Frequently Asked
Questions.

AfterLight runs in two phases:

First Light — October 2 to October 29: Completely free and open to the public. No tickets, no registration, no reservations required. Walk in during event hours.

Full Light — October 30 to November 4: Ticketed entry. This phase coincides with Día de los Muertos and includes all six chapters fully active, with projection mapping. Pricing and ticket details will be announced soon.

Keeping the First Light run free is intentional — we believe access matters.

AfterLight runs nightly from October 2 through November 4, 2026, at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. The experience unfolds in two phases:

First Light — Oct 2 to Oct 29 (Free, walk-in): A quieter, light-led version of the experience. Illuminated pathways and ambient installations are open. Projection mapping is not yet active.

Full Light — Oct 30 to Nov 4 (Ticketed): All six chapters fully alive, including projection mapping. Coincides with Día de los Muertos and offers the complete experience. Pricing announced soon.

The experience opens at dusk (approximately 7:00 PM) each evening and closes at 11:00 PM. Last entry at 10:15 PM.

During the First Light phase (Oct 2–29), AfterLight is walk-in — no reservations or registration required. For the Full Light phase (Oct 30 – Nov 4), tickets will be required. Ticket details, including whether timed entry is used, will be announced when pricing is released.

AfterLight is a self-guided walking experience. Most visitors spend 60–90 minutes on foot moving through all six chapters; if you linger or revisit a favorite installation, plan for up to two hours. There is no fixed seating along the route — plan to be on your feet for the full visit. If you have mobility needs, please reach out and we'll do our best to accommodate.

Absolutely. Each night of AfterLight is its own experience — the same installations can feel entirely different in shifting weather, crowd energy, and mood. We welcome returning visitors and encourage you to come more than once.

AfterLight takes place at the Denver Performing Arts Complex (DPAC), located at 1000 14th Street, Denver, CO 80202. The event occupies the DPAC's outdoor plazas and public gathering spaces. See Plan Your Visit for full details on getting there.

Several public parking garages are within two blocks of the DPAC, including the Denver Performing Arts Complex Garage (access via 13th Street). We also encourage guests to use public transit — the 16th Street Free MallRide stops directly adjacent to the venue.

Yes. All six chapters are designed to be fully accessible. Pathways are paved, level, and wide enough for wheelchairs and mobility aids. Accessible parking is available in the DPAC garage. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact us in advance and we'll do our best to help.

AfterLight takes place outdoors in early October and early November in Denver. Evenings can be cool to cold — we recommend layering. Comfortable walking shoes are advised. There is no dress code; come as you are. The installations use light and projection, so dark or neutral clothing may enhance the visual effect, though it's entirely up to you.

Yes, AfterLight is a family-welcoming event. The experience is designed around themes of memory, connection, and honoring lives — content is gentle, contemplative, and appropriate for all ages. Strollers are welcome on all pathways.

Leashed dogs are welcome at AfterLight. Please be mindful that the experience can get busy, and some installations involve sound and light that may be startling for some animals. Service animals are always welcome without restriction.

Yes — personal photography and videography are warmly encouraged. Share your experience and tag us. Please be mindful of other guests, avoid flash photography inside enclosed installations, and respect the meditative atmosphere. Commercial or press photography requires advance credentialing — contact us at press@afterlight.com.

On-site food and drink offerings will vary from night to night — some evenings will have light refreshments and warm beverages, others may not. Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are always welcome. The DPAC neighborhood also has numerous restaurants within a short walk if you'd like a sit-down meal before or after.

AfterLight is designed to operate in typical October and November Denver evening conditions. In the event of severe weather — lightning, heavy snow, or unsafe conditions — the event may be paused or shortened. Updates will be posted on our website and social channels.

AfterLight's free First Light run exists because of the generosity of donors, sponsors, and volunteers — and that support also fuels what becomes possible during Full Light. You can support us by making a donation, becoming an event sponsor, or joining our volunteer crew. Visit the Support page to learn more about each option.

Volunteers are the heartbeat of AfterLight. Our crew helps with guest flow, chapter hosting, accessibility support, and more. Volunteers receive an AfterLight crew kit and complimentary access to the experience. Visit the Support page to sign up — spots fill quickly.

AfterLight is built by a community of contributors — volunteers, performers, makers, and organizers. If you'd like to be part of bringing it to life in any capacity, reach out via the Get Involved channel and tell us what you're drawn to.