This October, Owensboro will shine brighter than ever with the debut of a groundbreaking event: Illuminate – The Art & Light Experience. Set to transform downtown Owensboro into a luminous hub of creativity and entertainment, this three-night spectacle will run from October 3-5, showcasing a dazzling array of art installations, live performances, and interactive experiences.
“We’ve been working on this for five or six years,” said Tim Ross, the City’s director of public events. “It’s something new and exciting for Owensboro — an event unlike anything most people here have experienced before.”
Illuminate will feature over a dozen art installations, spread across downtown from the Owensboro Convention Center to RiverPark Center and south to 3rd Street. These installations will include cutting-edge LED displays, video projection mapping, and interactive art pieces, alongside visual spectacles like the crowd-favorite drone light shows. The drone shows are scheduled to occur twice nightly.
“This event is all about creating an immersive, walkable experience,” Ross said. “Visitors can explore downtown, interact with installations, and enjoy live performances from local groups like the Owensboro Symphony and area dance studios.”
Each night’s programming will vary slightly, with different live music and dance performances. However, the core art installations will remain available throughout the weekend, ensuring every visitor has the chance to explore the full range of experiences.
Illuminate will highlight talent from both local and international artists.
“We have some incredible installations coming from around the world, but we’re also involving our community,” Ross said. “Local artists, school art programs, and businesses will play a big part in the event.”
The City plans to release details about specific installations gradually in the coming months, building anticipation for the event. One confirmed highlight will be an interactive map, allowing attendees to navigate the exhibits, learn about the artists, and plan their evening.
Owensboro has a history of hosting large-scale events like the Owensboro Air Show and different iterations of a barbecue festival, and Illuminate is expected to draw similarly massive crowds.
“This is our way of offering something unique while alternating years with the Air Show,” Ross said. “We want to keep our events fresh and exciting, while also creating opportunities for the community to come together and celebrate.”
Illuminate will be free to attend, making it accessible to everyone. Ross said the City is investing a budget comparable to the Air Show, signaling its commitment to creating a high-quality experience that will attract visitors and benefit local businesses.
“This isn’t just an event — it’s a boost for our entire community,” Ross emphasized. “We’re excited to bring something so dynamic to Owensboro and show what our city is capable of.”
