The after-dark art festival is called "Glow," and it is one of the largest public art events in the world.
From the outside of the "Glowmasphere," you can see shadows moving to the music. Inside, the objects under projection screens create a changing backdrop. This was one of the many interactive art projects on display.
"I just found how all the colors were interesting because they all really mixed, and it just made everything more modern and unique," said Ava Hernandez of Mar Vista.
The stretch of sand north and south of the Santa Monica Pier was lit up with art displays for one night only. Organizers expected the event to draw more than 150,000 people to the beach.
Artist Glenn Kaino created "Well," a wishing well filled with bioluminescent water. Coins glow blue as they fall to the bottom.
"'Glow' particularly is an amazing event because it creates a moment where artists can interface with the public on a large scale and create experiments, and to hear the feedback has been wonderful," said Kaino.
The goal of "Glow" is to allow the artists to engage the public in a unique way without limitations. Some visitors simply observe while others participate by showing their artistic side, like 5-year-old twin jellyfish Charlotte and Stella, and their dad.
"People like coming out to events like this. It's great to get people out to a one-time event that's kind of special, and the beach is such a nice place to have this," said Tom Pine of Orange County.
This was the third time since 2008 the city has hosted the contemporary art event. The festival was expected to continue glowing until 3 a.m. Sunday.
