ILLUMINATE: Light Art + Creative Technology Festival
ILLUMINATE is a free, public festival celebrating the intersection of art, light, and creative technology in the heart of Downtown Salt Lake City. Produced by Utah Arts Alliance, the festival transforms city streets and public spaces into an immersive canvas for innovation, imagination, and community connection.
Through large-scale light installations, projection mapping, interactive STEAM experiences, live performances, and drone shows, ILLUMINATE invites people of all ages to experience how art and technology shape the future of our cities, together.
For two nights
Each year, Downtown SLC becomes a walkable, glowing playground of creativity. Visitors wander through illuminated installations, encounter roving performers, engage with hands-on technology, and experience moments of awe that blur the line between science and art.
Festival Highlights
Light Museum
ILLUMINATE’s Light Museum features local and regional artists whose work explores light, technology, and interactive design. Installations are spread throughout Library Square and along 200 East, encouraging visitors to slow down, explore, and experience art in unexpected ways, from mobile art cars to immersive, large-scale installations.
Drone Show (2021-2023)
Enjoy a breathtaking fusion of art and technology. Hundreds of illuminated drones fly in synchronized choreography up to 400 feet above the festival grounds, creating dynamic, story-driven visuals in the night sky.
Drone light shows offer a high-impact visual experience without air or noise pollution. ILLUMINATE proudly partners with DroneShow.com to bring this innovative art form to Salt Lake City. Prime viewing is available throughout the festival footprint on 200 East.
The Drone show will start at 9:45 pm.
Live Music and Performances
Throughout the festival, enjoy live music and performances that activate the streets and complement the visual art. From Taiko drummers and experimental soundscapes to DJs and movement-based performances, ILLUMINATE offers something for every age and interest.
Projection Mapping
Projection mapping transforms everyday architecture into immersive works of art. Using advanced digital tools, artists design projections that wrap buildings pixel by pixel, responding to their shape, texture, and scale.
At ILLUMINATE, the Salt Lake City Public Library becomes a canvas for locally designed projection art, blending storytelling, technology, and place-based creativity into a truly magical experience.
STEAM Lab
ILLUMINATE’s STEAM Lab highlights the connection between Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics through hands-on, interactive programming. Designed for all ages, this space invites attendees to explore how creativity and innovation intersect and how art plays a vital role in technological discovery.
Artist Night Market
The Artist Night Market features local artists and makers working across a variety of mediums. This open-air market offers visitors the chance to shop for one-of-a-kind pieces while directly supporting independent artists and the local creative economy.
Supporting Artists. Inspiring Curiosity. Activating Downtown.
ILLUMINATE exists to support artists, engage youth and families, and reimagine how public space can be used for creativity and connection. By centering local artists and accessible programming, the festival creates opportunities for learning, wonder, and shared experience across communities.
Thank you to our sponsors Who Make illuminate Possible
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship Opportunities
Utah Arts Alliance seeks support for ILLUMINATE, an interactive light art and creative technology festival held annually in Downtown Salt Lake City.
As Salt Lake’s technology sector continues to grow, Utah Arts Alliance is committed to showcasing how art and innovation are deeply interconnected. By sponsoring ILLUMINATE, you help:
Support independent artists
Bring accessible, public art to thousands of attendees
Demonstrate leadership in creative technology and community engagement
Sponsors receive marketing benefits, shared media promotion, and unique experiential opportunities to connect with festival audiences, local artists, and Salt Lake City’s creative and technology communities.
For sponsorship opportunities or to learn other ways to support ILLUMINATE, contact: