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At Kiwanis Park, guests can write a message on a floating lantern before a shared launch accompanied by music.
All times are local to the venue · America/Phoenix
Water Lantern Festival — Tempe gives visitors a choice of three evenings, November 6–8, 2026, to make a lantern and take part in a group launch. Each session at Kiwanis Park also includes food trucks, music and activities before the lanterns go onto the water.
The centerpiece is a lantern guests decorate themselves. The organizer suggests writing a message or intention; its examples range from hopes for the future to a note for a loved one. Participants assemble the paper sleeve with rods and place an LED candle inside, then wait for instructions to launch.
The Tempe schedule sets aside time for lantern design before the 6–7 p.m. launch. The organizer describes the launch as a coordinated ceremony with live music. Food trucks and other activities are part of the earlier gathering, so visitors can make an evening of it rather than treating the launch as a stand-alone performance.
Further reading: Tempe Water Lantern Festival | Tickets on Sale ↗ · About Water Lantern Festival | Get Tickets Today ↗
The lanterns have biodegradable paper covers, wooden bases and battery-powered LED candles. The organizer says its crew collects the lanterns after each event and picks up other trash in and around the water; it also says it reuses or recycles the LED candles when possible.
Only the festival’s own lanterns are permitted. The organizer says their design helps them float and makes collection easier, so leave any outside lanterns at home.
Further reading: Tempe Water Lantern Festival | Tickets on Sale ↗ · Water Lantern Festival FAQs | Event Info & Answers ↗ · Environmental Commitment | Water Lantern Festival ↗
General admission includes a lantern kit, LED candle and markers as well as festival access. For two people, the Date Night package combines two general-admission tickets with a blanket or mandala throw. A four-pack is sold in groups of four; VIP adds access to a tent with drinks and snacks and a commemorative T-shirt.
The festival is open to all ages. Children under 8 can enter without a ticket, but free entry does not include a lantern. The organizer says an additional lantern can be purchased on-site if a younger child wants one.
Further reading: Tempe Water Lantern Festival | Tickets on Sale ↗ · Water Lantern Festival FAQs | Event Info & Answers ↗
The organizer posts the same sequence for all three Tempe dates.
The event page lists general admission from $30.99 and also shows other pricing tiers and packages. Check the price for your chosen session before booking.
Guests may bring food and drinks, but the event is alcohol-free. The organizer suggests a lawn chair or blanket, sunscreen or bug spray, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Tempe Water Lantern Festival | Tickets on Sale ↗ · Water Lantern Festival FAQs | Event Info & Answers ↗
The festival is planned rain or shine. Severe weather may delay or reschedule it; the organizer says it will communicate changes by email and social media.
All attendees must agree to the event waiver. Pets should stay home; service animals are permitted and must be leashed or appropriately contained.
The festival is at Kiwanis Park, 5992 S. All America Way, Tempe, AZ 85283. Use the map link to calculate directions from your starting point; a specific festival entrance is not listed.
For parking details, consult the event guide. The organizer says it emails the guide to participants one week before the event.
Tempe Water Lantern Festival | Tickets on Sale ↗ · Water Lantern Festival FAQs | Event Info & Answers ↗
Children ages 0–7 enter without a ticket, but free entry does not include a lantern. The organizer says an additional lantern can be purchased at the merchandise tent.
Tempe Water Lantern Festival | Tickets on Sale ↗ · Water Lantern Festival FAQs | Event Info & Answers ↗
No. The organizer permits only its own lanterns, which it says are designed to float and be collected after the event.
Yes. Food and drinks are allowed, but alcohol is not. Food trucks are also scheduled.
Tempe Water Lantern Festival | Tickets on Sale ↗ · Water Lantern Festival FAQs | Event Info & Answers ↗
The event is rain or shine, but severe weather can cause a delay or rescheduling. The organizer says it will share changes by email and social media.
The Tempe event page says tickets can be transferred to another person or applied to a future event; contact the organizer’s support team for assistance.
5992 S. All America Way, Tempe, AZ 85283
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.
Images from the linked sources. Each caption identifies the context of the image.
Event, planning and background information checked 2026-10-28 against the linked sources.