Frequently Asked Questions

An evening event where thousands of people come to gather by the water to write messages of hope, love and happiness on lanterns and launch them together at sunset, with live music, food trucks and a professional photo team. All ages are welcome.

The Water Lantern Festival is a for-profit company. At each event we partner with local charities and nonprofits to support causes in that community.

The Date Night Package has everything you need for a special night together! It includes two event tickets, two premium lantern kits, entry into our scavenger hunt, a cozy blanket, and a few extra surprises to make your evening even more memorable. You'll receive one QR code that will check in both of you!

The Group Deal is perfect for friends and family who want to experience the festival together! Choose 4 or more tickets, and each guest will receive everything included in a General Admission ticket. Enjoy a special group price that makes bringing everyone together even easier and more affordable!

Children 7 and under get in free and don't need a ticket. Free admission doesn't include a lantern, but you can buy extra lanterns at the merchandise tent. Everyone must agree to our event waiver when they enter.

Search your inbox, spam and promotions folders for "Water Lantern Festival." Still can't find it? Email support@waterlanternfestival.com with the name and email you used, and we'll resend it. You can also check in at the event with your name or email.

No. Show the QR code from your confirmation email on your phone at check-in. Having it ready keeps the line moving.

Go to your event's page on our website, choose your tickets and enter your Groupon code at checkout. If the code doesn't work, email support@waterlanternfestival.com.

Only if you bought Ticket Protection. Without it, tickets aren't refundable, but you can move them to another event, give them to someone else, or get a credit for a future festival. See our Refund Policy for details.

An optional $4 per ticket add-on that lets you request a refund if you can't attend. You can only add it at checkout. Request your refund at least 24 hours before the event starts. You'll get back the ticket price and any add-ons, minus processing fees and the Ticket Protection fee.

Yes. Email support@waterlanternfestival.com with your order number. We'll send you a credit code for the full value of your tickets, which you can use for any Water Lantern Festival event.

Find your event on our website and click Get Tickets. Choose your tickets, then enter the code in the Promo Code box at checkout.

Yes. Forward your confirmation email to them. They can show the QR code at check-in.

Every festival is rain or shine. We only postpone if the weather becomes unsafe, such as lightning, high winds or flooding, or if local authorities ask us to. Because conditions change quickly, we usually decide on the day of the event. If you'd rather skip a rainy event, contact us before it starts for a credit toward a future festival.

We'll tell you by email, text and social media as soon as we decide. Your tickets move to the new date automatically. If you can't make the new date, ask us for a credit for the full value of your tickets. Ticket Protection holders can request a refund instead. If we cancel and don't reschedule within 90 days, everyone gets a full refund.

Many international events are ticketed through our partner Fever. For tickets bought through Fever, email hello@feverup.com for refunds, date changes and transfers.

In your Event Guide. We email it about a week before the event, and every guide is on our Event Guides page. It covers the schedule, parking, the site map, food trucks and entertainment.

Gates usually open about 3 hours before sunset. Plan to arrive at least an hour before sunset so you have time to check in and decorate your lantern. Exact times are in your Event Guide.

At sunset. Launching happens in waves for safety and takes 1 to 2 hours, until everyone has launched.

Parking is different at every venue, and the lots are marked in your Event Guide. Lots can fill up, so carpooling, rideshare and public transit are good options.

Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome, and food trucks will be on site. All of our events are alcohol-free.

A blanket or low chairs, your ticket QR code, a jacket, and rain gear if the forecast calls for it.

Only service animals are allowed. Keep them leashed or contained at all times and clean up after them.

No. For safety and the environment, only our patented festival lanterns can go on the water. You can buy extra lanterns at the merchandise tent.

Yes, as many as you like. We will also have a professional photo team who will capture launch photos and group photos.

At the merchandise tent, which takes cash and cards, or in our online store.

Our team collects every lantern from the water after the launch, and we leave no trace. See our environmental commitment.

We'd love to have you.

• Food trucks and food vendors: Contact our food truck partner Truckster at truckster@waterlanternfestival.com or through the Truckster contact form. Mention Water Lantern Festival and the city you're interested in.
• Craft, retail and other vendors: Fill out our vendor form.

Sending a form doesn't guarantee a spot. If there's an opening, a vendor coordinator will contact you with booth details and fees.

Businesses, schools and community organizations can partner with a local festival. Sponsorships can include on-site branding, group ticket packages, or sharing the event with your employees, students or members. Email support@waterlanternfestival.com with your organization's name, the city you're interested in, and what kind of partnership you have in mind.

Yes. Fill out our creator collaboration form with your handles, audience size and the event you'd like to attend.

Email support@waterlanternfestival.com with your city and why it would be a great fit. Suggestions for a venue on the water, like a lake, pond or calm river, are especially helpful.