Aurora Borealis Festival Is Back — Bigger and Better Than Ever

The following content is sponsored by Visit Aurora. 

For one weekend only, Aurora will glow brighter than ever. Aurora Borealis Festival returns October 10 and 11, from 4 to 10 p.m. each day, transforming Painted Prairie’s High Prairie Park into a two-night celebration of lights, music, food, and community. This family-friendly festival brings neighbors together for dazzling light shows, live music performances, global flavors, and interactive art installations.

Visit Aurora envisioned a new citywide celebration that would unite local artists, musicians, business owners, and residents while drawing crowds from across Colorado. “We want to establish a world-class event for our residents that’s affordable and inspires people to visit Aurora,” says Kristin Sutter, Visit Aurora’s Director of Festivals.

Aurora Borealis Festival wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the natural phenomenon itself. The “Aurora Borealis Effect” begins at sunset each night, using cutting-edge lasers, water-based haze, and other special effects to re-create the mesmerizing beauty of the Northern Lights on a massive seven-acre scale. “It’s like the effects you see at concerts, but even bigger, right here in the park,” says Sutter. 

Live music and breathtaking performances take center stage on the Painted Prairie Mainstage, with performances by DJ Polyphoni, Eye-Yoob, Kalpulli Mikakuikatl, Destiny Shynelle, and Kayla Marque on Friday, and DJ Rewild, Jade Oracle, Kalama Polynesian Dancers, Miss Flowers, and The Milk Blossoms on Saturday, along with aerial and acrobatic acts. Attendees can also purchase a $5 wristband to attend the silent disco, which features three channels playing Latin, EDM, or pop music. 

Last year’s inaugural festival featured international food and retail vendors, live music, light displays, and silent discos. This year, Visit Aurora is expanding the experience with more immersive, light-based art installations. Attendees can vote on their favorite installation to encourage exploration of the festival grounds. The three highest-ranking pieces will each win cash prizes.

Almost every aspect of the festival is rooted in the local community. From the installation artists to the Global Gift Bazaar vendors to the food vendors, participants come from right here in Aurora and the Denver metro area. “It has been a community project,” says Sutter. “We’re excited to showcase the incredible talent and creativity that comes directly from our neighbors, businesses, and partners.”

Taking place at High Prairie Park, the festival welcomes guests of all ages. Families can enjoy playgrounds and open spaces, while adults can upgrade to the 21+ VIP lounge for premium parking, expedited entry, a private viewing area, exclusive lighting experiences, catering, a souvenir mug with beverages, and access to the silent disco.

Tickets are available online now, and reserving in advance is recommended. General Admission ($17.33) includes entry for all guests ages 4 and up, while VIP tickets ($82.53) offer an elevated experience with added perks.

Reserve your tickets online at auroraborealisfestival.com and use promo code SKY2025 for 20 percent off tickets. Don’t miss out on year two of this spectacular celebration of all that Aurora has to offer. 

Participating Food Trucks and Vendors 

Flavors of Aurora Food Court 

• Geisha Japanese Cuisine 
• Loma Bonita Kitchen 
• Mississippi Boy Catfish & Ribs 
• Mukja 
• PoPie 1929 
• The Sweet Life 
• Now Pho
• Sweet Rice Flour
• Neveria La Unica 

Global Gift Bazaar 

• Lola Severina 
• Cityscape Knits 
• KB Candies 
• Enlaces 
• Clari’ Designs 
• Love Level 
• In The Friend Group 
• Old Soul Henna 
• Kahealani Designs 
• Violet’s Bows and More 
• Katherine Reed Studios 
• Jay’s Crap Shack 
• May Contain Nuts
• VibalMinerals
• Joey Lopez Design