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Paseo Project outlines expanded four‑day festival, reserves free timed entry to 7,000 sq. ft. Luminarium
Summary
Paseo Project executive director Matt Thomas told the Taos Town Council the 11th annual Paseo Festival will run four days in October with daytime programming, free activities, a 7,000‑square‑foot inflatable Luminarium in Carson Park and limited free reserved entry slots.
The Paseo Project will return in October with expanded daytime programming and a large inflatable art installation, the nonprofit's executive director told the Town of Taos Council on Sept. 24.
"We're very excited to present just another twist to the Paseo Magic and making it a daytime event," Matt Thomas, executive director of the Paseo Project, said during a presentation to the council. The festival was moved to a four‑day schedule Thursday through Sunday and will include a 7,000‑square‑foot Luminarium (an inflatable installation) sited in Carson Park.
The Luminarium — described by Thomas as consisting of 19 interlinked chambers — will be free to the public. Thomas said organizers are offering a limited number of free, reserved tickets through an online system (about 80 people inside at a time; organizers plan to reserve roughly 40 spots every 30 minutes), and additional walk‑up entry will be available when space permits.
Why it matters: Paseo is one of Taos's largest free community arts events and the organization says the expanded schedule and daytime focus are intended to make the festival more accessible to families and youth. The council acknowledged the festival's community role and several council members pledged discretionary funding to support Paseo.
Details and programming: Thomas said the festival will bring one international artist collective (Architects of Air) and multiple Taos‑based artists; highlights include a community‑built 3‑D printed sculpture, youth internship installations, a silent disco at sunset Friday and Saturday, a free film series at the TCA and small community “holding space” tents where local hobbyists and interest groups will lead rotating two‑hour activities. Amber (education manager for Paseo Project) described a Thursday STEAM day that will bring middle and high school students into the park for four workshops culminating in a shuttle back to schools.
Funding and town support: Thomas thanked the council and town staff for discretionary support and said the organization also secured state and county sponsorships. Several council members noted they had committed discretionary funds; the town manager said purchase orders are being issued and invoices will be processed after the event.
Logistics and access: Thomas asked the council to consider providing free public parking for the festival weekend because the event is free to attendees and may strain parking availability. Council members said they would discuss parking with town staff; the town manager and councilors later discussed outreach and coordination with the Paseo Project but made no formal commitment during the Sept. 24 meeting.
What to expect: Paseo runs four days in October with programming times posted online; Thomas recommended attendees reserve free tickets for peak times to avoid lines. Full schedule and registration are on the Paseo Project website.
Ending: Council members praised the group's long‑running programming and asked staff to explore parking options to improve local access. Thomas and Amber thanked the council and staff for ongoing logistical and financial support.
