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If You Go
What: MoCA L.I.ghts 2025
When: Thursday, Oct. 23 – Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 6–11 p.m. nightly
Where: Downtown Patchogue (Main Street and surrounding area)
Admission: Free
Info: patchoguearts.org
Downtown Patchogue will once again light up after dark this October as the Patchogue Arts Council brings back its popular MoCA L.I.ghts projection festival.
The free, open-air arts experience runs Thursday, Oct. 23, through Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 6 to 11 p.m. each night. Visitors can take it in by foot, by car, or even online.
A Patchogue tradition grows
What started in 2020 as a way to safely connect the community through art during the pandemic has now become one of Long Island’s most talked-about fall traditions. Now in its sixth year, MoCA L.I.ghts transforms building facades, storefronts, and pop-up spaces into glowing canvases for digital artwork, animations, and performances.
The festival showcases more than 200 artists from Long Island and around the world, with everything from visual art to live music to interactive workshops.
This year’s theme: surreal dreams
The 2025 edition is called MoCA L.I.ghts LED: Light Evoking Dreams, marking the 100th anniversary of Surrealism. Expect works that dive into the worlds of fantasy, imagination, and dreams.
“Marking 100 years of Surrealism, MoCA L.I.ghts invites the community at large to dream with eyes open,” said Beth Giacummo, Patchogue Arts Council’s executive director. “We will be transforming familiar streets into illuminated visions that spark connection and create an arts experience that is exciting for all ages.”
A new cultural partner
This year also introduces a big partnership with MTA Arts & Design, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Visitors will see The Gilded Passage by artist Jonathan Monaghan — first commissioned for Grand Central Madison — projected on the Patchogue-Medford Library’s facade on Main Street.
Honoring a local champion
Each year the festival recognizes a “Glow Marshall,” someone who has been instrumental in its success. For 2025, the honor goes to David Kennedy, executive director of the Patchogue Business Improvement District and longtime community leader.
Kennedy has supported MoCA L.I.ghts since day one, helping fundraise and guide the event into the destination festival it has become.
“What an honor to be selected as this year’s Glow Marshall,” Kennedy said. “I am proud to have witnessed the creation of MoCA L.I.ghts from the beginning, so to play this role now that it’s established as one of Patchogue’s premier attractions is truly heartwarming.”
International recognition
The Patchogue Arts Council also announced MoCA L.I.ghts is now part of the International Light Festivals Organisation (ILO), joining a prestigious network of festivals across the globe.
That recognition will help bring more artists and collaborations to Patchogue in the years ahead.
— photos courtesy of Patchogue Arts Council
