Milwaukie Lights Walk 2025–2026

December 6, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Milwaukie Lights Walk is an annual community event that transforms our downtown streets into an immersive winter lights art walk. This beloved tradition brings together artists, businesses, and the community to create a vibrant, walkable experience full of imagination, wonder, and creativity.

This year’s Lights Walk is made possible through the collaboration of the Milwaukie Arts Committee, Milwaukie Arts Foundation, Milwaukie Parks Foundation, Downtown Alliance of Milwaukie (DAM), and dedicated City of Milwaukie staff. Together, we’re lighting up downtown to celebrate art, inspire joy, and create safer, brighter public spaces for all.

By showcasing the work of local and regional artists, the Milwaukie Lights Walk strengthens our downtown as a destination—inviting residents and visitors alike to stroll, explore, and experience how public art can transform urban spaces.

We are now accepting proposals and installations for the 2025–2026 Milwaukie Lights Walk. Artists are invited to submit pieces that align with this year’s theme: Glow With the Flow.

Submission Guidelines:

Preference will be given to installations that are:

• Engaging and dynamic
• Weatherproof and suitable for outdoor installation for 3 months (shorter durations considered if noted)
• Mountable on tension cable, light posts, trees, roofs, or building facades
• Preferred maximum weight: 200 lbs
• Freestanding installations (limited space available in Milwaukie Bay Park; weight and bases negotiable)
• Paying homage to Milwaukie and its history
• Created in mediums that are visible in the dark and can be programmed or turned on/off at designated times (LED, traditional lights, projection art preferred)
• Supported by artists who are willing to maintain their piece throughout the duration of the walk

1. Description of your light art piece and how it connects to this year’s theme.
   • Approximate dimensions
   • Installation weight
   • Power and/or maintenance requirements
   • Mounting method
   • Designed for outdoor winter weather installation: Yes/No
     • If shorter, please list availability
2. Photos/videos of existing pieces, or sketch/rendering for new concepts.
3. Artist’s statement (1–2 paragraphs).
4. Artist’s bio (2–3 paragraphs).

Though the Lights Walk is not an official City event, it is guided by the City of Milwaukie’s Equity Statement:

Milwaukie’s community vision describes a future that is entirely equitable, delightfully livable, and completely sustainable. This means all people feel welcome, have access to a healthy environment, and have the resources and services they need to thrive by 2040. To achieve that vision, we need to make all of our decisions in a thoughtful, intentional way.

This winter, help us spark imagination, encourage foot traffic, increase safety through added lighting, and celebrate the unique creativity of our community. Together, we can transform Milwaukie’s downtown into a glowing canvas for wonder and connection.

For questions or submissions, email: DowntownAllianceofMilwaukie@gmail.com