After last year’s hugely successful debut season, Light City Baltimore will once again cast a brilliant glow over Maryland’s dynamic seaport city. From March 31–April 8, a festival of light art installations and interactive events will take place against a soundtrack of concerts and live performances. Baltimore is a natural fit for a celebration of lights: In 1861, it became the first U.S. city to boast streets illuminated by hydrogen gas lanterns.

This year, the festival launches with a Light City Lantern Parade and events that include the BGE Light Art Walk along a 1.2-mile-long trail beside Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. On the trail, illuminated sculptures, projections and interactive technologies will thrill viewers, while musical performances, food vendors and a dedicated children’s area offer plenty of additional reasons to stay out after dark. Daytime activities include Labs@Light City, where thought leaders and innovators gather to discuss innovative ways to launch social change. Also part of Light City Baltimore is an immersive community artist-in-residence program called Neighborhood Lights that celebrates eight city neighborhoods.