IllumiNature is Playhouse Arts Outside Arts: Light and Dark Grand Finale

IllumiNature is Outside Arts: Light and Dark Grand Finale presented by Playhouse Arts, the City of Arcata and California Arts in the Parks August 28, 2026. Follow the light. Discover the wonder. Illuminate nature beneath the glow of the full moon. IllumiNature is a twilight spectacle from Playhouse Arts transforming the trails of Carlson Park into a magical journey of light, art, and imagination through riverside paths led by giant puppets and glowing lanterns. Along the way, hidden artistic encounters await, from live performances and interactive installations to a grand finale featuring shadow puppetry and riverfront spectacle. Artists and support staff involved: Alex Hilsee, Alysha Thompson, Carissa Clark, Carissa Pinnell, Damla Gungor, David Ferney, Gamelan Sekar Sequoia, Jacqueline Dandeneau, James Hildebrandt, James Zeller, Katie Belknapp, Laura Muñoz, Leo David, Mobius Turner, Nancy Stevens, Neroli Devaney, Paul Johnson, Patti Johnson, Rory Cullifer, Sara Kei, Tayoloranne Finch, Theresa Surbaugh, Tom Santos, Victoria Timoteo, Gamelan Sekar Sequoia, the Blue Lake Choir, and so many others who partook in the shadow play and danced and performed in the event. Video was shot by Samantha Williams-Grey with editing by David Ferney.