The Water Lantern Festival is back in Richmond on Saturday, August 22nd. Think thousands of personalized glowing lanterns floating on the water, with live music, food, and generally good vibes moving along with them.
You get a lantern to make your own. On it, you write a message, draw something, remember someone, make a wish, and in the process generally put down, or lift up, that thing you have been carrying around in your being. As the sun goes down, everyone puts their lanterns in the water together, giving you some time to process and reflect. A little catharsis? That sounds about right.
This year’s theme is part of the festival’s new Radiant Tour, which organizers hope puts a little more focus on that reflection part and creates more connection between people than simply being there to get more content as all these lanterns float across the water.
“With the Radiant Tour, we wanted to create something that goes beyond a single evening,” said Nate Sorensen, Director of Events. “It’s about giving guests space to slow down, reflect, and truly connect with themselves and the people around them.”
Add in local food vendors and music, a scavenger hunt, and Lantern Stories, where people share what inspired them to show up.
And yes, we were thinking the same thing: What happens to the lanterns afterwards? According to festival organizers, they have crews to retrieve the lanterns and other materials after the event, so no worries there.
The Water Lantern Festival takes place Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Dorey Park in Henrico County. Tickets and more information can be found HERE.
Photos courtesy of Water Lantern Festival
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