The Magical Winter Festival In Oregon That You Won't Want To Miss
By Catherine Armstrong|Published February 03, 2019
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Looking for something to take away the winter doldrums? One of Oregon’s most magical winter festivals is happening soon, and you won’t want to miss it. Check out the Portland Winter Festival:
The 4th annual Portland Winter Lights Festival is right around the corner, and it's guaranteed to pull you out of those winter blues. The festival runs February 7th - 9th from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The festival kicks off at 7 p.m. Thursday, February 7th with celebrations all over the city. Silent Jam runs all three nights, and it's a truly unique experience where you'll enjoy a communal dance party where everyone is wearing headphones to hear the DJ's jams.
You'll find incredible illuminated art exhibits and kinetic fire sculptures in locations all around Portland. This festival encourages you to get out and explore Portland like you've never seen it before.
This festival isn't just about viewing and watching passively, though. You can be part of the fun! On Friday, February 8th, festoon your bike with glittering lights, then hop on and join in the Illuminated Bike Parade at 7:30 p.m.. Everyone is welcome, and there's no charge to participate.
Adorn yourself in lights, and bring your glow sticks, and lanterns to join the Lantern Parade across the Hawthorne Bridge on Saturday, February 9th. Get there at 6 p.m. - the parade will start at 6:30. This mile-long walk is one of the festival's flagship events, and makes you feel like a real part of the PDX community.
The best thing about the Portland Lights Winter Festival? Other than the $5 fee to rent the headphones you'll need to join in the Silent Disco, it's absolutely free! Fees for parking vary, and a $5-$10 donation is encouraged to keep the festival up and going for years to come.
For a full rundown of everything cool that’s happening at PDXWLF this year, visit the festival’s website and check out more photos on its Facebook page. Have you attended the Portland Winter Festival in years past? Give our readers your tips and recommendations in the comments!
