NEW FOR 2026!

AfterLight is an immersive outdoor evening experience celebrating life, art and the memories we carry forward. Inspired by the spirit of Día de los Muertos, AfterLight will transform the Denver Performing Arts Complex into a luminous landscape of light installations, projection mapping, cultural art and communal storytelling.

Dates: Four Nights Only! 

Join us October 30 - November 2. 

Projections every 30 minutes from 7 pm - 11 pm. 

Open nightly across two phases: the free First Light run, followed by ticketed Full Light around Día de los Muertos.

October 1 and October 2

Before the Grand Opening of Catrinas en Mi Ciudad, a free cultural art exhibit showcasing the beauty of Día de Muertos, on October 3, get a sneak peek of how each piece is crafted! 

Watch as two artists from Jaén Cartonería live-paint one of the new monumental skeleton art pieces, which will then be on display as part of this year’s exhibition inside the Galleria at the Arts Complex. 

October 3

Join us for the Grand Opening of Catrinas en Mi Ciudad, a free cultural art exhibit showcasing the beauty of Día de Muertos. 
 
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at noon. Kick off the exhibition with art demonstrations, a DJ, activities for kids, and artisan and food vendors. 
 
Meet the artists of Jaén Cartonería during a live body painting demonstration: 

• Melina Reyther, Artist @colibricreativestudio.melina
• Ashley Stamps, Artist @milehigh_faba
• Madison May, Model @_madi_in_motion_

Groove with DJ Selecta C: @selecta.c

Take photos with Catrinas models: 

• Wendy @catrina_hidrocalida
• Esmeralda @esmeralda27219
• Girasol @girasolhuertaa

Decorate Sugar Skulls with @sugarskullsbyadriana

And Nuestra Memoria Skulls with Brian Labra Vergara and George Noble Davis, @blv.exe

Purchase food from La Machaca de Mi Ama and The Jungle Wild Snacks

October 10

Adults and kids can learn to make their own barrilete (kite) with Guatemalan artist Mynor Ovidio Xicon Simon.

The hand-crafted barriletes serve as a sacred, colorful bridge of communication between the living and their deceased ancestors during the Day of the Dead. The barriletes act as spiritual channels. It is believed that the higher the kites fly, the closer the attached messages get to reaching loved ones and ancestors in heaven. The sky serves as a bridge to the spirit world. The vibrant colors and specific designs help guide returning spirits to their families.

October 17

Tempus Quartet is a contemporary classical fusion ensemble from Mexico, known for its innovative approach to reinterpreting the classical repertoire through a dynamic integration of cinematic, popular and Latin American influences. The ensemble bridges traditional chamber music with contemporary soundscapes, creating performances that are both technically refined and emotionally accessible to diverse audiences. Their work challenges conventional concert formats by incorporating elements of visual narratives, stage presence, and theatrical sensibility, positioning them at the intersection of classical music and performative art. Through original arrangements and stylistic reinterpretations, Tempus Quartet expands the expressive possibilities of the string quartet format, engaging both traditional classical audiences and new listeners seeking immersive and cross-genre experiences. Their participation in Catrinas en Mi Ciudad outdoor concert significantly enhances the sonic and atmospheric dimension of the production, serving as a central musical force that supports the narrative arc and emotional intensity of the work.

November 1

Celebrate and learn about the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos with the Colorado Symphony in a festive, multicultural concert for families filled with music, storytelling, and color. Featuring a narrated story and vocal performances this celebration invites audiences of all ages to explore how we remember and honor loved ones through music. From spooky-fun favorites like The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Addams Family to beloved selections from Coco, and Márquez’s electrifying Danzón No. 2, this joyful program brings remembrance to life through sound.