Cleveland light shows are embedded in Cleveland’s earliest history.

On April 19, 1879, Cleveland inventor Charles F. Brush lit up Public Square with the first public demonstration of electric street lighting. Thousands watched as his arc lamps beamed across the night — technology that changed the world. A replica still hangs on the Society for Savings Building, a glowing reminder of Cleveland’s innovation.

Today, Public Square is shaping the city’s future with hundreds of new residents, reimagined office spaces, renovated hotels and a steady pulse of events. And now, through Illuminate CLE, we’re bringing The Land back in the spotlight.

The iconic Terminal Tower lights are a staple of Downtown Cleveland, with hundreds of custom lightings each year that highlight local events, charities, awareness campaigns, significant national and international events, and much more!

In partnership with Destination Cleveland’s Illuminate CLE lighting program, the Tower Lights extends beyond the Terminal Tower building, bringing bold, dynamic lighting displays to the heart of Public Square, transforming the cityscape into a vibrant, immersive and illuminating experience every hour, on the hour, from dusk until 11:00 pm following the Tower’s schematic.