Date
Dates
Saturday, July 18, 2026
at
6:00 PM
at
at
Event Schedule
Full event details will be emailed to you a week in advance.
Key Details
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.
What's Included
The Complete Experience
Live Music & Lantern Launch
A choreographed, hour-long ceremony set to live music surrounded by 2,000+ people sharing the same unforgettable moment.
All Inclusive Ticket
Your premium lantern kit and all materials are ready when you arrive. No prep, no last-minute runs; just show up.
Free Professional Photos
A dedicated photo team captures your launch moment. Complimentary, high-quality, and ready to share.
Safe & Stress-Free
A professional safety team, secured launch area, and ample parking so the only thing on your mind is the sky.
High Demand — Event Expected to Sell Out
Choose Your Tickets
All tickets include lantern kit, LED candle, markers, and the full launch experience.
Buy Now
Based on Availability
Upgrade your festival experience with VIP access! Each VIP ticket includes:
Most Popular
25% Off!
Make it a night to remember! This romantic package includes:
Save 20% per Person!
Sold in increments of four. Each person in the pack will receive:
Why Thousands Come Back Every Year
HEAL · REFLECT · CONNECT · CELEBRATE
Heal & Reflect Under the Open Sky
Write your hopes and dreams, then watch them float peacefully onto the water.
Reconnect With Loved Ones
A shared moment that brings families and friends closer together in a meaningful way.
Experience Something Unforgettable
Thousands of glowing lanterns on the water create a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime visual.
Be Part of Something Bigger
Join a collective celebration of life, love, and reflection shared with your community.
Loved by Thousands
What Attendees Say
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Getting Ready for
Des Moines
,
Iowa
Event Details
Event Schedule
6:00
Gates Open
6:00 - 10:00
Enjoy Food Trucks / Music / Fun
8:30
Design your Lantern
9:00 - 10:00
Lantern Launch
10:00
Event Ends
What to Bring
- Event Ticket
- Lawn Chair
- Blanket
- Sunscreen/Bug Spray
- Weather appropriate clothes
Decorating Your Lantern
- Decorate your lantern with a message
- Assemble it with the rods and paper sleeve
- Place the LED candle inside
- Launch your lantern when instructed!
This Event In Partnership with:
Who Will You Bring?
Perfect for Every Occasion
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.
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.