PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles Fine Arts Center’s third annual Wintertide Festival of Lights begins Saturday with outdoor artworks in the 2023 Light Art Experience, food and drink vendors, shopping at Markers Market, live performances and interactive light art stations.

Wintertide will be from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at the center at 1203 E. Lauridsen Blvd.

Attendees will be invited to participate in a community lantern walk at 4:30 p.m., followed by a performance by returning fire troupe The Fractal Phase. Shadow Sail Theater will give a short performance before inviting festival goers to create their own shadow art.

“The Wintertide Festival is our biggest and brightest event by far,” community engagement director Rachel Storck said. “Our goal is to create a sense of magic and community during the dark months of winter, and we hope people leave inspired. This year we’ve added new elements, so first time festival goers and returning visitors alike will have lots to see and do.”

Festival attendees will be guided through the forest paths by 16 lighted art installations that are on display throughout the 5-acre property for the month-long “Nature After Dark” Light Art Experience.

Several additional temporary light displays and activity stations will be up for the festival evening only. These include “KinetiColor” by multi-disciplinary artist Marcell Marias, the “Interplantertary Night Fountain” by artist team Brigette LaGarde and Farley Harding, create your own solstice crowns, a ‘no human zone’ at the “Mystic Moon” installation by Janine Miller and glow painting hosted by the Dungeness River Nature Center.

Throughout the event, visitors are encouraged to experience the interactive light art stations and shop at the Makers Market that runs through Dec. 17 in the historic Esther Webster Gallery.

At any point during the evening, visitors can shop at the Makers Market in the gallery and enjoy heated seating in the courtyard. Local artist and musician Noah Smith will be creating a festive atmosphere with their electrical keyboard from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Food and drinks will be offered for purchase by Pacific Pantry, Angeles Brewing Supplies Company and The Goat & The Radish.

For more information about the Wintertide Festival of Lights and to buy tickets, visit pafac.org/programs/festivals/wintertide-festival.

Organizers recommend purchasing tickets in advance to facilitate easy check-in and to secure tickets before they sell out.

For more about the arts center, see pafac.org.