2001
Lighting of the Lawn is an annual UVa tradition that was created in the wake of the September 11th attacks as a means to foster unity. What began as a candlelit vigil with a number of students has now grown to a larger event that encompasses both the UVa and Charlottesville communities, creating a space for joy, light, and remembrance. As the event enters its 26th year, we look forward to upholding the origins and traditions of Lighting of the Lawn.
2026
This year’s Lighting of the Lawn theme is In Harmony! In Harmony calls us to recognize that despite our different backgrounds, different experiences, and even different music tastes, we can come together as one harmonious community. At this year’s LOTL, we’ll sing, dance, and celebrate in harmony.
PREVIOUS YEARS’ SHOWS
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This year, Lighting of the Lawn celebrates 25 years of illuminating the University of Virginia with Remix — a tribute to our traditions, transformed. Remix is a celebration of UVA’s past, present, and future, blending iconic moments with bold new energy.
It respects where we’ve been while shining a light on where we’re going. Rooted in resilience, driven by creativity, and powered by community, Remix invites us to reimagine what it means to come together, to remember, and to celebrate.
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This year's theme is Lights Up! At its core, Lighting of the Lawn celebrates the spirit of unity, emphasizing the joy and strength we find in coming together. Even in the face of challenges, Lighting of the Lawn continues to shine as a symbol of hope and resilience, and this year will be no exception. When the lights come up, they illuminate the bonds that make us one community. Lights Up serves as a moment to reflect on and celebrate our shared experiences, highlighting the ways we uplift each other and thestrengths we each bring to the University. Every contribution and milestone we achieve shapes our collective UVA story and showcases the enduring light of our community.
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This year, we would like to invite the community to join us at the Disglow! At its core, LOTL celebrates the spirit of community and the joy and strength of togetherness. Despite hardships, LOTL shines bright and is a beacon of hope for our community. We hope that this year is no exception. What is more joyful than a night of glow-in-the-dark disco fun? Wear your brightest disco outfit, and bring your glow sticks! Disglow is meant to uplift our community and their hard work and celebrate as the fall semester draws to a close.
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This year’s theme for Lighting of the Lawn is Full Power. LOTL Full Power is rooted in the power of our community and our resiliency.
After November 13th, 2022, the UVa community was forever changed after the loss of three of our classmates in a tragic shooting: Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D’Sean Perry. In 2022, Lighting of the Lawn acted as an opportunity for healing just as it did at its inception. The event allowed for a cultivation of unity, care, and remembrance following the tragedy. We uphold this tradition of healing and honor Devin, Lavel, and D’Sean by displaying their numbers in light on the rotunda each year.
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GALLERY
