Portland Winter Light Festival photo by Remaining Light Photography
During the darkest time of year, one Portland event brings the city together to celebrate creativity, culture and community through light.
The annual Portland Winter Light Festival is one of the most popular winter festivals in the city. The citywide outdoor arts celebration features interactive light-based art installations, vibrant performances and kinetic fire sculptures. The festival presents public art installations and performances for the community to enjoy.
For its 9th year, the festival has special anchor sites, events and light displays throughout the city. Here are the details:
2024 Portland Winter Light Festival
Portland Winter Light Festival photo by Amy Sakurai
The Portland Winter Light Festival is February 2-10, 2024. The festival is open to all ages and free to attend.
Creative and inspiring light displays are set up throughout the city and aglow every evening of the event. The festival features more than 200 art experiences focusing on the theme Glowing Under Pressure.
Prepare for a dazzling display of light as artists take you on a journey to the depths of the ocean’s mysteries. In the pitch-black expanse where light barely reaches, encounter bioluminescent creatures that shimmer in the darkness. Glowing Under Pressure invites you to explore the wonders and dangers of the deep, reminding us of our own insignificance in the face of nature’s forces.
Plus, the Portland streetcar is offering free rides after 5 p.m. each day of the event!
Here’s how you can make the most of this festival.
Anchor Sites
The event has anchor sites open on Fridays and Saturdays from 6-10 p.m. with special performances, artwork and activities located in the heart of Portland. These locations provide a starting point for a night of exploration and celebration of the incredible art displays.
2024 anchor sites include:
- Pioneer Courthouse Square
- World Trade Center Plaza
- The Electric Blocks at SE 2nd and Clay.
There are also pop up locations throughout town and many are open every day of the festival. View the map below!
Festival Art Map
The festival art map lets you click on the pinpoints for more information on each art display around the city. Along with the three anchor sites, you can find light art displays are local businesses, storefront windows, front yards and more.
Special Events
Special events take place every day of the festival throughout Portland and neighboring cities. Here is just a sample of what you can participate in. All of these events are free to attend:
Opening Night Fire Performance
On Friday, February 2, join the opening night festivities featuring the Garnish Fire Conclave. From poi to fire breathing to fire dragon staffs, Garnish displays an array of excitement. The event is at Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 Sw 6th Ave., at 7 p.m. This performance is followed by Cirque Luminescence, Bright Heart Circus and Portland Samba.
Illuminated Bike Ride
Get ready to bike the lights with fellow riders on Saturday, February 3. For the Illuminated Bike Ride, you’re invited to dress up your bike, and yourself, and join us for a ride. Meet at the Rose’s Equipment Supply parking lot, 125 SE Clay St., at 7 p.m. The ride started at 7:30 p.m. The ride ends at Director Park at 8:30 p.m.
Lantern Procession
Join Risk of Change for an Lantern Procession on Saturday, February 10, at 7 p.m. Meet at the Salmon Street Springs, SW 1st Ave and SW Salmon St. At 7:30 p.m., depart from the fountain heading to Pioneer Courthouse Square. You’re encouraged to wear illuminated costumes and bring giant puppets, lanterns, simple colorful flags and lit objects.
Midway Lights at Oaks Park
While the amusement park rides are closed for the season, they still have dazzling lights to admire. Take in the twinkle of the lights as you walk Oaks Park’s midway each night of the festival from 6 to 10 p.m.
Parking is $3 on weekdays and $5 on Saturdays and Sundays. The Roller Rink Cafe is open at 7 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. After viewing the lights, go roller skating.
Also, the Portland Winter Ice Rink is now extended to February 11. Before or after viewing the light displays, go for a skate at the covered skating rink.
The festival is February 2-10, 2024, from 6-10 p.m. For more information and to view all events, visit the festival website.
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