Western Lights
Light The Way in 2026
Thank you, Reno!
For the second year in a row, we LIT UP downtown Reno with unforgettable art, music, food, and sooooo much FUN. Were you there? Did you feel it? Because something truly special happened this weekend in the heart of Reno, and we feel incredibly lucky to have been part of it. Despite snowy conditions, tens of thousands of you showed up and experienced more than 50 large-scale illuminated artworks, 80 performances across six stages, incredible local food, artisan vendors, and countless magical moments and memories. What a weekend.
We are deeply grateful to the artists, builders, musicians, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who made it all possible. This kind of contagious joy doesn’t happen by accident.
And here’s the truth: Western Lights is free to attend… but it’s not free to produce.
We’re inviting you to help us reach our $100,000 fundraising goal. If you believe in accessible art, vibrant public spaces, and bringing our community together, please consider making a donation.
We need your support to bring Western Lights back in 2027 and beyond!!
Support Western Lights.
In February 2026, Western Lights will return even bigger and brighter. After drawing over 60,000 attendees in its debut year, the festival is back to amplify the energy with:
- More large-scale light art from local, national, and international artists.
- More music with immersive performances and sound experiences.
- More delicious local bites and craft cocktails served up with love.
- And brand new this year: hands-on STEM + Art (STEAM) workshops and Artist Talks that invite youth and families to learn, build, tinker, and create the future together.
Our Goal
$100,000
Donate Now
Western Lights is a free, community-powered spectacle that transforms Reno with art and music. We need your help to return bigger and brighter in 2026—with more installations, performances, and new hands-on STEAM workshops. Your donation ensures this unforgettable experience stays glowing and accessible to everyone.
Light The Night. Lead The Way
We’re expanding the footprint, deepening the impact, and reimagining what’s possible—right in the heart of Reno. And we can’t wait to celebrate with you! To keep Western Lights free, open, and unforgettable, we need your help.
Your support powers:
- Cutting-edge art installations and multimedia experiences
- Free creative workshops that blend technology and imagination
- An unforgettable lineup of live music and performances
- Infrastructure that ensures safety, accessibility, and inclusion for all
Join us!
Help us keep Western Lights free, open and unforgettable for everybody.
All donations are tax-deductible through our nonprofit partner, AHA Projects (501c3)