Santa Monica Glow Festival Draws Crowd Of 150K

SANTA MONICA (CBSLA.com) — Authorities estimated at least 150,000 people attended Saturday night's Glow Festival in Santa Monica.

The event -- located on and around the Santa Monica Pier -- is the country's only nighttime arts celebration that showcases all original artwork.

At least 15 of the art installations -- .8 miles up and down the boardwalk and pier -- light up, hence the name Glow.

As Glow has gained in popularity, so has the number of artists, musicians, dancers and food vendors who participate.

The last Glow was held three years ago.

Organizers said the return was highly-anticipated.

KCAL9's Melanie Woodrow was among the 150,000 on hand and she spoke to people about the experience.

"Well it's kind of amazing," said one young fan.

Woodrow found plenty of people -- and their furry friends -- dancing, gesturing and making sounds ... casting shadows and silhouettes for others outside the Glow-masphere.

"You kind of just let go, be free and enjoy the moment," said another art patron.

Whether letting go or going deep, it seems feeling is something that comes with Glow.

The Space Between Us is a multi-sensory experience you literally immerse yourself in. Surrounded by a soundtrack of waves, visitors recline in the sand beneath a billowing aerial sculpture.

"I had definitely experienced something relative to that for about 9 months of my life at some point," said a fan of the work.

The interactive nature of Glow continues with Swarm -- jellyfish that respond to visitors depending on light and sound.

Woodrow said some experiences are so personal that "our camera couldn't pick them up. Example, the Bio-luminescent Wonder, created when you make a wish at a well.

Glow began at 7 p.m. and runs to 3 a.m.

For more information about Glow, click here.