A first-of-its-kind dance party is bringing lasers and lights to Chestermere.
The Galactic Pulse, a silent disco beach party, is making its debut at Anniversary Park on Saturday (Aug. 16), from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The free, all-ages event invites partygoers to dance under the stars.
Set against a backdrop of giant 3D planets and glowing visuals, the night promises an out-of-this-world atmosphere and a new kind of nightlife experience.
"We have something called the Galactic Garden, and that is a series of inflated planets that we light up from the inside. At nighttime, it looks like you're walking around the solar system," said Graydon Pease, one of the organizers, about the scenery. "A lot of the trees are going to be lit up, we'll have lasers going, and we'll have smoke machines."
Participants are required to bring personal headphones, with each dancer grooving to their own playlist.
"It's something very unique, something that's never been tried before in Chestermere," Pease said.
He credited the cosmic theme to several celestial events that occur in August, including the full Sturgeon Moon, Perseids Peak, Venus at its highest point, and a grand planetary alignment.
"It's just an opportunity to do something different, do something unique, and give people a different experience," said Pease.
Pease noted that, unlike traditional loudspeaker parties, the silent-disco format has less impact on the surrounding neighbourhood.
"There are houses all around there, so you want to be respectful by not going crazy with music," he said. "When people are trying to get kids to bed and everything else, it will be silent."
The event aims to use technology, specifically individuals' phones and headphones, as a way to bring people together, rather than let it continue to be a barrier to connection.
"In this world, fun is in short supply. The more we can get together, and the more we can build relationships and build community, the better," Pease said.
He and the other organizers hope the event piques interest and becomes an annual summer tradition.