EASTON, Pa. — Easton this weekend will take its first step toward launching a new large-scale festival, adding to the city’s rich lineup of outdoor community activities.
The first full Light, Projection Mapping and Immersive Art Festival won't be held until 2026, but the public will get a taste of the action ahead of time from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 12 and 13 at the Easton Winter Village in the city’s Centre Square.
“This teaser is just a small taste of what’s coming. Our goal is to create an experience that brings people together and positions Easton as a hub for innovation, art and culture.”Project founders Duván Ayala and Andrea Rincon
The preview will mark the city’s introduction to an annual event tentatively titled East ON, an initiative designed to celebrate creativity, technology and community in the Lehigh Valley.
The two-night activation will showcase the potential of transforming Easton’s architectural landscape into a dynamic canvas illuminated by light, sound, and motion, a release from the Greater Easton Development Partnership says.
The East ON installation will feature large-scale projection mapping, interactive visual elements and immersive artistic components that hint at the creative direction of the future festival.
“This teaser is just a small taste of what’s coming,” project founders Duván Ayala and Andrea Rincon said in a release.
“Our goal is to create an experience that brings people together and positions Easton as a hub for innovation, art and culture.”
'Build a cultural legacy'
The pair of artists run 401 Lab, which will help produce the preview and the full festival.
According to the 401 Lab site, Ayala’s work in visual production, sound engineering, projection mapping and large-scale art installations will form the backbone of the project.
Ayala’s collaboration with major artists and institutions, along with strong connections to creative and technical teams, shape 401 Lab’s immersive and experimental approach.
Rincon, who owns three local businesses, brings creativity, logistical strength, cultural management, and community outreach to the table, the lab’s site states.
Deeply rooted in Easton’s community, she provides essential organizational leadership, cultural insight and entrepreneurial vision, it says.
“Together, they merge expansive artistic experience with local commitment and a growing nonprofit foundation to build a cultural legacy that inspires, engages, and uplifts Easton,” 401 Lab states.
Signature annual event
And the December activation won't be just a preview of the incredible artistic endeavors to come: It also is an open invitation to the community, local businesses and cultural institutions to play a part in shaping the full 2026 East ON Festival.
Organizers aim to develop a signature annual event that highlights Easton’s creative identity while drawing regional visitors.
“Andrea and Duván introduced this idea back in January 2020, but COVID had other plans and we lost some momentum. So I’m stoked that we've been able to regroup here and are working toward what I think will be a really special new art-focused event for Easton.”GEDP Executive Director Jared Mast
“Andrea and Duván introduced this idea back in January 2020, but COVID had other plans and we lost some momentum," GEDP Executive Director Jared Mast said.
"So I’m stoked that we've been able to regroup here and are working toward what I think will be a really special new art-focused event for Easton.”
East ON is supported by Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, and produced through a collaboration between 401Lab and the GEDP.
Those interested in checking out the 2025 teaser installation or keeping up on the forthcoming festival can find updates on the Easton Fest website.
