Shine bright, leave no trace

About us

About the event

Water Lantern Festival is an incredible experience where you, your friends, and your family will create a magical memory together. It can be a very emotional experience, writing down some of your hope and dreams, or a letter to a loved one, and then sending it out into the water. At Water Lantern Festival, we cherish these moments and will do our best to help you have an memorable experience that you'll never forget.

“The Water Lantern Festival was the most awesome event I have every been to!”

The love, the emotions, the spirituality that filled the air was so overwhelming. The experience was a turning point in my life which I have been 9 years looking for. Thank you Water Lantern Festival.

Cindy Q.

“The entire ambiance of the event is BEAUTIFUL”

This is a warm, uplifting, soul-filling activity that is sure to leave you filled with joy and love - not only through the expression of your dreams, hopes, and wishes, but especially in reading others as they float serenely by.

Kaley D.

“It was such an incredible experience.”

I am so grateful i got to attend. When you see all the lanterns out on the water there is a moment where you feel your heart just fill with so much love it's indescribable, almost a spiritual experience.

Christy A.

“Strangers coming together as a community in a peaceful and positive way.”

We were encouraged to share stories and experiences and I felt the love and support throughout this "community" of people. What a wonderful experience!

“The entire ambiance of the event is BEAUTIFUL”

This is a warm, uplifting, soul-filling activity that is sure to leave you filled with joy and love - not only through the expression of your dreams, hopes, and wishes, but especially in reading others as they float serenely by.

Kaley D.

“It was such an incredible experience.”

I am so grateful i got to attend. When you see all the lanterns out on the water there is a moment where you feel your heart just fill with so much love it's indescribable, almost a spiritual experience.

Christy A.

“Strangers coming together as a community in a peaceful and positive way.”

We were encouraged to share stories and experiences and I felt the love and support throughout this "community" of people. What a wonderful experience!

Great family event. Thanks for the fabulous night.

Shelly A.

"What an inspiring moment when the floating lanterns drifted off. I was in awe of the beautiful moment."

Stacy N.

"What a wonderful, positive event! Strangers coming together as a 'community' in a peaceful and positive way."

We were encouraged to share stories and experiences and I felt the love and support throughout this "community" of people. The lanterns were a beautiful sight to see, lit up in the dark and floating in the water. What a wonderful experience!

"This was my first Water Lantern Festival but it definitely won't be my last. What a great experience. I cannot wait to do it again!!!"

Cole T.

"One of the most healing and moving experiences of my life. I am a cancer survivor, 38 months in remission."

12 years ago this month I lost my stepson. My husband and I did not know really what to expect but the way the festival was run and the meditation was very healing to both my husband and myself. We look forward to being able to attend more of the Water Lantern Festival. Thank you for an incredible experience."

Frequently asked questions

What is the Water Lantern Festival?

Water Lantern Festival is an incredible experience where thousands of family, friends, and strangers celebrate life together. Water Lantern Festival brings together individuals from all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life to join in one emotional and memorable night. You'll cherish these moments as you witness the beauty of thousands of lanterns and the lights reflecting upon the water.

What is included with my ticket?

Each adult ticket provides entry into the festival area and comes with a floating lantern, commemorative drawstring bag, LED light, marker, conversation cards, playing cards, and wristband.

In addition, the price covers the cost of collecting and removing the lanterns from the water following the event as well as cleaning up any trash that may have been previously been in or around the water.

What time do the lanterns launch?

The lantern launch window typically begins at sunset and will continue for 1-2 hours until everyone has had an opportunity to launch their lantern into the water.

What time do I need to arrive?

The event typically starts 3 hours before sunset. We encourage everyone to arrive at least an hour prior to sunset so you can enjoy what the event has to offer! Please check the official Water Lantern Festival Event Guide that is e-mailed to all participants a week prior to the event for specific details.

Is there an age limit for the lantern festival?

Nope! All ages are welcome to the lantern festival, and we are a family friendly event! Kids under 8 enter the event for free. If they would like their own lantern, it can be purchased at the merchandise tent. All participants must agree to the waiver, and do accept the terms of the waiver by participating and entering the festival grounds. 

Where can I buy merchandise for the event?

We have select merchandise for sale at the event. (Cash & cards are accepted). You may also purchase official Lantern Festival merchandise from our online store located at: https://water-lantern-festival.square.site/.

Are the lanterns cleaned up after the event?

Yes, our staff ensures that each and every lantern is gathered up following the event. Please see our commitment to the environment page here.

Can I bring my own lantern?

We're sorry, we do not allow any outside lanterns as we cannot guarantee or be responsible for cleaning them up. Our lanterns have been custom designed (US Patent No 10,711,959 B2) that ensures they remain afloat for our team to collect them following the event. We will have additional lanterns available for purchase.

Can I bring my own food or snacks to the lantern festival?

Yes, feel free to bring your own food or snacks. We will also have some amazing food trucks at the event for you to enjoy some great food.

Do you have any tips for getting great photographs at the event?

Water Lantern Festival is a beautiful experience and one you'll want to capture with great photos. Check out our Photography Tips to learn how to capture that perfect moment as the floating lanterns light up and reflect upon the water.

Can I bring alcohol?

We abide by the rules of the venues that we occupy so please check your local venue rules and regulations for more information.

Can I bring my pet?

We love our pets! However, we ask that you leave them at home unless they are service animals.

Can I get a refund?

Refunds are not available, unless you purchase the Ticket Insurance Protection when you bought your tickets.

Ticket Protection protects your purchase from unforeseen circumstances. Ticket price and additional items purchased will be refunded, minus the processing and Ticket Protection fee. Ticket Protection valid up to 4 days prior to the event. If you purchased Ticket Protection and need a refund, please e-mail [email protected].

In the case of a weather postponement, or cancellation, please see our inclement weather policy.

What if there is bad weather?

We'll do our best to proceed with the event as scheduled, but if severe weather prohibits us from launching the lanterns on the water then we'll work with local officials to determine what the options are for rescheduling the event within 120 days. Please see our inclement weather policy.

Where is parking for the event?

We do our best to provide parking that is close to the festival area. Parking for each location varies, please see the event guide to find the parking areas.

I want to be a vendor, sponsor, or partner, how do I do that?

We would love to have you be a part of this event! Please fill out the form on the Sponsors page or send us an email with all of your details to [email protected].

What is the Water Lantern Festival?

Water Lantern Festival is an incredible experience where thousands of family, friends, and strangers celebrate life together. Water Lantern Festival brings together individuals from all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life to join in one emotional and memorable night. You'll cherish these moments as you witness the beauty of thousands of lanterns and the lights reflecting upon the water.

Who does it benefit?

Water Lantern Festival is a for-profit event. However, we donate to charities and non-profit organizations for each of our events and are proud to support Water.org mission of providing safe water to millions of people around the world.

Water.org Donation Page

You can visit each event page to learn more about the organization we are working with in your local area. Our goal is to provide donation opportunities, generate awareness of the charity in the community, and maintain strong relationships with our charity partners.

I want Water Lantern Festival to come to my city, what can I do?

We would love to have your city experience this amazing floating lantern event. Please send us an email at [email protected] and let us know where you are located and why you think your city would be a great area for this event.

Can I take pictures of the Water Lantern Festival?

Absolutely! We want you to have a night that you'll never forget!

Can I become a volunteer or apply to be part of the event staff?

Definitely! Our Event Staff is amazing, and we can't create such an incredible experience without your help. You can learn more HERE!

Water Lantern Team

Our team is committed to bringing you the best lantern light festival experience available. Our team of event production experts has produced hundreds of different events throughout the world with a combined total of over 1,000,000 attendees! Our team consistently hosts events that receive praise from our attendees.