Big western lights sign at the festival entrance

Thank You!

Help Us Keep Western Lights Free

Impressive performer at western lights

Light The Way

For the second year, we lit up downtown with unforgettable art, music, food, and so much fun. Despite snowy conditions, tens of thousands of you showed up to experience over 50 large-scale illuminated artworks, 80 performances across six stages, incredible local food, artisan vendors, and countless magical moments. We’re deeply grateful to the artists, musicians, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, and partners who made it possible. This kind of joy doesn’t happen by accident.

Here’s the truth: Western Lights is free to attend… but 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 donate. We need your support to bring Western Lights back in 2027 and beyond!

Relive the Magic

Explore our photo gallery and see Western Lights 2026 through the eyes of our talented photographers. Glowing installations, joyful faces these moments capture the heart of the festival

Did You Attend The Festival?

Your voice shapes Western Lights. Take a few minutes to share your festival experience with us. Your feedback helps us understand what worked, what didn’t, and how we can make next year even better. Every response matters.

As a thank you, ten lucky respondents will win exciting prizes for 2027 such as hotel stays, late night tickets, merch and lots more!

A large human heart shaped sculpture with buildings and a blue sky in the background

To Our Premier Sponsors: Thank You!

Western Lights wouldn’t shine without the incredible support of our premier sponsors. Your commitment helps us keep this festival free and accessible to everyone, transforming downtown Reno into a luminous celebration of art, technology, and community spirit.

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What people are saying

Best original festival in the USA!

Adventure season

Congrats on a successful event, the best we’ve been to in Reno in a long time.

Reno was literally lit! thank you artists & Western Light Crew for all your hard work!! we always look forward to this amazing event.

Wow! What a treat to dance to a Mark Farina twilight set, surrounded by so much creativity and good vibe. My soul feels inspired – thank you for all you bring to our little city.

Brandi Jackson

Western Lights Festival in Reno NV. Art and people for the soul. An amazing event for our area.

Melody Hoover

Such an epic event. Happy to donate to keep this available to our community.

We were so impressed with this year’s festival! We are thankful to have this in our neighborhood.

Mindy Alaniz

Incredible job everyone! Proud to call reno my home and it’s because of events like this. Keep up the great work!

Ben

My Western Lights set was everything and more that I could have wished for. The Grand Artique crew and stage held that bohemian magic and love they are known for.

Anthony Postman

If you still think there’s nothing to do in Reno… You’re just not paying attention. Western Lights Festival lit up Downtown Reno, NV this pas weekend completely free, packed with locals, Art and full of energy.

Taylor Baruh

Western Lights Festival turned downtown Reno into a full-on art playground. It didn’t just feel like a festival, it felt like the entire city showed up.

Stay Local Reno

Much respect to Megan Miller and the entire crew who braved the snow to make the Western Lights Illuminated Art Festival an absolutely magical weekend in Reno.

Rock on Magazine

It’s been a few days since the Western Lights Illuminated Art Festival and I’m still feeling it. This year’s festival wasn’t just beautiful, it was huge for downtown Reno.

George Berlioz

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