Four events with a glow about them

Lights and light festivals lend a certain glow to a city or a place. Here are four that can light up your life. Australia

Sydney rocks the light art world every year. Its free three-week Vivid Sydney festival lights and transforms the Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and several neighborhoods. New this year is a water fountain that uses lights and lasers to create an underwater experience. Vivid Sydney is May 25June 16. Info: vividsydney.com

U.S. and Canada

If you haven’t been to Niagara Falls in a few years, you probably haven’t seen the light show at the spectacular waterfalls. The falls have been illuminated since 1920, but two years ago LEDs were installed on the Canadian side allowing a range of colors. The cascades turn red and white on Canada Day (July 1) and red, white and blue on the Fourth of July. In April, the illuminated show operates from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Info: lat.ms/niagaralights

Oregon

On your next trip to Portland, take at least one evening to walk across the Tilikum Crossing over the Willamette River. Installation artists Anna Valentina Murch and Doug Hollis designed the LED modules that light the cables, towers and underside of the deck. The intensity and shades of the colors change according to a program based on the speed and temperature of the river water. The bridge accommodates light rail, cyclists and pedestrians but not cars. Info: trimet.org/tilikum

DIY

Folks are turning out to create their own messages of light at lantern fests. The idea is to light a lantern and let it loose to carry your hopes and dreams or maybe regrets. Lantern fests provide music, food and a lantern to launch. (You can’t use your own.) Depending on where you go, prices start at $35 per person, but many are $50 to $60. Check the websites for upcoming fests. Info: Lantern Fest, thelanternfest.com, and Water Lantern Festival, waterlanternfestival.com