CALL TO CANADIAN ARTISTS!
Now entering its 7th year, the multi award-winning Lights On Stratford annual winter festival hosted by Destination Stratford will once again transform Stratford’s heritage downtown and park system with FREE luminous art and interactive light installations.
The Lights On Stratford 2026/27 theme is CANADA: NORTHERN LIGHTS, announcing an exciting season dedicated to showcasing Canadian artists, voices, and perspectives while continuing to celebrate the festival’s international spirit.
“We’re currently living in a period of global instability and uncertainty, and yet the resilience, creativity and pride that Canada exemplifies is truly inspiring. Our aim this winter is to highlight Canada’s unique spirit through innovative light art installations by Canadian artists,” said Zac Gribble, Executive Director, Destination Stratford and Festival Director, Lights On Stratford. “Canada’s light art scene continues to rapidly evolve and Lights On Stratford is proud to actively help it grow further and faster with this year’s theme.”
Lights On Stratford is formally inviting Canadian artists, studios, and creative teams to submit proposals for interactive light-based artworks to be presented as part of the 2026/27 festival. The call to Canadian artists includes the following 2 Request For Proposals (RFPs):
- MAIN FESTIVAL LOCATIONS – Market Square & Tom Patterson Island. Selected Canadian works will be installed in Market Square and Tom Patterson Island, forming the core of the festival’s public experience. These highly visible locations act as primary gathering spaces and anchor points within the festival trail. Festival organizers are seeking immersive, interactive, and story-driven installations that encourage shared experiences and invite audiences to actively engage with the work.
VIEW REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR MAIN FESTIVAL LOCATIONS LIGHT ART INSTALLATIONS (open to Canadian artists until May 29, 2026) - COMMUNITY ARTIST SPOTLIGHT. Designed to highlight local Stratford-based talent and provide an accessible platform for creative expression within the festival, organizers are seeking small-scale, light-based installations that offer moments of discovery, play, and storytelling. Selected works will be presented indoors as part of the festival experience, with a focus on engaging audiences in an intimate and imaginative way.
VIEW REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR LOCAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT (open to Stratford-based artists until May 29, 2026)
“We’re thrilled to launch our Call to Artists for this coming winter season of Lights On Stratford 2026/27. Our seventh season will focus on Canadian artists, tapping into the incredible creativity that exists across the country. It’s a privilege to bring those voices together in Stratford and create a shared experience that celebrates Canadian storytelling through light,” said Kaileigh Krysztofiak, General Manager, Lights On Stratford. “We’re especially excited to collaborate with artists from across Canada and to help create a platform for growth and connection within this medium.”
The Call to Artists RFPs for Market Square, Tom Patterson Island and Community Artist Spotlight are open until May 29th, 2026.
Prepare to be mesmerized this winter when interactive displays will light up nightly Thursday through Sunday from 5-10pm. The 7th annual Lights On Stratford is free to the public and set to launch on December 18th, 2026 until January 10th, 2027 (with a potential extension to January 17th).
Were you not able to attend one of previous winter festivals? Here are some highlight videos:
SPONSORS & VOLUNTEERS
This festival is not possible without Stratford’s amazing community support. THANK YOU! Interested in sponsorship opportunities for the 2026/27 7th annual festival? Visit the Become A Sponsor page for more details.
2025/26 GOLD SPONSORS
MARKET SQUARE
2025/26 SILVER SPONSORS
2025/26 BRONZE SPONSORS
2025/26 COMMUNITY SPONSORS
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
This event has been financially assisted by Experience Ontario and by the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, programs of the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.
FOUNDING PARTNERS
LIGHTS ON STRATFORD MANIFESTO
- We bring light and joy to Stratford’s public spaces.
- We are free to the public and accessible for everyone to participate.
- We are a cultural anchor tenant that enables additional events and experiences.
- We celebrate and embrace winter.
- We help grow a vibrant year-round visitor economy for the region.
- We strive to continually reduce our environmental footprint.
- We improve the quality of life within our community.
Stratford is home to some of the world’s best artists, lighting designers, props builders and creative minds. Lights On Stratford harnesses this precious resource of local talent, crafting a truly unique experience that can’t be found anywhere else.
Come see Stratford in a different light!
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