Large outdoor events demand large entertainment.   Laser light shows are the perfect solution to entertain large audiences at a reasonable cost per guest, are scalable to nearly any audience size, are safer than fireworks, are heavily customizable, present no fire hazard, and can recognize sponsors directly through the use of custom laser light.

An event-specific demo video can be found below.

Bringing lasers to a fair, festival or other outdoor event used to be a huge endeavor.  Lots of bulky equipment was required, trucks full of materials were necessary, and a number of hoses, cooling elements and other hassles were commonplace.  Fortunately, it's time to rethink what you know about lasers.  Modern laser equipment is exponentially more powerful than the old systems, and compact and portable enough to be brought to any outdoor setting.  Wherever your event is taking place, a brilliant laser show with millions of powerful colors is not only possible, but much simpler than ever before.

Lasers have a number of uses in fair or festival settings.  Aerial entertainment like fireworks is a common feature at the typical fair.  What makes fireworks even more spectacular is highlighting their intense sounds and brilliant colors with powerful lasers. They are also the perfect stage effect for an outdoor music performance or band event.

A typical outdoor show uses an existing projection surface such as a large building, or uses a special projection screen held from a lift or crane.  Screens can be erected nearly anywhere.  Scale is important with outdoor shows; as a result, the most common screen size is at least 50' x 25' and is erected 4-5 stories in the air.   There is a cost savings when using an existing screen surface, and often the structure used as the screen surface may have a significance to the show, serving a double purpose.  For example, shows have been projected onto monuments, battleships, and corporate sponsor buildings.  In these cases, it is desirable to focus attention to the projection surface.

These screens are used for the projection of laser-generated images.  These images and animations are carefully choreographed to a custom soundtrack that is created for each event.  The images are cartoon-like, and incorporate the outline of the images represented.  One rapidly moving beam of laser light contains millions of colors and generates these "filled" images in a connect-the-dot fashion, tracing along a path to form a shape that your eyes and brain interpret as solid.  Shows may be themed for an event, sponsors, or guests.   With every show, it is possible (and recommened) to include laser-drawn logos of the show sponsor and event name.   We accept logo files in advance, and our laser light artist incorporates them into the show.

A laser show is about more than watching some fancy lights.   Our shows use one or several additional laser projectors for the sole purpose of creating three-dimensional laser beam effects above the audience.  The laser beams dance in the air and project millions of brilliant colors.   Sheets of textured light, fog flowing through tunnels, large powerful beams, sprays of beams, and thousands of other effects are utilized to enhance the overall show experience.   These lasers will extend for miles, and we obtain FAA approval for the use of these lasers outdoors.  In all cases, and in the interest of aviation, it is preferred to 'terminate' the lasers at some distance behind the audience onto trees or another suitable surface.

View a demo video:

Lasers are a form of light, and are therefore best viewed in darkness.   Outdoor shows should start after sunset, observing the same times typical for a fireworks display.  Any light pollution from street lights, buildings, etc. should be extinguished for the best possible show, otherwise they can conflict.  Where light pollution is high, we recommend the use of our largest lasers (the largest in the world) for the most effective presentation.   However, when comparing costs, it is most often more economical to reduce local light pollution than budget for larger laser systems.  If you are concerned about lighting levels, our team will be happy to assess and help you make the best determination for your show.

Fog is an essential element to produce superior brightness and visibility for the beams.   Our event technicians will place fog machines throughout the performance area as necessary to create the best environment for the light show.  Since wind is the biggest enemy of these effects, we recommend using as many fog machines as your financial and power budgets allow.

Waterscreens:   Waterscreens are a staple for high-end city-scale spectaculars, but are also used for appropriate civic events and festivals.  If a body of water is proximate or central to the theme of the show, a water screen is an excellent way to extend its scale.  Ponds, lakes, rivers, or large fountains may all be used.  Waterscreens are breathtaking, and are ideal surfaces for the projection of laser light shows or video content themed to the event.

Power Requirements:  Power budget is not a new concept, and certainly not new to users of obsolete ion lasers (water-cooled hardware).  Our modern direct-diode lasers operate from a single household electrical outlet and will not require a generator.  However,  the operation of a large concert-sized audio system may necessitate the use of a generator.  Fog machines also introduce a significant load.  Our team will help size your event to elimate the need for a generator if possible.  For high profile events, our lasers may be protected by a UPS such that the show may continue even in the event of a power failure.

Water Requirements:  NONE!  Our entire laser inventory is air-cooled, and requires no water cooling connection.  If you have hired a laser show in the past and have been requested to open a fire hydrant, hire a pumper truck or water buffalo, or provide other means of water delivery, these unrealistic and unnecessary requirements are relics of the past.   Our new technologies result in decreased show cost, increased safety, and increased reliability ( it's not possible for water flow to be interrupted by vehicle traffic, pedestrians, loss of water source, etc.)

More information available in: Laser Show Resources - Utilities

Sound:  Sound is an extremely important show element.   A bad sound system can ruin a fantastic laser show.  We can provide a complete turn-key package including an appropriately-sized audio system, or provide assitance in matching your existing event sound system to our show.  The latter is often the case where day-log entertainment takes place on a stage and the laser finale shares the same audio system. 

Logo and Image Projection:  Recognition of sponsors is very important to festival organizers.  Lasers present a means to recognize them on a massive scale.  Any logo or graphic can be rendered using laser light, along with text or other imagery.  Your sponsors' logos can be worked into a laser light show or beamed alone.   When possible, and when audience size dictates a larger-than-life projection, an unobstructed building surface makes an ideal screen. Building surfaces are also great for large-scale advertising campaigns. (See our Pittsburgh Penguins projection or our Nike LeBron James MVP projection for examples) Sponsor and event logos give you the ability to build identity through the brilliance of laser light.  See our marketing page.