“Lumenaura” to Light Up Downtown Aurora this Fall

For one month, Downtown Aurora will be lit up this Fall with specially crafted interactive light and sound experience called Lumenaura!

Between October 4th and and November 1st, this free, family-friendly event will give residents a chance to have fun with light-and-sound-based installations, interactive street art, dazzling live entertainment, futuristic projection mapping, a variety of food and beverage options, and more.

The month-long event will also feature a three-day weekend celebration. LUMENAURA Fest Weekend, running from October 11 through 13, will entail a state-of-the-art drone show, live entertainment, roving performers, live street art, food trucks, a beer garden, workshops, and more.

The main stage schedule is as follows:
Friday, October 11 (6:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.)
– 8:30 P.M. – Charlie Otto(External link) (Live Electronic Dance)
– 7:45 P.M. – Wild Card (Aerialists/Acrobats), DJs
– 6:00 P.M. – Vibe Music Live(External link) (R&B/Hip-Hop cover band)

Saturday, October 12 (6:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.)
– 8:15 P.M. – Terrapin Flyer(External link) (Grateful Dead Tribute)
– 7:45 P.M. – Raks Inferno(External link) (Fire Dancers/Jugglers), DJs
– 6:00 P.M. – Chicha Roots(External link) (Cumbia/Indigenous/Rock)

Sunday, October 13 (6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.)
– 8:00 P.M. – DJ Crew, Led by Sarah Hartman(External link) of R34L
– 7:45 P.M. – Lighted Drone Display
– 6:00 P.M. – DJ Crew, Led by Sarah Hartman(External link) of R34L

“The inspiration for this event began in 2022 at a national conference on public art, technology, and economic development,” said Jenn Byrne, Director of Aurora Public Art. “There, I had an opportunity to learn about the production logistics and broader economic impact of a public art light festival. With our historic downtown on the river, an expanding arts scene, and our history as the ‘City of Lights,’ it was too good not to pursue.”

U.S. cities such as Cincinnati, Baltimore, and Scottsdale have hosted similar festivals in the past. International festivals in Berlin, Sydney, and Lyon, France, have also taken place, attracting attendees from across the world.

LUMENAURA’s month-long art installations include:

The Sonic Runway – A stunning light-art installation that transforms audio signals into patterns  of light, shooting down a 400-foot corridor of 23 LED-lined arches at the speed of sound.  Visitors will experience musical sound waves rippling away from them and syncing with the  light as they walk through the corridor. Runs October 4-November 1, 2024. A variety of free and interactive family-friendly activities will take place near the Sonic Runway  throughout the month including photo opportunities when “The Force” is strong with characters  from a galaxy far, far away, DJs for Hip-Hop and T-Swift Dance Party Nights, a meet and greet with a magical Ice Queen, known for her icy powers and graceful charm, a Public Safety Light Show with the Aurora Police Department, Aurora Fire Department, and Aurora Emergency Management Agency, a petting zoo with the Phillips Park Zoo, Line Dancing Lessons with  Saddle Up Aurora, and more. 

The Pool – An interactive field of concentric circles that create a light landscape for visitors to  run, walk, dance, jump, and play across, generating an infinite amount of changes to the works’ colors and reflections. Inspired by Australian tidal pools, artist Jen Lewin has brought this  immersive experience to over sixty exhibition venues worldwide, encouraging participation in an  ever-changing composition. Runs October 4-November 1, 2024. Photo Credit: The Pool by  artist Jen Lewin, photo by JR East. 

EXPosure – An installation enabling visitors to create light-art selfies on a monumental sphere  by simply illuminating themselves with a personal flashlight or smartphone. Through interaction,  the images captured and rebroadcasted alter the sphere and the image itself in a captivating and  engaging light painting experience. Runs October 4-November 1, 2024. 

Shadowing – A public artwork tracing paths as pedestrians pass under the light of a city lamppost  while the same lamp projects the shadow of a path walked previously by another. The artwork  plays on the urban sensation of being among others – even if that presence is only a ghostly  shadow – while also referencing the ubiquity of digital surveillance. Runs October 4-November 1, 2024.

Barrel Boy and Family – A playful collection of sculptures made from opaque plastic drums,  standing as tall as 17 feet. Inspired by iconic roadside sculptures, these figures offer fun-filled  photo opportunities and a touch of childhood joy. Runs October 4-November 1, 2024.