Western Lights
Light The Way in 2026
Last year, over 61,000 people came together in downtown Reno to experience something magical: buildings became canvases, streets came alive with music and light, children discovered the magic of interactive art, and strangers became friends under the glow of Western Lights.
Now we’re ready to do it again – but we need your help.
Western Lights is a free, community-powered festival. We don’t sell tickets. We don’t gate off the fun. Instead, we are depending on the generosity of people like you to keep it glowing. Your donation, whether it’s $5 or $50 or $500, helps us bring back the light, elevate local artists, inspire young people, and show the world what Reno can be.
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)