Get ready to wish a happy birthday to Redding’s most recognized man-made landmark.
The Sundial Bridge turns 20 this summer.
The city, Turtle Bay Exploration Park and Redding businesses and philanthropic organizations are hosting June events to celebrate the bridge’s two decades linking the North State. Highlights include acrobatic dances by aerial dance company Bandaloop, Spanish themed dinners, a historic film and a photo contest to celebrate two decades of what Redding Director of Community Services Travis Menne called Redding’s “architectural wonder.”
Part pedestrian bridge and part art installation, Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava designed the Sundial Bridge to connect the Sacramento River’s north and south shores at Turtle Bay Exploration Park. The bridge is a working sundial from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is most accurate in summer, according to the park. For more Sundial Bridge history go to turtlebay.org/sundial-bridge.
Here are June events coming up that celebrate the Sundial Bridge’s 20th anniversary.
How to get a good seat at Bandaloop
The highlight of the 2024 anniversary celebration is four performances on the bridge by Bandaloop acrobats at 9:30 a.m. and 8:15 p.m. on June 28 and 29. Members of the group hang from the bridge and perform a “vertical” and “perspective-bending” dance, according to Menne.
The bridge closes to pedestrian traffic from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m., and from 7:45 p.m. to 9 p.m., so spectators need to pick a side to watch, according to the city.
Performances are free.
Park in the Turtle Bay Exploration Park or Redding Civic Auditorium lots on Sundial Bridge Drive, or at the McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens’ west entrance at 1155 Arboretum Drive.
Turtle Bay will also offer VIP seating to all four Bandaloop performances.
Tickets to morning shows include seating from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. near the Quarry Patio. Spectators have access to a coffee and doughnut bar. Tickets are $45 to $50. Or reserve a table for eight, with complimentary mimosas, for $750.
Tickets to evening performances include seating from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., with food and beverage stations, each with a theme that matches Sundial Bridge architect Santiago Calatrava’s architectural designs in California, New York, Greece and Spain, according to the park. This event is for ages 21 and older. Tickets are $125 per person, $1,500 for a table of eight and two bottles of wine.
To purchase tickets go to celebrate20.com/vip. For more information, call Thyda Hoth at Turtle Bay Exploration Park at 530-242-3132.
Become a Sundial Bridge expert at the Cascade Theatre
Redding’s historic Cascade Theatre hosts a free showing of “Angle of Inspiration,” a documentary about Calatrava’s vision for the Sundial Bridge.
The film includes an interview with Calatrava and is narrated by actress Jill Eikenberry.
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Showtimes are 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. on June 30.
Tickets are free. Guests must have a ticket to enter. To reserve tickets at the Cascade’s box office go to cascadetheatre.org.
Dine on Spanish cuisine at Mosaic
Visit Mosaic Restaurant at Turtle Bay from June 28 to 5 p.m. July 4 and dine from a special menu of Spanish appetizers, entrees, desserts and wines.
The restaurant’s “Seven Days of Spain” event celebrates the Sundial Bridge’s Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava.
Staff recommend people make reservations in advance. Call 530-319-3456 or go to mosaicredding.com.
Share your Sundial Bridge photos for a chance to win prizes
Feed your inner shutterbug.
The Redding Convention and Visitors Bureau at Visit Redding is hosting a Sundial Bridge photo contest.
To enter, submit up to five of your photos of the bridge by July 1 at visitredding.com/sundial-bridge-photo-contest.
Prizes for best photo include a $150 gift card to Branch House/Mosaic, according to the visitors bureau.
Check the website for details.
Jessica Skropanic is a features reporter for the Record Searchlight/USA Today Network. She covers science, arts, social issues and news stories. Follow her on Twitter @RS_JSkropanic and on Facebook. Join Jessica in the Get Out! Nor Cal recreation Facebook group. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today. Thank you.
This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Redding celebrates Sundial Bridge 20th anniversary
