Magical lanterns light up the night at Coquitlam’s Water Lantern Festival, an unforgettable evening of reflection, connection and glowing beauty by the water.
The event happened for the first time in the Lower Mainland last year. It’s back again on the weekend of August 22nd and 23rd, 2026.
Visit waterlanternfestival.com for full details about the event.
Water Lantern Festival in Coquitlam
The Water Lantern Festival is a heartwarming celebration of light, hope and community. The event brings together people of all ages to share meaningful moments and illuminate the night with glowing lanterns. Whether you’re writing a message to a loved one, setting intentions for the future or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this festival offers a unique and cool experience.
In addition to creating a beautiful atmosphere, the event supports a global cause. The Water Lantern Festival partners with Water.org, an organization working to bring safe water access to communities around the world. By participating, attendees can support clean water initiatives that improve health, increase access to education and change lives. Partial proceeds and donations at the event benefit the charity.
When and Where is the Water Lantern Festival?
The 2026 Water Lantern Festival takes place on Saturday, August 22nd and Sunday, August 23rd. Gates open at 5:30 pm and the evening continue until around 9:30 pm. The event happens at Town Centre Park which is located at 1299 Pinetree Way in Coquitlam.
Last year was the first time that the event happened in Coquitlam. The Water Lantern Festival hosts over 200 events all across North America, the United Kingdom, Australia and Brazil.
At the festival, guests are welcome to arrive early to enjoy food trucks, music and activities, before creating their lanterns and releasing them onto the water after sunset. The event brings a peaceful and welcoming experience for people of all backgrounds.
Between 5:30 pm and 9:30 pm attendees can enjoy the food truck foods, music and other fun activities. At around 8:00 pm everyone gets to design their lanterns and between 8:30 pm and 9:30 the lanterns get launched on Lafarge Lake (which is a beautiful site to see).
See the Water Lantern Festival website for full details about the event.
What to Expect at the Lantern Festival
As the gates open, the park fills with music and the warm energy of community spirit. Guests can explore a wide variety of vendor booths, enjoy live entertainment, and participate in a fun scavenger hunt.
When the sun sets, attendees can decorate their lanterns with personal messages or drawings before gently launching them onto the water. The glowing lanterns create a magical atmosphere, making this a memorable night for families, couples and friends to share together.
Visitors are encouraged to bring warm clothes, a blanket or camping chair, and a camera to capture the magical night.
Registration and Ticket Prices
General Admission tickets include access to the event, a lantern kit, scavenger hunt entry, some playing cards, and a tealight and marker.Â
Tickets in 2026 cost $42.99 with early bird pricing until a couple weeks before the event day, when it increases to $47.99. If you wait until the last minute tickets will cost $57.99 online or $67.99 at the park itself (if there are still some available).
Children under 8 years old enter for free with a paying adult, but don’t get their own lantern automatically (they can be purchased at the event).
Group packages are also available where you can save about 20% on each ticket ($34.99 each) if you buy in sets of four. There’s also the Date Night Special which costs $108.99 and comes with two General Admission tickets and a cozy park blanket or mandala.
Visit waterlanternfestival.com for full details about the event.
Water Lantern Festival Video
Watch the following short, promotional video for an idea of what to expect at the festival.
Other Information
See the Water Lantern Festival website for more information about the event.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- City of Coquitlam
- Vancouver’s August Calendar of Events
- Christmas Tea Lights
- Vancouver Festivals & Events
Other events that also take place at Town Centre Park at other times of the year include the following:
