In October, many Coloradans were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights.
But whether you spotted these colorful, dancing lights in the night sky or not, you can still appreciate their ethereal beauty and symbolism at a new festival happening for the first time this year in the Denver metro area.
The Aurora Borealis Festival will take place Nov. 1-3 at The Aurora Highlands’ Winged Melody Park. This brand-new gathering, organized by Visit Aurora, will use advanced LED technology projected into the sky to recreate the northern lights. The festival will also feature immersive soundscapes, interactive art installations, food trucks, live musical performances and artisan vendors.
General admission to the event is totally free, but some of the activities have a small fee. To make the most of your experience, the organizers are encouraging guests to reserve a timed-entry timeslot. You can also buy a VIP package (starting at $75), which includes premium parking and special access to festival attractions.
Want to make a weekend out of it? Book a room at The Benson Hotel and Faculty Club, a new boutique hotel that opened at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus last summer. To celebrate the new festival, the hotel is offering a special aurora borealis package that includes a hot toddy welcome kit, a keepsake holiday ornament, discounted valet parking, Lyft credits to and from the event and a $50 food and beverage credit for brunch or dinner at the on-site restaurant, the Common Good. When you get to your room, you’ll also find a special lamp that projects a northern lights-inspired show on the ceiling.
“The Aurora Borealis Festival will be unlike anything Aurora or the Denver area has ever seen,” says Bruce Dalton, president and chief executive officer of Visit Aurora. “Our team has worked tirelessly to curate a truly unique experience, blending cutting-edge technology with mesmerizing installations. We’re thrilled to invite the community and visitors to be part of this one-of-a-kind event.”
Here’s a snapshot of what to expect at this new Colorado festival.
Catch Live Music at the On Havana Street Mainstage
Head to the On Havana Street Main Stage to enjoy a variety of performances throughout the festival weekend, including DJ Bedz, Marfa, Soul School, The Decaf Muchachos, Jared Judge, and Capture This.
Immerse Your Senses in the Daedalum by Architects of Air Exhibit and the Sound Dome
Wander through the Daedalum by Architects of Air exhibit—an immersive, inflatable sculpture that also incorporates sound, light and color—to have a one-of-a-kind sensory experience. Then, head to the Sound Dome (sponsored by Denver 7) which uses light and sound to create a multi-dimensional environment.
Want to have a moment of zen? Sign up for one of the 50-minute all-levels Vinyasa yoga classes inside the Daedalum by Architects of Air exhibit on Saturday and Sunday. Blocks and blankets will be provided.
Marvel at the Orb Garden
These neon orbs, brought to life by Stanley Marketplace, are designed to be interactive. Go ahead and touch, sit, explore or just watch as they glow from the inside out.
Jam Out at the Silent Disco
Head to The Aurora Highlands’ Hogan Park at Highlands Creek to jam out at the silent disco, organized by Aurora Pride. You’ll don a pair of wireless SoundOff headphones while standing next to Umi, the viral, 21-foot-tall sculpture created by artist Daniel Popper. As you groove to the beat, projection mapping technology will bring the sculpture to life. Choose from multiple life DJ channels, and switch it up as often as you’d like—you’re in control of your own personal dance party.
Take a Selfie in the Light Tunnel
Grab your friends and snap a selfie while wandering through the light tunnel, sponsored by Xfinity.
Get a Head Start on Holiday Shopping at the Global Gift Bazaar
The holidays may still be weeks away, but it’s never too early to get a jump start on shopping for your friends and family. Check out the Global Gift Bazaar to find local artisan-made treasures.
Munch on Foods from Some of Aurora’s Best Restaurant
All this activity will probably make you hungry, so pop by the Flavors of Aurora Food Court to enjoy meals and snacks from some of Aurora’s best restaurants. Local eateries include Ten Seconds Yunnan Rice Noodles, Flavors of Tabasco, Mississippi Boy Catfish & Ribs and more.
Have Fun at the Children’s Corner
This festival is the perfect way to spend the weekend as a family. Head to the Children’s Corner, presented by Children’s Hospital Colorado, for even more family-friendly activities for little ones of all ages.
