Imagine being set loose on another world where artists are in charge and the stories they tell are communicated in a language of light and sound.

That's the feeling you get walking through Astra Lumina, an immersive night walk experience now installed at the Seattle Chinese Garden just north of South Seattle College.

Moment Factory a Canadian entertainment company in collaboration with Fever, a live event presentation company designed, built, and presented this experience, using lights, lasers, music, sound, and special effects.

The media and special guests were invited to a preview event on Dec. 8 where the company and others spoke.

Those in charge of the garden were approached a year ago by the company and they felt said founding President and current board member Jim Fowler. "Here's an opportunity to bring tens of thousands of people to the site who have never been here." That led to more conversations and the installation of what is now the fourth iteration of the concept.

Astra Lumina was first staged in Quebec Canada a decade ago but saw its first U.S. installation in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. 

The immersive walk is presented in a series of zones that each have cycles of light and sound. It takes about 45 minutes to complete. Backlit and shine through signposts set the tone along the path. The theme celebrates the night sky with the expression, “We’re always told to reach for the stars; but what if the stars could reach for us?”

Note, there are some mild hills to descend and climb and during the preview there were no benches or chairs to pause but organizers said those would likely be set in certain locations.

There are drinks (including mocktails and hot cocoa) and Astra Lumina swag available prior to entry. 

The experience is remarkable but not inexpensive. Tickets are $41 each and parking is an additional $16 charge. Children are $31 and Senior admission is $35. Family and group bundles are available.

Ticket prices are lower for later entry dropping to $29 for seniors and $37 for adults and $25 for children.

Learn more at the Astra Lumina Seattle website here. It wil run through the first week in January.