CHOOSE YOUR OWN LIGHT ADVENTURE

PDXWLF 2023 will feature anchor art sites with large-scale interactive art, performances, and pop-up art in storefronts, retail spaces, front yards, and public spaces throughout Portland. Guests are encouraged to embrace this citywide art scavenger hunt and visit as many locations as possible! Anchor sites are focused on weekend nights and will be available only on February 3-4 & 10-11. Many pop-up installations will be viewable from the street throughout the 9-day festival, so check the times before you head out! 

A giant kaleidoscope with lights controlled by a magical and mysterious crystal ball.

FAq

The ninth annual  Portland Winter Light Festival will be  February 2 – 10, 2024

Yes! The festival is not-for-profit and is presented for free to attendees. It is made possible by generous support from our sponsors and donations from community members like you. Thank you for helping to keep the festival free for all!

Anchor sites include Pioneer Courthouse Square, World Trade Center Plaza (downtown), and the Electric Blocks at SE 2nd and Clay. Additional sites are located throughout Portland in storefront windows, front yards, and more and are viewable from the street.

Yes! Isn’t that great? The festival is a reason to get out of the house and celebrate winter with the entire community. Please dress appropriately for Portland’s winter weather. Don’t forget to light yourself up too!

Festival attendees can navigate PDXWLF by using our google Maps (link) or our map PDF (link). Art installations are located throughout the city at pop-up locations and anchor sites, including Pioneer Courthouse Square, The World Trade Center, and the Electric Blocks. We encourage guests to create their plans for exploration. Consider using public transportation when possible. The Portland Streetcar will be accessible until 11:30 pm, and anchor art sites are located near public transportation. Ample parking is available downtown, and parking at all festival sites is on a first come basis. Bike parking will be available at anchor sites.

If you are coming from out of town, consider staying with one of our Hotel Partners. These local accommodations are knowledgeable about the festival and can provide you with an authentic experience of Portland!

Yes! We have food and hot beverages available for sale from local food cart vendors at anchor site locations.

Absolutely! The festival is family-friendly and has many interactive activities for people of all ages. We encourage families to participate.

Most of the festival is on public land, where you are welcome to bring your leashed pets. Dogs are not allowed in the World Trade Center Plaza. For festival events and exhibitions that take place inside, pets are not permitted. 

Note that the festival can become extremely crowded and difficult to navigate; we recommend lighting up your pup for style and safety or leaving them in the comfort of home.

Yes, please! In addition to dressing warmly for our winter weather, we always encourage attendees to participate by donning festive accessories. 

For sustainability concerns, we suggest avoiding single-use glowsticks (that you “crack” to activate) and instead using reusable, solar- and battery-charged LED lights, el-wire (electroluminescent wire), and other light accessory options.

There are no vendor opportunities at PDXWLF except for limited food vendors.

Lost and found items will be returned at the closest Info Booth during the festival. Outside of festival hours, contact info@pdxwlf.com to inquire.

We are always looking for volunteers! Click here to find out more and sign up to help! If you are interested in participating as an artist, we will post the call for 2024 submissions in the summer of 2023.

Yes! The Willamette Light Brigade / Portland Winter Light Festival is a small non-profit organization. Our success is completely dependent on the generous support of our community.

Donations directly support the incredible art and design on display and the critical infrastructure needed to present a festival of this magnitude. Donations help keep the Portland Winter Light Festival free and accessible to all.  All donations are tax-deductible and help ensure the festival continues to thrill and inspire. Click below to donate to support this dynamic free event. Support the festival here!

We listed some ideas below, but feel free to be creative and become part of the Festival experience!

  • Decorate yourself with lights
  • Donate to support the Festival
  • Join the Illuminated Bike Ride
  • Be a part of the Lantern Parade
  • Become a Volunteer
  • Tag us in your social posts IG @portlandwinterlightfestival and FB @pdxwlf
  • Use our hashtag #PDXWLF2023
An Aqua-Arcs creation of the Giza Plateau with the Sun God Ra, the Great Pyramid and a looming Saturn.