BETTER CITIES AT NIGHT

The Willamette Light Brigade is a Portland-based nonprofit that enriches the public realm by harnessing the power of art and artful lighting to transform the cityscape. We light bridges, produce the dynamic Portland Winter Light Festival, and advocate for the importance of night-time identity and place-making using light and art.

ABOUT THE WILLAMETTE LIGHT BRIGADE

The Willamette Light Brigade was founded in 1988 with a mission to enhance and beautify the city of Portland by lighting the bridges that span the Willamette River and therefore uniting the East and West sides of the city. Over the last four decades, Willamette Light Brigade volunteers have successfully advocated for and facilitated the lighting of many of Portland’s iconic bridges. The WLB continues to be part of long term planning for the bridges in the city of Portland.

In 2015, The Willamette Light Brigade founded the Portland Winter Light Festival in an effort to propel forward its mission of connecting community and enriching the public realm through artful lighting. The light-based art and technology event continues to be a beloved annual winter event that is presented for free to the public each February, and provides significant economic and cultural stimulation to Portland during the darkest time of year. 

Light the Morrison Bridge

World Pancreatic Cancer Day
Zonta Says NO to Gender-Based Violence
The 10th anniversary of my husband, Art Hillsbery’s death
Celebrating the 75th year of WorldOregon
World Lupus Awareness Day
We miss you Karrah Russakov
Dates of Availability

Are you one of the thousands of residents and visitors who enjoy the LED lights on the piers of the Morrison Bridge? Want to put your colors up there? To have your say in lights on the community’s riverfront? Thanks to the enthusiastic leadership of Multnomah County, the Lighting Partner program exists so you can do just that.

Please submit an application to reserve your dates today!

Announcing the new Seasonal Bridge Lighting Program!

Starting in Fall 2024, the Morrison Bridge shines on nights not reserved by community members in colors that reflect the changing seasons of the Pacific Northwest.

Dates of Availability

UPCOMING BRIDGE LIGHTINGS

World Pancreatic Cancer Day

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network improves the lives of everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer by advancing research, building community, sharing knowledge and advocating for patients. PanCan shines a purple light to celebrate survivors, honor loved ones lost and promote awareness.

Zonta Says NO to Gender-Based Violence

Zonta is an International organization Building a Better World for Women and Girls. November 25 is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. On this day, Zonta turns the world Orange around the world! Empire State Building, Sydney Opera House, Eiffel Tower, Niagara Falls, etc

The 10th anniversary of my husband, Art Hillsbery’s death

This is in memory of Art Hillsbery, a man loved by many and taken way too soon.

Our Partners