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Winter Light Festival returns to Portland. Here's what to know

The free event runs from Feb. 2-10. It features an illuminated bike ride, an LED drag show, a secret roller disco and a fire show.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Snow, rain and gloomy skies have been a common theme for the winter season in Portland. But there's one community event that's transforming the city into a radiant canvas.

The Portland Winter Light Festival runs from Feb. 2-10. The event is free and kicked off with a fire show at Pioneer Courthouse Square. 

The nine-day festival features more than 160 light art installations and events across the city. This year's theme is "What Glows Under Pressure."

There are three main sites for light displays and events: Pioneer Courthouse Square, the World Trade Center and the Electric Blocks in Portland's central eastside. These locations will only feature light shows and events during Feb. 2-3 and Feb. 9-10.

All other pop-up light installations and events will take place throughout the week. The website mentions an illuminated bike ride, an LED drag show and a secret roller disco. A full schedule of events and locations can be found on the website.

Attendees can explore the event on their own by using the interactive map below. There are also bike route maps and a downtown walking map.

The Willamette Light Brigade, a non-profit arts organization, hosts the Portland Winter Light Festival every year. Their mission is to bring art, technology and community together.

A total of 208,000 people came to the light festival in 2023. There were 136 public art installations and 308 artists involved.

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