Seven years after opening with Bruce Munro’s Field of Light, Sensorio expands its Fireflies exhibit, enhances guest experiences and looks ahead to 2027
October 9, 2026 (Paso Robles, CA) — The countdown is on at Sensorio. The Paso Robles immersive art destination is preparing to welcome its one-millionth guest this fall, marking a major milestone seven years after Bruce Munro’s Field of Light first illuminated the hillsides of Paso Robles wine country.
What began in 2019 as a temporary art installation has developed into a 35-acre, and growing, destination featuring eight glowing exhibits. Sensorio offers live music, dining and cultural programming giving visitors a full evening itinerary and reasons to return to California’s largest immersive art destination.
Sensorio’s millionth guest marks the beginning of its next chapter, with an expanded Fireflies exhibit debuting in October, a newly illuminated oak tree visible throughout the venue and additional enhancements planned for 2027.
“The millionth guest is a testament to Sensorio’s transformation,” said Ryan Hopple, general manager of Sensorio. “What started with one temporary installation has grown into a permanent destination where art, technology, nature, music, food and community come together. Reaching one million guests gives us an opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come while looking ahead to what’s next.”
The Race to the Millionth Guest
Every guest who visits Sensorio this fall joins the race to become the destination’s one-millionth visitor. Additionally, starting October 8, guests 21 and over can enter the One Million Guests Sweepstakes which offers both a Sensorio Grand Prize and a First Prize presented by Travel Paso, the local destination marketing organization.
After Sensorio welcomes its one millionth guest, two entrants will be drawn at random to win either the Sensorio Grand Prize Package (approximate value: $2,000) or the Travel Paso First Prize (approximate value $1,000). All qualifying Sensorio guests who purchase admission will automatically be entered into the sweepstakes. For more information and other ways to enter during the promotion period, go to www.sensoriopaso.com.
“Sensorio is a cornerstone of Paso Robles’ vibrant arts and culture scene and an integral part of the ‘wine and more’ story we tell,” said Stacie Jacob, president and CEO of Travel Paso.
“It gives our 2.5 million annual visitors another reason to stay and explore after the sun goes down, and it’s a source of pride for our community. We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone and welcome the next million guests.”
From One Installation to a Destination
The concept for Sensorio was born when owners Ken and Bobbi Hunter experienced an outdoor art display by U.K. Artist Bruce Munro in Uluru, Australia. Inspired by how the glowing lights blended into the rugged landscape, the Hunters envisioned bringing the concept to their hometown of Paso Robles. Sensorio opened in 2019 with Field of Light as a temporary installation and soon achieved global attention. Its popularity ultimately led to the creation of a permanent destination, now California’s largest immersive art exhibition, where Munro’s work became the foundation for a collection of art, entertainment and hospitality experiences.
Sensorio’s next phase begins this fall; first with the expansion of Fireflies by Munro. Debuting in October, the exhibit features 270 lights added to its current hillside installation, mirrored by an additional 775 fireflies on the opposing hill. The expanded Fireflies illuminates the hillsides surrounding the Gone Fishing exhibit, which will feature its own projection river enhancement this holiday season.
The expansion will be closely followed by a Downtown City Park installation by Sensorio, scheduled to debut in November, connecting the heart of Paso Robles to the glowing 35-acre art park. In 2027, Sensorio will expand the original Field of Light exhibit, announce new projects, and unveil a redesigned entry village which will welcome visitors with a water feature, new guest amenities, seating area, merchandise building, and rotating art exhibits.
Additional enhancements include an illuminated oak tree, serving as a gateway to the property, with seasonal projection-based art visible from Highway 46, one of Paso Robles’ main thoroughfares. Sensorio is mostly solar-powered, using renewable energy generated during the day to illuminate the installations at night.
As Sensorio’s installations have grown, so have its culinary, hospitality and cultural experiences. Sensorio’s onsite restaurant The Mercado, recently added a wood-fired pizza oven and barbecue offerings to its quick casual fare alongside a full cocktail menu and espresso bar. The VIP Terrace touts an exclusive menu featuring locally made Etto pasta and Leo Leo Gelato, as well as 10 premium front-row tables, available by reservation, with fire pits and unobstructed sunset views overlooking the Field of Light. Sensorio also offers private event capabilities for corporate groups and celebrations.
The evening destination’s event calendar features live music, Sunday jazz, local partner events, seasonal programming and winemaker dinners. Its Sensorio Gives Back program has raised more than $530,000 for local nonprofits and community organizations.
As Sensorio approaches its millionth guest, the milestone offers a chance to look back at its seven years of transformation — from one temporary installation to a permanent destination — while signaling that the evolution is far from over.
Sensorio is located at 4380 Highway 46 East in Paso Robles. Gates open approximately an hour before sunset Thursday-Sunday. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit sensoriopaso.com.
About Sensorio
When the sun dips below the Paso Robles hills, Sensorio begins to glow. What began in 2019 with the internationally acclaimed Field of Light by Bruce Munro has become California’s largest immersive art experience – spanning over 35 acres and featuring eight exhibits that blend light, color, and sound into something truly extraordinary. In addition to the installations, guests can enjoy live music and on-site dining, including a full-service restaurant and bar, food trucks, and Airstream cafés. Sensorio is open year-round and available for private and corporate events.
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