Bright Nights is the biggest event in Four Mile Historic Park’s 160-year history

What took you so long, Four Mile?

We kid. And yet, it’s true that Denver’s oldest park has seemingly (finally) come around to the immersive-outdoor trend with the opening of its biggest-ever art installation. Bright Nights at Four Mile, as it’s called, is a walkable outdoor “festival” that’s starting its 10-week run on Wednesday, July 26, with tickets available through Oct. 1.

It looks like so much fun that we’re wondering why organizers didn’t do it sooner. Massive sculptures will dot the park, which comes to life at night with thousands of twinkling, colored lights. Selfies, yes, but also gaping mouths and wide eyes.

“This is the most extensive program Four Mile has ever produced, and we’re incredibly honored to be the host venue for the region,” said CEO Jennifer LaGraff in a statement.

Set on 12 acres, the 160-year-old park’s new attraction is a creation of Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., “the largest Chinese lantern festival producer in North America, and co-produced by Four Mile Historic Park,” organizers wrote. “Bright Nights at Four Mile will offer a unique opportunity to experience light come to life with larger-than-life sculptures that illuminate the night as you walk among – even through – radiant displays in an enormous interactive exhibit on the grounds…”

The festival, which is open both day and night, is being sold as an annual event and “your only opportunity to experience a Tianyu festival in the Mountain West.” With each new year will come a new theme, a new experience and new sculptures to the festival, Four Mile officials wrote.

The show is open 7-10 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, and 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids 3-12 (free for 3 and under; cheaper for members), available now at fourmilepark.org/brightnights. Four Mile is located at 715 S. Forest St. in Denver. Call 720-865-0800 for more details.

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