Aurora Borealis Festival before joining four suspended, lantern-like works at Stanley Marketplace’s North Entrance, where the glowing, northern-lights-inspired installation transforms the space with light, reflection, and movement.
The Aurora Borealis Festival isn’t just a feast for the eyes. It’s also a culinary celebration from the vibrant culinary landscape of Aurora with Westword’s Flavors of Aurora Food Court. A tantalizing array of offerings will showcase the city’s rich cultural offerings. There will be a wide variety of options ranging from local food trucks to gourmet snacks and festival classics. Among the flavors, vendors this year include: Geisha Japanese Cuisine, Loma Bonita Kitchen, Mississippi Catfish & Ribs, Koco Street Food, Mukja, Popie 1929, The Sweet Life Culinary Production, Now Pho, Sweet Rice Flour, Neveria La Unica, and much more.
Additionally, those who want to take a piece of the festival home can explore the Global Gift Bazaar within the festival. The bazaar will showcase local vendors for a chance to support Aurora’s vibrant community of creatives, artisans, and small businesses. From artisanal jewelry to unique home decor, there’s something for everyone. Vendors this year include: Lola Severina, Cityscape Knits, KB Candies, Enlaces, Clari Designs, Love Level, In the Friend Group, Old Soul Henna, Kahealani Lee Designs, Violet’s Bows and More, Katherine Reed Studios, Jay’s Crap Shack, May Contain Nuts, Vibalminerals, Joey Lopez Design, to name a few.
Guests who are 21+ can upgrade their tickets to enjoy the benefits of the Peak Beverage VIP Lounge, a special area offering premium views, gourmet snacks, and a private lighting display. The VIP experience also includes premium parking, complimentary VIP catering, a souvenir mug with two complimentary beverages, a programmable and reusable LED wristband, and many more benefits.
As the event enters its second year, the family-friendly festival continues to grow as a cornerstone event for Aurora, celebrating its diversity, creativity, and identity as a vibrant tourism destination.
Timed-entry tickets range from $17 for general admission to $83 for a VIP experience. For full event details and to purchase tickets, visit auroraborealisfestival.com.
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About Visit Aurora:
Visit Aurora is the official Destination Marketing Organization for the City of Aurora, Colo., and acts as the primary liaison between meeting planners and hotel partners. As Aurora’s official Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Aurora’s mission is to grow travel and tourism through world-class destination marketing, sales, and advocacy, resulting in positive economic benefits for businesses and residents of our community. For more information, visit visitaurora.com.