Your summer festival schedule is locked in. The permits are done. The bands are booked. But come sundown, your event still feels... flat.
Ask any Parks Director or Public Works lead what keeps them up during festival season, and it’s not just the port-a-potty logistics—it’s how to make the event feel magical after dark without blowing the budget.
We’ve seen it time and time again: stunning daytime events that fizzle after sunset because the lighting was too dim, too generic, or too high-maintenance to handle. If your community events are stuck with legacy light strands or last-minute rentals, you’re missing a key opportunity to drive engagement, extend dwell time, and build civic pride.
That’s where a proactive lighting strategy makes all the difference.
Table of Contents
- Why Lighting Matters in Civic Events
- The Strategic Planning Timeline
- Best Lighting Options for Summer Festivals
- Energy Efficiency & Maintenance Planning
- Product Comparison Table
- Final Takeaway: Create a Legacy, Not Just an Event
- FAQs
- Summary
Why Lighting Matters in Civic Events
With younger generations valuing "Instagrammable moments" and visitors raising their standards every year, your festival's visual identity needs to impress.
Lighting sets tone and tells story. A lit archway can signal arrival. Mini lights draped through trees create intimacy. Uplighting on heritage buildings makes them look stunning. Strategic use of color can align with themes—think green for sustainability festivals or golds for cultural celebrations.
💡 Pro Tip: Use app-controlled devices dynamic displays that change with music or time of day.
The Strategic Planning Timeline
Lighting is often added at the tail-end of event planning—but smart municipalities bring it in early. Here's a basic timeline:
6–9 Months Out:
- Secure funding or sponsorship
- Define the theme and lighting goals
- Consult with lighting vendors (like Big Star Lights)
3–6 Months Out:
- Site walkthroughs
- Permitting and power assessments
- Lock down products and install strategy
1–2 Months Out:
- Conduct mock-ups or tests
- Finalize maps, volunteer coordination, and maintenance plans
💡 Pro Tip: BSL’s municipal clients benefit from hands-on planning support, especially in first-time installations.
Best Lighting Options for Summer Festivals
Not every product is built for municipal needs. Here’s what we recommend for large outdoor events:
Mini Lights
Versatile and low-power, our 5mm Mini Lights work beautifully in trees, fences, and entryways.
Curtain Lights
Perfect for photo backdrops or performance stages. Consider icicle & curtain lights for layered ambiance.
Stretch String
Unique to BSL, this string adapts to trees and is ideal for long-term or repeating use—perfect for parks with growing trees.
Chromaglow (Permanent Trim Lighting)
Install once, control forever. Ideal for civic buildings and pavilions—set different colors for different festivals throughout the year.
4. Energy Efficiency & Maintenance Planning
Cities care about cost—and optics. That’s why our clients choose lights that:
- Operate at lower wattage (BSL’s LEDs run at .45 watts vs. competitors’ 0.7)
- Include 5-year warranties for long-term use
- Use water-resistant epoxy seals and UV-resistant wiring for durability
💡 Pro Tip: Use cable caddies and hooks during setup to ensure lights are organized and stored with minimal damage.
6. Product Comparison Table
| Product Type | Best Use Case | Wattage | Warranty | Bonus Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5mm Mini Lights | Trees, fences, tents | 0.45W | 5 years | Stretch string option, multiple colors |
| Curtain Lights | Photo ops, stages, walkways | 0.45W | 5 years | Draped effect, warm and cool variants |
| Chromaglow Pro | Permanent trim on buildings | Low | 5 years | App-controlled, color-customizable |
| Twinkly Pro | Programmable installations | Low | 3 years | Wi-Fi control, musical sync |
7. Final Takeaway: Create a Legacy, Not Just an Event
Summer festivals are more than calendar entries—they’re opportunities to build civic pride, boost tourism, and create intergenerational memories. And the right lighting helps ensure your event looks as good as it feels.
Cities across North America trust Big Star Lights for one simple reason: we know what it takes to create large-scale beauty that lasts. Whether you need help choosing the right product or mapping out a multi-year install strategy, our team of former installers and civic partners is here to help.
Contact us to begin planning your 2025 event lighting now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How early should we book lighting for summer events?
A: Ideally, begin 6–9 months in advance to ensure product availability and planning support.
Q: Can lights be reused for different events?
A: Yes! Our commercial-grade lights are designed for reuse and flexibility.
Q: Are these safe for public spaces?
A: Absolutely—our products are water-resistant, low-heat, and designed for outdoor environments.
Summary
- Lighting defines the emotional impact of your festival
- Start planning early and align lighting with theme and flow
- Choose energy-efficient, high-durability options like those from Big Star Lights
- Tap into programmable and permanent systems for multi-use value
- Partner with a vendor that knows municipalities