A little over a week ago Mike and I had a fun date in Reno where we enjoyed our first Water Lantern Festival. We had a lot of fun but it was our first time at an event like this and we weren’t sure quite what to expect. Today I’m sharing with you all about the event and some tips if you want to attend to have the best time possible! This post in collaboration with the Water Lantern Festival and we were gifted tickets. All opinions are completely my own.

what is the water lantern festival?

Basically, the Water Lantern Festival is a different experience for everyone! Some people were there to celebrate being cancer free, some were there to remember a loved one. You decorate your water lantern with your intent and then send it out and symbolically and literally release it into the universe.

Watch your unique lantern drift out into the water as it joins other lanterns carrying hope, love, happiness, healing, peace, and connection. It’s a night that you’ll never forget.

www.waterlanternfestival.com

who should attend?

Anyone! We saw couples, friends, families, young, old, men, and women. One of the questions I was asked was if it was appropriate for children. It is absolutely a family-friendly event, or a great date night!

where is it located?

We attended in Reno, NV and I know they had one here last year as well. However, the Water Lantern Festival has multiple locations all over the country all year long! Check their website for events happening near you.

tips for attending one near you

arrive early

The event lasts for several hours with the lantern launch happening at the end of the evening. However, you want to be sure to arrive early enough to enjoy the entire experience! There are local vendors, food trucks, games, live music, and a time for people to share the stories of their lanterns. Trust me when I say that the time will go by quicker than you think.

come prepared

Although you don’t need to bring much to have a great time (other than your printed or texted event ticket) there are some things you can come prepared with. First of all, you’ll probably want to bring something to sit on. If you don’t there are throws and air chairs you can purchase at the event. You also might want to bring cash for purchasing items so you don’t have to worry about a WiFi signal when trying to pay with a card. And know that you can bring in your own snacks and drinks if you prefer not to purchase from the food trucks (although I think that’s part of the fun!).

light the night

I definitely recommend bringing some glow sticks or light up items. As it gets dark it’s so neat to see everything start to light up! If you’re coming with your family especially your kid will want to participate in the fun glow aspect of the event. They do sell a few light up items there but if you purchase ahead of time you’ll be able to really personalize the evening (and maybe save a little money).

Have you ever been to a Water Lantern Festival? Which location? What did you think about it?