City of Reno Announces the 2026 Western Lights Illuminated Arts Festival

The City of Reno is pleased to announce the Western Lights Illuminated Arts Festival for 2026. The large scale illuminated art festival is a co-produced event by the City of Reno and Western Lights Festival (WLF) that will transform downtown Reno into an open-air art gallery for three magical days. Media is invited to an interview opportunity with Placemaking Manager Rachel Macintyre at City Hall first floor lobby Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.

Following the Virginia Street Placemaking and Truckee River studies, the City determined that activating the downtown corridor with events and activities would help with revitalization efforts. This family-friendly event back for the second year in a row, primarily funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and offered for free to residents and visitors of all ages.

The Western Lights Festival is happening February 19-21 at multiple plazas downtown from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will feature over 50 art installations and 70+ live musical performances, the festival will showcase cutting-edge art and light installations from local, national, and international artists.

The Western Lights Festival is expected to be again the major winter event, further solidifying Reno's reputation as a hub for artistic and cultural expression. Participants will be able to light up the night at Western Lights' first-ever Illuminated Costume Contest this year. This year the event also offers two exclusive VIP experiences for those wanting something extra.

Road closures will be in effect as downtown Reno gears up for the much-anticipated illuminated event. The closures begin on Monday, February 16 and will remain in place through 6 p.m. on Monday, February 23.

Impacted streets in downtown Reno include:
- Virginia Street (from Court Street to 6th Street)
- 1st Street (from Sierra Street to University Way)
- 2nd Street (from Sierra Street to University Way)
- Commercial Row (from Sierra Street to University Way)
- 4th Street (from Sierra Street to University Way)
- 5th Street (from Sierra Street to University Way)

Motorists are encouraged to give themselves plenty of extra travel time if their commute includes the downtown area. For detailed information on the street closures/restrictions during the event, use the downtown road closure map on the City's website: Road Closures.

For more information about the Western Lights Illuminated Arts Festival including artists, VIP tickets, vendors and volunteers, visit westernlightsfestival.com