Every Friday night, the I-80 overpass at University Avenue in Berkeley transforms into something you’d never expect: a glowing disco dance floor suspended above one of the Bay Area’s busiest freeways. Since January, a group of local activists calling themselves NICE (Not ICE) have been gathering on this pedestrian bridge to host “Visibility Dance Parties”, and honestly, it’s one of the most refreshing takes on protest culture we’ve seen in a minute.

The concept is deceptively simple but brilliant: dress up (frog costumes and glow sticks highly encouraged), bring the good vibes, and dance while thousands of commuters honk in solidarity below. An estimated 12,000 cars pass under the bridge every hour, making it the perfect stage for amplifying a message about protecting democracy and community.

The whole thing started as a joke, actually. Activist Jennifer Quinn came up with the frog costume concept during Halloween and later connected with Maria Shanle from Indivisible East Bay during a daytime protest in January. They realized something powerful: the bridge was packed with people during the day, but virtually empty at night when traffic is heaviest. Why not flip the script and use that visibility differently, with music, light, and positive energy instead of traditional chants?

“Every honk is somebody saying, ‘Yes, we agree,’” Quinn told local media. “We are here to protect our democracy and our community, and this is just a really fun way to do that”. And she’s onto something real. Political engagement can feel exhausting and scary, especially for people who aren’t used to being in protest spaces. The dance party format completely changes that equation.

What’s particularly cool is how accessible they’ve made it. The organizers emphasize that this is a family-friendly environment where you can literally “come as you are”. Bring your kids, bring snacks to share, bring art, bring bubbles, whatever makes you feel connected to the moment. Vera Chang, a professor of environmental justice at St. Mary’s College who attended with her family, described the vibe perfectly: “People are reaching deep inside themselves for reasons to have hope and to generate change”.

Quinn is already thinking bigger too. She’s looking to hire a DJ to really get the teenagers moving and wants to create opportunities for people to make genuine connections with their neighbors. Because at its core, that’s what NICE is about, the acronym stands for “now it counts everyone,” emphasizing that showing up for community isn’t just about one moment of protest. It’s about building lasting solidarity.

If you’re looking for a way to get politically engaged that doesn’t feel soul-crushing, swing by the overpass this Friday. Wear something that makes you feel alive, bring the energy, and help light up the night.