2026 Portland Winter Light Festival

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 11th year, the festival has special anchor sites, events and light displays throughout the city. Here are the details:

2026 Portland Winter Light Festival

Portland Winter Light Festival photo by Amy Sakurai

The Portland Winter Light Festival is February 6-14, 2026. 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 All the Little Things.

Prepare for a dazzling display of light as visionary artists take you on a journey to the future. See light-based art installations, immersive sculptures, video projections, fir art, performances and more.

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. 

2026 anchor sites include:

• Pioneer Courthouse Square
• World Trade Center Plaza
• The Electric Blocks at SE 2nd and Clay.

Anchor sites are open February 6-7 and 13-14, 2026. 

Glow Bar also returns to Columbia Square, 111 SW Columbia St., open on multiple nights with exclusive food, beverages, art, live performances and DJs. I’ll share open dates as soon as the schedule is announced. 

There are also pop up locations throughout town and many are open every day of the festival. 

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 are a few you might be interested in: 

Opening Ceremony Performance

On Friday, February 6, join the opening night festivities at Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Ave., at 7 p.m. Enjoy a fire show, circus performers, djMOM and more. 

Illuminated Bike Ride

Get ready to bike the lights with fellow riders on Saturday, February 7. For the Illuminated Bike Ride, you’re invited to dress up your bike, and yourself, and join fellow Portlanders for a ride. Meet at the Rose’s Equipment Supply parking lot, 125 SE Clay St., at 6:30 p.m. The ride starts at 7 p.m. The ride ends at Director Park around 9 p.m.

Lantern Procession

Don’t miss the Lantern Procession on Saturday, February 14, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Meet at the World Trade Center. You’re encouraged to wear white and covered in lights, lanterns and other lit objects. The parade ends at Director Park. 

Glow Bar 

Glow Bar is aglow with dynamic lighting, art installations and an electrifying energy that captures the creative spirit of Portland. Enjoy the bar and lounge featuring projections, interactive pieces and dazzling disco balls along with fresh beats just south of the World Trade Center. There’s also food and drinks available for purchase. 

Here’s the schedule: 

• Feb 6 -7: 6 p.m.-midnight
• Feb 11: 6-10 p.m.
• Feb 12: 6-10 p.m.
• Feb 13-14: 6 p.m.-midnight

Glow Bar is at Columbia Square, 111 SW Columbia Street. 

The festival is February 6-14, 2026, from 6-10 p.m. For more information and to view all events, visit the festival website.

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