For three nights the Battery Park City waterfront becomes a free open-air light gallery: 15-plus large-scale installations and projection mapping wash over newly renovated Wagner Park with the harbor and skyline behind them. Friday and Saturday both land inside the weekend, and Saturday closes the run with a Quiet Events silent disco under the glow. It is Lower Manhattan's signature free after-dark plan — and it does not return Sunday.
What to expect
A nightly 7–11 PM takeover of the harborfront park with 15+ large-scale light installations, projection mapping on the park's architecture, and live DJs and performances. Food trucks and a beer-and-wine kiosk operate on-site, and organizers encourage light-inspired outfits. Saturday's closing night adds a Quiet Events silent disco.
Good to know
- Free, but grab an RSVP ticket on Eventbrite via illumination.nyc before you go.
- Runs Thursday through Saturday only — there is no Sunday night.
- Saturday is closing night with the Quiet Events silent disco.
- All ages welcome; food trucks plus a beer and wine kiosk on-site.
- Closest trains: 1 to South Ferry, 4/5 to Bowling Green, or R/W to Whitehall St.
Planning Sep 19–20, 2026 in NYC?
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Common questions
Is Illumination NYC really free?
Yes — entry is free with RSVP registration on Eventbrite; food and drinks are available for purchase on-site.
What nights does it run during the weekend?
The festival runs Thursday Sep 17 through Saturday Sep 19, 7:00–11:00 PM nightly, so Friday and Saturday are the weekend nights. There is no Sunday session.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, all ages are welcome, and the installations are interactive and walkable within Wagner Park.
What is special about Saturday?
Saturday is closing night and features a silent disco run by Quiet Events alongside the installations and DJs.
