Portland's Winter Light Festival has returned for its 10th year, featuring light installations and events across PBOT Plazas. The festival began on Friday and includes three distinct installations, according to the City of Portland.
The Portland festival features installations like the 12-foot-tall Nautilus Deep Sea by Heather Dawn Sparks in Ankeny Alley and a dynamic light show by Steve Harper and Indigo Design at PSU's Montgomery Plaza, running until March 19. A PSU first-year student noted, "It was such a surprise to stumble upon the plaza lit up. Definitely one of the coolest things I've seen on campus lately! I live on campus and I've seen lots of students strolling through." Events such as the Mochipet Catbus & Friends Block Party and the LED Drag Show are also part of the festival. Organized through Portland in the Streets' Play Streets Program, the initiative has temporarily closed certain streets to vehicle traffic, creating community spaces with performances, games, snacks, and art in collaboration with PBOT and local nonprofits, as reported by the City of Portland.
PBOT's Public Street Plaza program, created during the COVID-19 pandemic to support businesses and community spaces, is now a permanent part of Portland. Funded by the American Rescue Plan, the program has helped increase foot traffic in areas like Pride Plaza, where the new Quirk art installation is located. Red Turner, General Manager of McMenamins, said, “Art installations like this have been incredible for driving foot traffic.” The program focuses on public space use, mobility, and community events. More details and the Plaza Directory are available on City of Portland’s official website.
