A preview of what Social Lights will look like

Ignite the night with Social Lights March 3-5! This light festival, adapted from the ice version of Social-ICE, will sure to get you raving and glowing about downtown Rochester's themed bars, DJs, and other radiant fun that makes up this event. Here's a sneak preview of what Social Lights will look like!

Luces para Todos 3-5 de marzo, 2022

Luces para todos y su día para la familia 3-5 de marzo, 2022 incluye luces, bares y bebidas temáticas, música, y más diversión basada en las luces. Entérese aquí.

Cinwaanka la turjumayo: Iftiinka Bulshada Maarso 3-5, 2022

Iftiinka Bulshada iyo maalinta qoyska-saaxiibtimimada leh waxaa ka mid ah intiiminta, baarar mawduucyo leh iyo cabitaano, muusig, iyo madadaalo ku salaysan intiin badan. Wax badan ka baro halkan.

社交灯会（Social Lights） 2022年3月3-5日

社交灯会（Social Lights）及他的家庭聚会日包括有灯光、主题酒吧及饮料、音乐、还有更多有趣的灯光为主的活动。详情如下。

Quick event information

Dates and times: 5 to 9 p.m. March 3 and 4 to 10 p.m. March 4-5
Where: Peace Plaza in downtown Rochester

Download a printable Social Lights map here.

Themed bars and specialty cocktails

Even though the event is no longer called Social-ICE, one of the staple attractions of Social Lights will be the five themed bars and their creative cocktails. And to replace the ice is the element of light. The bars will be decked out with LED panels to highlight each one’s unique theme. From behind the bar, patrons will be served up a specialty drink made specifically for Social Lights. You must check them out! If sustenance or a non-alcoholic option is preferred, make sure to visit the onsite food truck and coffee bar.

Nightly DJ entertainment

Not one, not two, not three, but five DJs will be spinning the tunes during Social Lights! March can still be unpredictable weather-wise, after all, and we want to give their fingers a break from the chilly air. And variety is always a good thing! Check out the Social Lights DJ line-up here.

Illuminating fun

BBB (Blacklight Basketball)

What would a light festival be without some glowing fun? Keep warm by taking part in our March Madness of sorts. Grab your UV reflective clothing and get in on the glow-in-the-dark free throw-style contest. Rather watch the action? No problem! Sit court side with a drink from one of the themed bars and get your cheer on (blacklight accessories are encouraged!).

More brightening activities

Relive your childhood again at Social Lights. Onsite will be a giant Lite Brite™ all for your enjoyment. Place illuminated color pegs to create what your imagination envisions. Grab a friend and challenge them to a game of jumbo Jenga™ (played on illuminated cubes) or glow-in-the-dark tic-tac-toe. Or simply light up the night with LED hula hoops, glow-in-the-dark jump ropes, and 90’s hit toy, Skip-It™.

A different kind of glow

Take in a different kind of light in the form of fire. Thanks to our warming partner, Kraus Anderson, multiple fire pits are the perfect opportunity to huddle up with friends and family to catch up and to keep warm.

Lights, camera, photo ops!

Show your friends and family what they are missing at Social Lights by snapping a pic for social media. There are plenty of opportunities throughout the event. Stand in front of the giant Social Lights letters and Wall of Lights for a light-based selfie. (Remember to use #SocialLights in your post.) Or pose with your posse in the photo booth experience presented by Altra Federal Credit Union.

Additional amenities

Food trucks and coffee carts
- The Duck Truck by Bleu Duck Kitchen featuring menu items like The Duck Burger (double patty smash burger, brioche bun, Duck burger sauce, pickle, and fries), chili cheese dog and chips, and Korean BBQ mac & cheese (cavatappi noodles, kimchi chicken, hoisin BBQ, and cheese sauce)
- Rosati's Pizza serving jumbo slices
- Cafe Steam’s coffee cart including non-alcoholic beverages and other drinks
Outdoor seating
Onsite restrooms
Nearby dining and shopping

COVID-19 precautions

The Rochester Downtown Alliance is following state and Olmsted County Public Health guidance around COVID-19. We will:

Recommend masks at the event.
Have hand sanitizing stations throughout the event.
Have designated areas to encourage physical distancing.
Exclude indoor components of past events like the warming tent/igloo.
Implement regular cleaning and sanitizing of event areas.

Play, then stay

Being all tired out from Social Lights is a sign of a great time! If you need somewhere to rest up, the closest hotels are the Kahler Grand Hotel and the Marriott. Check them out online and get ready to check in. Other downtown hotels are also within walking distance to Social Lights.

Park it

With many on-street and in-ramp options close to Peace Plaza, parking your vehicle to attend Social Lights is easy. As a bonus, there is two-hour free parking in city ramps during the daytime of Social Lights (it is always free after 5 p.m. and on weekends)! Visit the City of Rochester parking website for more information.

The Rochester Downtown Alliance encourages all to plan a sober ride to and from Social Lights. If you need a sober ride, Uber and Lyft provide ride-sharing services.

Thanks to our partners!

Stay up-to-date on Social Lights on this page and by following the Facebook event updates.