Night of Lights "Flip the Switch" Opening Ceremony

Night of Lights: Flip the Switch Opening Ceremony

Kick off Night of Lights with a family-friendly Flip the Switch celebration at the Conservancy!

📍 Where: Chestnut Hill Conservancy, 8708 Germantown Avenue
📍 When: Friday, October 3, 6:30–7:00 PM (opening ceremony only)

What to expect (6:30–7:00 PM):
• Sweet treats from Zipf’s Candies, and a face painter
• Opening remarks and the countdown to light up the Avenue at 7:00 PM

Keep the evening going (7:00–9:00 PM):
After the switch is flipped, continue along Germantown Avenue to enjoy six slideshow locations, storytellers, and live music. Opening night also overlaps with the Chestnut Hill Business District’s Arts & Eats—gallery openings, restaurant specials, and extended hours.

Night of Lights is the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s free, annual public streetscape exhibition that transforms Germantown Avenue into a vibrant corridor of local history and illuminated architecture. Each October, storefront windows along one of Philadelphia’s iconic main streets become screens for archival images, historic films, and neighborhood stories, bringing the rich architectural and cultural history of Chestnut Hill and Northwest Philadelphia to life.

Held annually during Archives Month Philly and as part of the DesignPhiladelphia Festival, Night of Lights celebrates the intersection of history, design, and community. It is a festival partner of DesignPhiladelphia, promoting the work of Philadelphia’s creative community through exhibitions, lectures, and public programs that demonstrate the impact of design on our lives. Archives Month highlights the role of archives in preserving and interpreting community history—an integral part of the Conservancy’s mission.

Now in its eighth year, Night of Lights invites neighbors and visitors alike to explore the Avenue’s historic buildings through projected slideshows, colorful lighting, live music, and storytelling. It is a celebration of community history, design, and archives—and an invitation to experience the past while imagining the future of our vibrant urban village.

Free and open to all. Dress for walking, and pick up an event map at 8708 Germantown Avenue to plan your route.

Also check out other Music events in Flourtown, Entertainment events in Flourtown, Festivals in Flourtown.