All the Hype, None of the Noise: Sandy Teens Prep for Silent Disco

On March 20, the Sandy Parks and Rec Department and Sandy Library are taking over the Sandy Community Center for a night of wholesome, nearly silent fun. For 15 dollars, kids in grades six through 12 can spend two-and-a-half hours hanging with their friends in an environment parents can feel comfortable with.

It’s time for the fourth annual Silent Disco at the Sandy Community Center.

The Silent Disco is organized by the Parks Department’s Recreation Coordinator, Carol Cohen, a woman who’s been working to improve Sandy for 25 years. While she’s worked several jobs throughout her tenure, nothing motivates her quite like the events she plans as Recreation Coordinator. “It keeps me focused and excited, coming up with new events instead of doing the same thing over and over.”

With the Silent Disco, Cohen and her team hit a home run that appeals to teenagers of every stripe. That’s not an accident. Cohen and her partners work hard to ensure that introverts and extroverts, music kids and game fans alike can find something to enjoy at the Silent Disco. The result is an event that feels energetic without being overwhelming, structured without being restrictive — a balance that’s not always easy to strike when planning for middle and high school students.

When the doors open at 7 p.m., a DJ will turn the Community Center’s upstairs auditorium into a choose-your-own-soundtrack music adventure. Kids can bring their Bluetooth headphones and pick from one of three available audio channels suggested by Sandy’s Teen Advisory Board. The format gives teens the freedom to switch between genres throughout the night, creating a shared experience that still feels personal.

“We’re really listening to the kids, seeing what they want,” explains Cohen. “They wanted country for one channel. Retro for another channel. More like 80s, 90s and 2000s-type music. And then, [the third] channel is punk.”

“It’s really funny,” says Cohen. “When you walk upstairs and look in the auditorium, everything's blacked out. We have laser lights going on, and you don’t hear the music because the kids are wearing the headphones. You'll see one group of kids singing one song, and then on the other end of the auditorium, you'll see another group of kids singing a completely different song.”

Of course, not every teen is enticed by an evening singing their favorite songs (and that’s perfectly fine). Cohen has these kids covered. While the music is (not) thumping upstairs, the community center’s bottom floor will be filled with activities. The ping pong table will be ready for action. Teenagers can also try their hand at a variety of board games, offering plenty of chances to connect without stepping onto the dance floor. And Domino’s is catering, ensuring nobody has to power through the night on an empty stomach.

One of the most popular attractions of the evening is the free photo booth, where partygoers can pose for complimentary keepsakes of the event.

At the end of the day, Cohen’s priority is providing a space for Sandy’s teenagers to meet up (and get down). “It's all about seeing these kids here at a safe place,” says Cohen. “[Where they’re] able to hang out with their friends. They actually get a lot for these two-and-a-half hours.” For parents, that peace of mind may be just as valuable as the entertainment itself.

Since the Community Center is located in the heart of Sandy, the Silent Disco is an ideal place for parents to drop off their kids before grabbing a bite at one of the city’s restaurants. It’s a perfect way to turn a teenaged outing into an impromptu date night.

The Silent Disco doesn’t happen on its own. Cohen praises the companies that have joined the Parks Department and the Library to make the event happen. MAECO of Oregon, Bill’s Automotive, and Domino’s Pizza all pitch in to make the evening special for the teenaged attendees. Their support helps keep events like this affordable and accessible for local families.

The Silent Disco is just one of the events coming up in Sandy in 2026. In April, teens can participate in the annual flashlight egg hunt. In May, pets take the spotlight with Yappy Hour, which Cohen describes as “basically a dog carnival.” June sees the return of Noah’s Quest, a run-walk to support parents who have suffered the tragedy of a lost child. And that’s just the next few months. Cohen and the Parks Department have several surprises planned between here and 2027.

In other words, there are plenty of opportunities to get your family out and about this year without leaving Sandy’s beautiful city limits.