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Description
Vancouver Water Lantern Festival 2026 in Coquitlam
Water Lantern Festival is coming back to Metro Vancouver this August, and it's shaping up to be one of the most talked-about outdoor events of the summer. Held at Town Centre Park in Coquitlam, this two-night celebration blends live music, food trucks, and lawn games with a once-a-year moment: releasing a hand-decorated paper lantern onto the water as the sun goes down.
Rated the #1 festival in the world by USA Today, Water Lantern Festival has run for more than 8 years across 175+ cities worldwide, with over 2 million lanterns launched to date. If you're looking for something to do in Coquitlam this August, this is it.
Event Dates & Location
- Dates: August 22-23, 2026
- Venue: Town Centre Park
- Address: 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7S4, Canada
Event Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:30 PM | Gates open |
| 5:30 - 9:30 PM | Food trucks, music & activities |
| 7:00 PM | Design your lantern |
| 7:30 - 9:30 PM | Lantern launch |
| 9:30 PM | Event ends |
What to Expect
Arrive & Explore Check in, grab your lantern kit, and settle into the festival atmosphere — live music, food vendors, and activities for all ages.
Create & Connect Decorate your lantern with a message, a memory, or an intention, and spend the evening with the people you brought along.
Launch & Reflect As the sun sets, everyone releases their lanterns onto the water together. Thousands of glowing lights drifting across the surface makes for a genuinely unforgettable sight.
What's Included With Every Ticket
- A floating water lantern
- LED candle (battery-powered, no open flame)
- Decorating kit and markers
- Wristband for entry
- Access to live music, food trucks, lawn games, and the lantern launch ceremony
- Complimentary professional event photos
- Entry into the scavenger hunt giveaway
- A bonus gift pack with card games and a drawstring bag
S'mores stations are available at most locations.
Who It's For
- Date Night: A relaxed, romantic evening decorating lanterns together under the stars.
- Family Outing: Kid-friendly activities and a launch the whole family will remember.
- Celebrations: A meaningful way to mark an anniversary, honor a loved one, or gather friends for a night out.
- Corporate & Group Events: Private group packages with reserved seating and VIP areas available.
Getting There & What to Bring
Bring your ticket, a lawn chair or blanket, sunscreen or bug spray, and clothing suited to the evening weather. Parking is available on-site, and the event runs with a dedicated safety team on hand throughout the night.
Sustainability
Every lantern is recovered from the water after the event — no exceptions. The lanterns themselves are biodegradable, the candles are reusable LED units, and the crew also cleans up any pre-existing litter at the venue, so the park is left better than they found it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Water Lantern Festival? An evening of live music, food, and hands-on fun where you design your own floating water lantern and then watch thousands of them light up the water together at sunset.
What's included with my ticket? Every ticket comes with a floating lantern, decorating kit, LED candle, marker, wristband, and access to live music, food trucks, lawn games, and the lantern launch. Most locations also have s'mores stations.
Are children allowed? Yes — this is a family-friendly event. Kids under 8 get in free and don't need a ticket. Children 8 and up require one.
What happens if it rains? The festival goes ahead rain or shine. In severe weather, such as lightning or high winds, the event may be delayed or rescheduled, with updates shared by email and social media.
Is the event eco-friendly? Yes. The lanterns are biodegradable and safe for the water, every single one is collected afterward, and the team does a full cleanup of the venue.
Can I get a refund? Tickets are non-refundable but transferable — you can pass yours to someone else or apply it to a future event. Reach out to support for help.
What time should I arrive? Arrive at the start of check-in to make the most of the evening: food, music, and lantern decorating all happen before the launch at dusk. Exact times are listed on the event's city page.
Get Tickets
Water Lantern Festival is expected to sell out, so early booking is recommended. Tickets and full details are available at the official event page.
