About The Festival

Western Lights isn’t just a festival—it’s an immersive adventure that illuminates the heart of Reno with vibrant art, innovation, and creativity. In partnership with Grand Artique, the City of Reno, and visionary artists, we transform the city’s streets into a luminous playground. Stroll through dazzling installations and interactive experiences that showcase Nevada’s cultural hub like never before. Come see Reno in a whole new light – for free!

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Western lights

Illuminated Art Festival

woman spitting fire from her mouth

Festival Info

This free event reimagines downtown Reno, transforming six blocks and three city plazas from West Street Plaza to the Virginia Street Bridge into a spectacular outdoor gallery where history meets creativity.

Stroll along the river, the gentle current reflecting the vibrant hues of illuminated art installations that shimmer in the night. As you move through the crowds, art pieces respond to your presence, changing with each sound, touch, or step, making you feel like part of the canvas. The old Reno signs and the iconic arch beam above you, their neon glow blending seamlessly with the modern displays that surround you. Music drifts through the air, courtesy of live bands and DJs stationed throughout the festival path, each performance adding its own beat to the tapestry of sights and sounds. The aroma of local food vendors and inventive cocktails tempts you at every turn, offering a taste of the city’s creativity.

Western Lights is a gift to the community—a radiant celebration of Reno’s spirit, its talented artists and musicians, and the vibrant, welcoming culture that calls this city home. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or are just visiting, join in and let the night lead you through a world of light, art, and inspiration.

Lineup Coming Soon

pretty lights in an art and technology festival

Free Festival
For Everyone

Western Lights is a free festival designed to bring people together, welcoming everyone from longtime locals who know Reno’s streets by heart to travelers exploring the city’s cultural heartbeat for the very first time.

Families find fresh ways to engage their children, introducing them to art and ideas that spark conversation. Art lovers discover emerging talent, encountering works that challenge perspectives and invite reflection. Young professionals and students connect with peers who share their curiosity and sense of adventure, while community members reconnect with neighbors in an atmosphere that encourages dialogue, discovery, and a sense of belonging.

Here, everyone has a chance to be seen, heard, and valued—a simple invitation to join in, learn something new, and carry that feeling of connection well beyond the festival’s end.

light art

Art, Music,
Technology,
and culture

At Western Lights, we celebrate the seamless blend of art, music, technology, and culture that brings Reno’s vibrant spirit to life. The festival transforms the city into a living canvas where illuminated art installations turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, and live music fills the night with rhythm and energy. This convergence creates a unique cultural atmosphere that honors Reno’s rich heritage while embracing the future. Immerse yourself in an event that ignites the senses, sparks inspiration, and connects people through shared moments of wonder and creativity.

Become a Sponsor
lots of different light colors on a lights festival

Sponsors

Join us in bringing the Western Lights Festival to life by becoming a sponsor. Your support plays a crucial role in transforming Reno’s downtown into a vibrant tapestry of light, art, and innovation. As a sponsor, you’ll connect with a diverse audience, enhance your brand’s visibility, and contribute to an event that celebrates creativity and community spirit.

Interested in learning more? Fill out the form below to get in touch with a Western Lights representative.

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