AROUND ARIZONA · TEMPE

An Evening of Floating Lanterns at Tempe’s Kiwanis Lake, Nov. 6–8

Posted October 30, 2026

Glowing paper lanterns decorated with handwritten messages and drawings floating on dark water at a Water Lantern Festival, with a hand reaching toward them from the shore — Photo courtesy of Water Lantern Festival.

Picture this: the November air has finally cooled off, the sun is sinking behind the trees at Kiwanis Park, and the lake in front of you slowly fills with thousands of little glowing lanterns. Each one carries a message someone wrote just an hour ago. Sounds like the perfect date night, family outing or catch-up with friends, right?

The Water Lantern Festival is coming to Kiwanis Park for three evenings, Friday through Sunday, Nov. 6–8, 2026.

What to expect

You pick up your lantern kit, find a spot, and take your time decorating while the food trucks, music and lawn games keep things lively. Around 5:30 p.m. it’s lantern-design time, and from 6 to 7 p.m. everyone heads to the water’s edge for the launch. The organizer describes it as an hour-long ceremony set to live music, shared with 2,000-plus people.

The whole night builds to one quiet, glowing moment, and every lantern on the water carries someone’s own message.

What your ticket covers

Each ticket includes a floating lantern, a decorating kit, an LED candle, a marker and a wristband, plus access to the music, food trucks, lawn games and the launch. Adult tickets also come with a commemorative drawstring bag, playing cards and conversation cards.

The ticket price also covers collecting the lanterns from the water afterward and cleaning up in and around the lake.

Ticket prices and packages change as the event gets closer, and the organizer expects it to sell out, so if you have your heart set on a certain night, grab your tickets early on the official event page.

Bringing the kids?

Good news: the organizer says children under 8 get in free and don’t need a ticket. Kids 8 and older need one.

Tips for your night

Come early. Gates open at 3 p.m., which gives you time to eat, settle in and find a good spot near the water.
Bring a blanket or low chairs so you’re comfy while you decorate. Check the event site for any rules on what to bring.
Grab a layer. November evenings in the Valley cool off quickly after sunset.
Think about your message ahead of time, or just let it come to you on the spot. Both are part of the fun.
Charge your phone. Golden hour plus a lake full of lanterns makes for beautiful photos.
Watch for weather updates. It runs rain or shine, but in severe weather like lightning or high winds the organizer says it may be delayed or rescheduled, with updates by email and social media.
Check parking before you go. The organizer promises “ample parking,” and the event site has directions.

Make a day of it in Tempe

Community spots like Kiwanis Park are great for bringing neighbors together on nights like this. If you want to get to know the city better, from its neighborhoods to its parks and everyday favorites, take a peek at our Tempe community page.

Official links

Event details are set by the organizer and can change. Check the official event page for the latest information before you go.

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