Laser Shows, Lighted Bikes, and Interactive Art to Ring in 2025
PRODUCED BY TIAR’A LITERARY & ILLUSTRATION
Back by popular demand, the highly anticipated Art in the Park in the Dark will illuminate Demuth Park this New Year’s Eve. After last year’s successful event, this free, all-ages celebration of all things art and glow is moving to December 31 and will take place from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Demuth Park on Mesquite Avenue at Calle Santa Cruz.
Art in the Park in the Dark offers a unique evening of artistic engagement, featuring interactive glow art, illuminated bikes, live performance art, and spectacular laser shows. The event offers fun for all and is designed to spark active creativity and community. First launched in April 2023 on World Art Day, this year’s event has found a new HOME to celebrate the new year.
“This event took off last year when I applied for the Art Is Everywhere Neighborhood Grant from the Palm Springs Arts Commission to pay artists to paint picnic tables at my local park,” said event producer and comedian Shann Carr. “Once I received the grant, I wanted to make a special reveal for the artists by creating a nighttime gallery in the park using my solar gadgets. Almost immediately, artists and neighbors started adding their own contributions, bringing light and glow to the mix. It was an instant hit. Now, we’re moving the event to New Year’s Eve, so it will be the perfect mix of immersive art, interactive activities, and community celebration in a magical, light-filled outdoor setting.”
The second edition of Art in the Park in the Dark will feature a variety of exciting activities, including:
- Laser Wonderland: Throughout the evening, world-renowned laser artist Kyle Garner of Laseronics will light up the park with captivating laser shows.
- Glow and Go Parade: At 7 p.m., wheeled enthusiasts of all ages are invited to join an illuminated parade. A “Maker Booth” hosted by the CV Derby Girls will be available to help participants add lights to their bikes, strollers, skates and wheelchairs.
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- Night Gallery Art Walk: The park’s permanent art installations will be enhanced with pop-up art booths, light installations, and live performance art.
- Desert Flaggers: Returning from last year’s event, the Desert Flaggers will take the stage with their mesmerizing silk-spinning performances under black light.
- Light Installations: Local artists, groups, and galleries are invited to contribute temporary, light-based installations to add to the event’s ambiance. Volunteers will assist in gently hanging light art in the park’s trees.
- See in the Dark: The first 200 attendees will receive a free blacklight flashlight to explore hidden art and nature in the park. Attendees are encouraged to bring flashlights and wear black or white T-shirts to become walking canvases.
- Happy Tunes: DJ Justin Time will set the tone, weaving music throughout the event, and a few special locals will take the stage for live performances.
- The night’s closing vibes will begin at 8:45 pm with a breathtaking laser show accompanied by a “crystal bowls” sound bath performed by AlMonia Souls, ensuring a magical and tranquil finale.
The event is supported by the City of Palm Springs and PS Pride. Exciting sponsorship opportunities are currently available. For more information on how to participate, sponsor, or attend, visit https://www.facebook.com/ArtParkDark or contact Shann Carr at theshanncarr@gmail.com or 760-202-0404.
About Art in the Park in the Dark: Art in the Park in the Dark is a free, annual event for all-ages held at Demuth Park in Palm Springs, featuring an exciting blend of interactive art, laser light shows, illuminated bike parades, and live performances. Created to foster creativity and community engagement, the event transforms the park into a glowing wonderland where adults and kids can explore art installations, participate in hands-on activities, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere under the stars. Founded by comedian Shann Carr with support from the City of Palm Springs, Art in the Park in the Dark celebrates the power of light, art, and togetherness in a fun and inclusive environment. KGAY 106.5/92.1, Gay Desert Guide, 103.1 MeTV FM, Coachella Valley Independent, Hot Purple Energy, PS Pride and CVWD are among the event’s supporters.
