The city of Peoria is ready to dazzle residents and visitors with the return of its annual Light at Play event, with a fresh, revamped format for 2025.

The free, multi-day celebration of interactive and illuminated public art is moving from Osuna Park to the heart of Downtown Peoria. Light at Play will take place March 6-8, 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. each evening.

Light at Play has extended the community’s interaction with the arts in Peoria since its launch in 2023. This year's event promises to be even more spectacular with a fresh, revamped format that will showcase the intersection of art, light, and music, according to a news release. The exhibit features large-scale light projections and illuminated artwork.

The centerpiece of the event will be Peoria’s Historic Schoolhouse, a two-room structure built in 1906 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. During the event, dynamic light projections created by acclaimed Phoenix-based visual artist Kenaim Al-Shatti will transform the Historic Schoolhouse, Axiom Church, and Bud’s Barber Shop with changing patterns and vibrant colors.

Al-Shatti's work has been featured in prominent music festivals and sold-out stadiums around the world. He has worked with prominent musicians like Bad Bunny, Alicia Keys, and Drake.

In addition to light projections, attendees will enjoy whimsical and oversized lighted installations by Walter Productions. These include Big Red, a massive, colorful VW Bug, and oversized Adirondack chairs perfect for photo backdrops. Walter Productions is a local immersive entertainment production company known for creating unique event experiences, custom fire effects, and large-scale art vehicles.

Music will also take center stage with live performances throughout the event:
• Thursday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. – Phoenix Brass Collective
• Friday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. – Sandra Bassett Live Music
• Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. – DJ Neek (Electronic Dance Music)

The new Monastery Art Gallery in downtown Peoria will also be part of the festivities with its ILLUMINATE Arts Show running from March 6 to April 12. The exhibit features works by distinguished Valley artists, including Larry Ortega's light-sensitive sculptures, Ceri Jones Tretter's chandeliers, Kevin Caron's glowing 3D-printed installations, and Gaylen Stewart's botanical lightboxes. An artist talk with Gaylen Stewart will be held on March 6 at 5 p.m., followed by a live demonstration by Kevin Caron on March 7 at 5 p.m. The exhibit's opening reception will take place on Saturday, March 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

To further enhance the experience, roaming lighted performers and a selection of food trucks will keep visitors energized as they explore the creative displays.

This family-friendly event is free to attend. For more information, visit Peoria's Light at Play Event Page.