FREEHOLD, N.J. — Travelers with a penchant for oversized art, glowing nights, and prehistoric giants will want to mark their calendars: LuminoCity Festival is bringing what it calls its “highly anticipated, immersive Dinosaur Walk Through Lights Festival” to Freehold Raceway Mall from September 19 to October 25, 2025.
What the Press Release Says
According to LuminoCity Festival, “LuminoCity Festival Brings its Highly Anticipated, Immersive Dinosaur Walk Through Lights Festival to Freehold Raceway Mall, September 19th to October 25th, 2025!” While full programming details have not yet been published, the announcement confirms two essential facts important to travelers: the festival’s location and the exact operating dates.
Location: Freehold Raceway Mall
Freehold Raceway Mall sits along Route 9 in Monmouth County, roughly 50 miles south of Midtown Manhattan and 20 miles inland from the Jersey Shore. For out-of-state visitors, the mall’s central position between New York City and Philadelphia makes it an easy day-trip or overnight getaway, whether you are driving, ridesharing or hopping on a regional bus.
Getting There by Car
- From New York City: Take the Garden State Parkway south to Exit 123, merge onto Route 9 South and follow signs for Freehold; the mall entrance appears on the right after approximately 17 miles.
- From Philadelphia: Head north on I-95, cross into New Jersey via the Scudder Falls Bridge, then follow I-295 to I-195 East. Connect with Route 9 North in Howell Township and continue for 6 miles.
Public Transportation Options
NJ TRANSIT buses link Freehold with New York Port Authority, Newark Penn Station and key Jersey Shore towns. Routes and schedules vary, so check the agency’s trip planner before setting out. Once at Freehold Raceway Mall, festival signage is expected to direct foot traffic from parking areas and bus stops to the illuminated trailhead.
An Immersive Dinosaur Experience
While LuminoCity has not released design renderings or a map for the Freehold edition, previous installations in New York, Virginia and Florida have featured walk-through paths lined with towering light sculptures, synchronized soundscapes and thematic zones. The 2025 New Jersey stop brands itself specifically as a “Dinosaur Walk Through,” foreshadowing larger-than-life T. rex, Triceratops and perhaps a glowing sauropod or two.
The press-release headline’s use of the words “highly anticipated” and “immersive” hints at interactive elements—think selfie-ready photo stations, motion-triggered sound effects or QR codes revealing paleontological trivia. However, no official statement has laid out precise activities, so travelers should keep an eye on the festival’s website for confirmed features and ticket release dates.
Timing Your Visit
Spanning more than five weeks, from September 19 to October 25, 2025, the event straddles late-summer warmth and crisp mid-autumn evenings. Here is how the calendar breaks down for planners:
- Opening Weekend (Sept. 19–21): Expect opening-night crowds and potential media coverage. Arrive early to secure parking and prime photo spots.
- Mid-Festival Weeks (Sept. 22–Oct. 12): Weeknight visits typically mean lighter foot traffic. If your schedule is flexible, Tuesday or Wednesday can offer a calmer pace for families with small children.
- “Shoulder” Days & Autumn Foliage (Oct. 13–25): New Jersey’s foliage often peaks in mid-October, adding natural color outside the glowing exhibits. Layer up—nights may dip into the low 50s Fahrenheit.
What Travelers Should Know
Because the press announcement has not yet provided operational details such as ticket tiers, entry times or on-site amenities, the following tips draw on past LuminoCity productions. Use them as a flexible scaffold until Freehold-specific information is published.
Tips for Travelers
- Purchase Tickets in Advance: Previous festivals employed timed-entry slots. Popular sunset hours sell out quickly once tickets go live.
- Plan for Weather: The entire experience is outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes, a light rain jacket and portable hand warmers will keep you focused on the lights, not the elements.
- Bring a Portable Charger: Between photos, videos and augmented-reality extras, your phone battery drains fast.
- Explore Mall Dining: Freehold Raceway Mall’s restaurant wing stays open late; grab a post-show bite without moving the car.
- Weeknight Advantage: Locals know that Thursdays offer a sweet spot—fewer visitors than weekends but more atmosphere than early weekdays.
Beyond the Festival: Freehold & Monmouth County
Make the most of your journey by tacking on regional highlights:
- Monmouth Battlefield State Park: Located six miles northwest, the park’s rolling fields witnessed one of the Revolutionary War’s longest battles.
- Downtown Freehold Borough: An eight-minute drive from the mall, Main Street lines up indie cafés, live-music bars and a seasonal farmers market.
- Jersey Shore Day-Trip: Point Pleasant Beach and Asbury Park both sit under 25 miles east, placing boardwalk rides and Atlantic views within easy reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be on-site parking?
The press release does not specify logistics, but Freehold Raceway Mall traditionally offers ample free parking. Festival-specific sections or overflow lots may be designated closer to opening.
Are strollers and wheelchairs permitted?
Accessibility guidelines remain pending. In prior cities, LuminoCity’s pathways were paved and stroller-friendly, though some light tunnels featured gentle inclines.
Can I bring pets?
No policy has been announced. For safety and crowd control, most light festivals admit only registered service animals.
What about food and drink?
Historically, the festival collaborates with local food trucks. Given the mall’s existing dining concourse, visitors should have multiple snack options without exiting the property.
Waiting for the Next Wave of Details
Because only the headline information—location and dates—has been provided so far, prospective guests should treat every other logistical point as provisional. LuminoCity is expected to publish ticket pricing, operating hours and special event nights in the coming months. Sign up for alerts on the festival’s official site or follow its social-media channels to stay ahead of limited-edition add-ons such as VIP night-photography passes or “roar and explore” children’s workshops.
Bottom Line for Jet-Setting Light-Art Fans
Illuminated T. rex silhouettes set against autumn skies promise unforgettable photo ops, and the convenience of Freehold Raceway Mall puts the experience within comfortable reach of two major metropolitan areas. With its prime dates—September 19 through October 25, 2025—the LuminoCity Dinosaur Walk Through Lights Festival offers an ideal bridge between summer road-trip season and holiday-travel crunch time.
Keep your schedule flexible, monitor official channels for ticket drops and be ready to pounce on weeknight slots for the most relaxed viewing atmosphere. If previous LuminoCity events are any guide, you can expect a labyrinth of glowing creatures, immersive soundtracks and plenty of “did-you-see-that?” moments worth the drive.
— Source: LuminoCity Festival press release
