Two big light festivals shine in the Bay Area this week

"Well, it's a free festival that features dynamic projections, immersive environments, responsive sound, light and game-based experiences. A centerpiece are eight-story artworks by 3D projection-mapping artists. These will be displayed 7-10 p.m. nightly on the facade of City Hall at 250 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto. There are also artworks that transform an alley into a movement-activated hall of lights, and something called a Screamaton that morphs a photo booth with a rage cage."

"Then in Oakland, there's the Autumn Lights Festival popping off 6 p.m.-11 p.m. on Oct. 16-18 with roughly 75 glowing and locally-produced artworks. Now in its 14th year, the annual event is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt and takes place at the gardens at 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. The Gardens at Lake Merritt were built in the 1950s and feature 7 acres of idyllic water-and-forested space including bonsai and rhododendron groves."

Code:ART 2025 runs Oct. 16-25 in Palo Alto from 6-10 p.m. with artist meet-and-greets Oct. 16-18. The free festival features dynamic projections, immersive environments, responsive sound, light and game-based experiences. A centerpiece comprises eight-story 3D projection-mapped artworks displayed 7-10 p.m. nightly on the City Hall facade at 250 Hamilton Ave. Additional installations include a movement-activated hall of lights in an alley, a Screamaton that combines a photo booth and rage cage, nightly performances on King Plaza, live music and pop-up concerts across downtown. Autumn Lights Festival runs Oct. 16-18 at the Gardens at Lake Merritt in Oakland, 6-11 p.m., showcasing roughly 75 locally produced glowing artworks and fundraising for Friends of the Gardens. The gardens cover seven acres with bonsai and rhododendron groves and transform into an illuminated wonderland at night during the festival.

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