The upcoming Western Lights Illuminated Arts Festival promises to transform downtown Reno into a vibrant, open-air art gallery for three days in February 2026. Co-produced by the City of Reno and Western Lights Festival (WLF), this large-scale event will offer an array of artistic experiences that are expected to captivate both residents and visitors. Media representatives are invited to interview Placemaking Manager Rachel Macintyre at City Hall’s first-floor lobby on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026, at 2:30 p.m.
As part of the city’s revitalization strategy, the festival follows the Virginia Street Placemaking and Truckee River studies, aiming to invigorate the downtown corridor with engaging events. Returning for its second year, the festival is primarily funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and is free to attend for people of all ages.
Scheduled for February 19-21, the festival will take place at various plazas downtown from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Attendees can expect over 50 art installations and more than 70 live musical performances, featuring works by artists from local, national, and international backgrounds. This year’s festival will also introduce the first-ever Illuminated Costume Contest, alongside two exclusive VIP experiences for those seeking a premium experience.
To accommodate the festival, road closures will be implemented in downtown Reno starting Monday, February 16, continuing until 6 p.m. on Monday, February 23.
Impacted Streets 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 planning to travel through the downtown area are advised to allocate extra time for their commutes. For detailed street closure information, refer to the downtown road closure map available on the City’s website: Road Closures.
For additional details regarding the Western Lights Illuminated Arts Festival, including information on artists, VIP tickets, vendors, and volunteer opportunities, visit westernlightsfestival.com.
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