Special Offer for Newsletter Subscribers

Join us for the Autumn Lights Festival in The Gardens at Lake Merritt on Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 6-10PM, 666 Bellevue Ave., Oakland.

You are considered one of The Garden’s special friends and as such you will get an extra drink ticket if you whisper to the receptionist, “I am a Garden Gnome.”

Garden Gnome Pumpkin Patch. Photo by Salad Days Forever, via Flickr.

Imagine several acres of The Gardens filled with specially designed lanterns, a Polynesian paradise in the Palmetum with tiki lanterns and Hula projections, a flock of glowing interactive books, fireflies, vintage Halloween blow molds, illuminated bonsai trees, glowing ponds, and other strange art projects; all created by local Bay Area artists.

Fire art cars and live fire performers also light the night. Empire of Dirt presents The Golden Mean, a giant snail car by Kyrsten Mate and Jon Sarriugarte. Attendees are invited to create luminaries to place in the garden.

Music and sound installations including didjeridu and flutes will fill the night . A silent auction, food trucks, and beer & wine will add to the festivities.

Tickets are $25 if purchased in advance at www.BrownPaperTickets.com/event/277296 or $35 at the gate and include one drink.

Don’t forget you can RSVP and invite all your Facebook friends at www.facebook.com/events/229124417214333/.

Co-sponsored by the City of Oakland, Zipcar, The East Bay Express, KFOG, Bison Brewery, this organically grown event is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt, a 501 C-3. Proceeds from the event will be used for Garden improvements for the enjoyment of the entire community. Produced by www.AnotherBullwinkelShow.com.

Not to confuse the events but adding to the weekend is the Magic Lantern at Children’s Fairyland showcasing some of the Bay Area’s most innovative video and projection artists, presenting site-specific artworks amongst Fairyland’s fantastical architecture, sculptures, and amusement rides. Friday, Oct. 12, 7-10PM, Adults 21+, http://fairylandmagiclantern.bpt.me.