Experience Milwaukee's
Symbol of light
Milwaukee’s bright future is now, and we’re proving it every day.
Lights turn on daily 30 min before sunset
Next Event:
Launch of Harmonic Harvest!
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Why Light The Hoan?
The Bridge Is Iconic
The Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge is one of Milwaukee’s most iconic landmarks. We see it as an amazing opportunity for beautification in our city’s landscape.
Economic & Social Benefits
Lighting projects from around the
world have shown direct economic and citizen engagement benefits, and we believe Cream City could benefit from the same.
A Platform for pride
While lighting the bridge does not solve big issues such as poverty or segregation, it does offer a platform for building awareness and improving community pride.
A Symbol of Unity & Civic Pride
We want the Milwaukee community to have the opportunity to partner with Light the Hoan’s mission.
Help us shine a light on the positive stories about Milwaukee with dedications starting at just $50.
Community Programs
Click the tabs to learn more about our community initiatives:
Hoanchella 2023 Recap
In collaboration with DJ Shawna Nicols, we built an immersive fusion of boats, music and lights that engaged, inspired, and uplifted the city of Milwaukee.
HOANCHELLA was the first to provide a transformative experience that took place on the Milwaukee River and shores of Lake Michigan.
Shine a Lite
Sponsored by Miller Lite
Light the Hoan supports and celebrates the organizations inspiring positive change in our community.
Light the Hoan will donate 100% of that night’s bulb donation proceeds back to the non-profit. Click the button below to apply to become one of our Shine A Lite partners.
Sponsor Spotlight
Join us for Friday Night Lights sponsored by UW Credit Union!
Thank you to UW Credit Union for bringing back Friday Night Lights for the community to enjoy!
Now through December, every Friday at 8pm, a 10min illuminated light show will take place on the Hoan Bridge.
Code The Hoan
Code the Hoan is a suite of STEAM education offerings with the use of the bridge lights.
Students will be guided through learning modules that will allow them to use the bridge lights as a platform to understand the technology of the lighting system and grasp key principles of coding.
#Lightthehoan
Dedicate a bulb
Choose your tier below to dedicate your bulb. You will be redirected to checkout when you choose your option.
**Option to add a custom donation amount is available during checkout**
HOAN SUPPORTER
For the price of a night out at the movies you can share your enthusiasm about Light The Hoan’s mission and dedicate your support.
BULB
DEDICATION
- Bulb Dedication
- Light bulb keychain
- (2) MKE Hoan Can Coolers
HOAN SUPPORTER
For the price of a dinner date you can share your enthusiasm about Light The Hoan’s mission and dedicate your support.
BULB
DEDICATION
- Bulb Dedication
- Light bulb keychain
- (2) MKE Hoan Can Coolers
- (2) 10 oz Light up glasses
HOAN ENTHUSIAST
For the price of a hotel stay you can share your support of Light The Hoan’s mission and dedicate your support.
BULB
DEDICATION
- Bulb Dedication
- Light bulb keychain
- (2) MKE Hoan Can Coolers
- Fellow mug
HOAN CHAMPION
For the price of a domestic flight you can share your enthusiasm about Light The Hoan’s mission and dedicate your support.
BULB
DEDICATION
- Bulb Dedication
- Light bulb keychain
- (2) MKE Hoan Can Coolers
- Jones Cooler Bag
HOAN SUPERSTAR
For the price of a international flight you can share your enthusiasm about Light The Hoan’s mission and dedicate your support.
BULB
DEDICATION
- Bulb Dedication
- Light bulb keychain
- (2) 10oz Light up Glasses
- (2) MKE Hoan Can Coolers
BE THE FIRST TO KNOW!
Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with our community
engagements and initiatives. Your information will be safe and secured.
Give us
a shout
Questions? Business inquires? Fill out the form below to get in touch!
Application form
All of your information will be kept private and secure.
We try to respond to all requests within 2-3 business days.

The Hoan Bridge lights have two main public viewing spots:
1) Milwaukee Riverfront Boat Launch at 600 S. Water Street
2) Riverwalk on East Erie Street right before the Milwaukee Pierhead Light.
There are also several local establishments with views of the Hoan Bridge lights:
1) Indeed Brewing Rooftop inside the Eagleknit building
2) Cooperage/Boone + Crockett
3) Milwaukee Sail Loft
4) 2A Wine Merchants
5) The Outsider rooftop located in Journeyman Hotel
6) Blu at the Pfister (small corner view)
Visit lightthehoan.com.
Click the Dedicate a Bulb page.
Select your donation amount. Be sure to check out all of the Hoan gear that is available at different donation levels!
Checkout and fill out your shipping information and billing information. Be sure to follow the steps on the checkout page to submit your dedication!
Review your dedication to make sure everything is correct.
Receive your order confirmation and printable dedication certificate via email.
View your dedications on the Find Your Bulb page. Please allow 2-3 hours after you’ve dedicated for your dedication to appear on the page.
If purchased, you will receive any items ordered via postal mail.
Dedications can be viewed online on our website, under the Find Your Bulb page. Please allow 2-3 hours after you’ve submitted, for your dedication to appear on the page.
To view the upcoming schedule for the Hoan Bridge Lights, please visit our regularly updated Light Schedule page.
Light the Hoan, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization and donations to it are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.