Robolights won’t be on display in Palm Springs this year, creator wants to keep it in city

“Robolights” the popular holiday lights in Palm Springs, will be taking place outside the city for the first time in its 33-year history.

Kenny Irwin, the artist behind “Robolights” will be creating a new installation that will be displayed at the Museum of Contemporary Arts Detroit. The new exhibit will start in October.

Irwin told News Channel 3 that right now, there are no plans for Robolights to be on display in Palm Springs this holiday season as he hasn’t been able to find a new commercial location.

The overwhelming popularity of Robolights creating issues with traffic and noise in the residintial community where it was held. In 2018, following years, of back-and-forth with the city, Irwin agreed to move the display to a commercial location in 2019. The city agreed to provide Irwin with $125,000 to help with finding the new location.

Irwin wanted to assure residents he intends to keep Robolights in Palm Springs.

“It’s a tradition. I want to continue in Palm Springs. I love this town. I want people to continue to enjoy it and I want the town to continue to benefit from it,” Irwin said.

Irwin had previously told Robolights 2019 will be rebuilt from scratch. He has also said his dream is for the exhibit to be a year-round attraction.