Ohio

Upcoming Events

Toledo

Ohio

June 6, 2026

Cincinnati

Ohio

July 18, 2026

Cleveland

Ohio

August 22, 2026

Columbus

Ohio

September 6, 2026

Dayton

Ohio

September 6, 2026

8+

Years Running

175+

Cities Worldwide

2m+

Lanterns Launched

An Evening of Magic & Reflection

The Experience

Arrive & Explore

Check in, receive your lantern kit, and step into a vibrant festival atmosphere filled with live music, food, and activities.

Create & Connect

Personalize your lantern with a message or intention, and take time to share meaningful moments with the people around you.

Launch & Reflect

At sunset, release your lanterns together across the water in a powerful shared moment, then take in the beauty of thousands of lights reflecting back.

Floating paper lanterns with drawings and candles glowing on calm water at sunset.

What's New This Year

2026 Season

Futuristic game controller with illuminated buttons and a glowing joystick, held by two hands in a dark environment.

New Lantern Designs

Explore an expanded range of colorways, quotes, and themes within our Radiant collection—each aspect designed to reflect your moment in a meaningful way.

On-Site Activities

Enjoy an updated curation of lawn games, photo moments, and a refreshed scavenger hunt experience before the lantern launch.

Live Music

Expanded live music lineup with local and regional artists performing throughout the evening.

Thoughtful Event Stewardship

Our fully biodegradable lanterns are paired with an even greater commitment to responsible practices—ensuring each venue is carefully restored and left just as it was found.

Who Will You Bring?

Perfect for Every Occasion

Smiling woman wearing sunglasses and a flower crown sitting on grass with a young girl holding a camera at an outdoor event with tents in the background.

Date Night

The most magical date night you'll ever have. Decorate lanterns together and watch them float under the stars.

Family Outing

A wholesome experience for all ages. Kids love decorating, and the whole family shares the magic of the launch.

Celebrations

Honor a loved one, celebrate an anniversary or milestone, or gather for a meaningful girls’ night with the people who matter most.

Corporate

Team building people actually enjoy. Private group packages with reserved seating and VIP areas.

Experience the magic: find an event near you!

Tickets Starting At

$24.99

per person · all-inclusive

What's included:

Lantern kit

Drawstring bag

Wristband and entrance into the festival

Live music, games, food trucks

Entry into scavenger hunt

Purchase Tickets

Children under 8 FREE

Loved by Thousands

What Attendees Say

“The Water Lantern Festival was the most awesome event I have ever 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 looking for. Thank you Water Lantern Festival.

Cindy Q.

Four young women lying on blankets on grass at a lakeside picnic with many other people in the background under blue sky.

“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.

Smiling man in a green cap holding a child and a book with handwritten religious notes outdoors.

“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.

Young man and woman sitting on grass, smiling and talking while holding a notebook and pen.

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

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

Our Promise to the Planet

The magic stays in your memory. Not on the water.

Every lantern collected. Every venue restored. Every waterway protected.

100% Recovery

Every lantern collected after every single event, guaranteed

Biodegradable

Paper covers and natural wood bases that return to the earth

LED Candles

Reusable, recyclable, and battery-powered — no open flames

Leave It Better

Our crews clean pre-existing trash too — venues end up cleaner than before

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Water Lantern Festival?

Water Lantern Festival is an experience unlike any other. Enjoy an evening of music, food, and fun as you design your own personal floating water lantern, then watch as thousands of lanterns light up the water.

What's included with my ticket?

Each ticket includes a floating lantern, decorating kit, LED candle, marker, wristband, and access to live music, food trucks, lawn games, and the lantern launch. S'mores stations are available at most locations.

Are children allowed?

Yes! Water Lantern Festival is family-friendly. Children under 8 get in free and do not require a ticket. Children 8 and older need a ticket.

What happens if it rains?

Water Lantern Festival is rain or shine. In severe weather (lightning, high winds), the event may be delayed or rescheduled. We'll communicate changes via email and social media.

Is the event eco-friendly?

Absolutely. Our lanterns are biodegradable and water-safe. Every single lantern is collected after the event, and our team does a full venue cleanup to leave no trace.

Can I get a refund?

Tickets are non-refundable but transferable. You can transfer to someone else or apply to a future event. Contact support for assistance.

What time should I arrive?

Arrive at the start of check-in to maximize your experience — food, music, and decorating before the lantern launch at dusk. Exact times are on your city's event page.