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

100th Anniversary of Scouting in NW Oregon & SW Washington
100th Anniversary of Scouting in NW Oregon & SW Washington
Portland Pride Festival
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Prevent Child Abuse America National Conference in Portland
Overdose Awareness Day
Sickle Cell Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Honoring those with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Wave of Light
Raising Alzheimer's Awareness
Zonta Says No to Domestic Violence
World Lupus Awareness Day
Shine a Light on NF
Donate Life Month
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

100th Anniversary of Scouting in NW Oregon & SW Washington

On July 18th, 2026, the Cascade Pacific Council will celebrate 100 years of adventure, grit & growth for girls & boys in NW Oregon & SW Washington. Through the years, Scouts & volunteers have served our community, supported local food banks and our youth have become local, state and national leaders

100th Anniversary of Scouting in NW Oregon & SW Washington

On July 18th, 2026, the Cascade Pacific Council will celebrate 100 years of adventure, grit & growth for girls & boys in NW Oregon & SW Washington. Through the years, Scouts & volunteers have served our community, supported local food banks and our youth have become local, state and national leaders

Portland Pride Festival

Join us for the annual Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade, one of the largest donation-based LGBTQIA2S+ Pride events on the west coast,

Our Partners