Downtown Patchogue is about to glow, and it won't cost a dime.

MoCA L.I.ghts 2026, billed as Long Island's only light projection festival, returns October 22 through 26 with artwork beamed onto the village's historic and contemporary buildings.

The Patchogue Arts Council, MoCA L.I. and the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce are inviting everyone to stroll or drive through the show, including pop-up projeted galleries and animations on the Patchogue Theatre marquee.

This year's theme, Antiquity to Innovation, ties into the nation's 250th anniversary and follows how art has moved from pigment and chisel to projection and immersive light.

The festival opens Thursday, October 22, at 6:30 p.m. with LUCIDITY, an outdoor opera and dance piece from soprano Danielle Davis and dancer Wendi Weng.

Organizers say chairs will be provided, but visitors should dress warmly and are welcome to bring blankets.

Guided tours with Glow Guide Robbie Crothers leave from the Patchogue Arts Council at 20 Terry Street at 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. on October 22, 24, 25 and 26.

Artist Alina Wilczynski has built a room-sized Camera Obscura that lets visitors see the new mural on the rear wall of the Patchogue-Medford Library in a mind-bending way, with sessions on October 22, 23, 24 and 25.

Live glow painters will work throughout downtown each night, and a Night Market on the Roe Walkway on Saturday, October 24, brings curated artist vendors from 6 to 10 p.m.

Music fans can catch artist Andrei Budescu's live sound performance on October 23, 24 and 25, and electronic act Bunny on Sunday, October 25, at 8 p.m. outside the library.

Families will find educational pavilions at Toast Coffeehouse on Friday and the Roe Walkway on Saturday, with a digital aquarium from Sea Explorers Marine Camp and energy-saving tips from the Long Island Clean Energy Hub.

On Saturday night, the Vanderbilt Museum plans to set up a telescope for a look at Saturn, weather permitting.

Every event is free unless noted, though donations help keep the show glowing.

Plan your visit: Download the official MoCA L.I.ghts 2026 digital map →