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 February 2-10, 2024. It is open to all ages, free to attend and one of the most popular winter festivals in the city. This citywide outdoor arts celebration includes a number of pop-up sites in North Portland. See pdxwlf.com for more.
St. Johns. A Light Festival pop-up site.
Photo by Remaining Light Photography.
Creative and inspiring light displays are aglow every evening of the event. The festival features more than 200 art experiences focusing on the theme Glowing Under Pressure.
Festival Art Map
The festival art map on pdxwlf.com allows you click on the pinpoints for more information on each art display around the city.
The map displays the 13 pop-up sites in North Portland. They are in the St. Johns, Kenton, Hayden Island, Piedmont, and Boise neighborhoods The sites feature interactive light-based art installations, vibrant performances and kinetic fire sculptures as public art installations for the community to enjoy.
For its 9th year, the festival has special anchor sites along with the pop-up sites. Here are the details:
Anchor Sites
The event has anchor sites open on Fridays and Saturdays from 6-10pm 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 & Clay
Opening Night Fire Performance
On Friday, February 2, join the opening night festivities featuring the Garnish Fire Conclave. The event is at Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW 6th Ave., at 7pm. 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. You’re invited to dress up your bike, and yourself. Meet at the Rose’s Equipment Supply parking lot, 125 SE Clay St., at 7pm. The ride starts at 7:30pm and ends at Director Park at 8:30pm.
Lantern Procession
Join Risk of Change for a Lantern Procession on Saturday, February 10, at 7pm. Meet at the Salmon Street Springs, SW 1st Ave. and SW Salmon St. at 7:30pm and walk to Pioneer Square. You’re encouraged to wear illuminated costumes and bring giant puppets, lanterns, simple colorful flags and lit objects.
Based on original post by victoria on Portland Living on the Cheap