Should the predictions of the great Punxsutawney Phil hold true (and Mother Nature cooperates), Buffalonians should be seeing signs of spring popping up in the next few weeks. We’re not going to get our hopes up too high – after all, this is Buffalo – but one thing we can’t help but be thrilled for once the warmer weather arrives is the abundance of festivals it brings along with it. One of the very best will be here before you know it, and it’s an enchanting event on Lake Erie that you definitely do not want to miss.

Saturday, June 1st, 2019 is marked with a big, bright star on our calendar, as it’s the date of the Water Lantern Festival in Buffalo!
Water Lantern Festival/Facebook
This annual event brings locals together to release illuminated lanterns out onto the lake, creating a truly fairytale-like scene.
Water Lantern Festival/Facebook
Now, before we dive in any further into our starry-eyed adoration for this enchanting event, let us ease the concerns over the environmental impact. Of course, we wouldn’t ever want to release litter into our lovely lake - the ticket price for this festival covers the cost of collecting and removing the floating lanterns from the water, as well as trash collection along the waterfront, making sure the area is clean and lovely as it was beforehand.

Additionally, the lanterns are made of eco-friendly rice paper and wood, just in case one or two of them happen to escape collection. If you want to help make sure every single one is cleaned up, you are welcome to get involved and volunteer!
Every ticket to the festival includes entry, one floating lantern, a commemorative drawstring bag, marker, and a wristband.
Water Lantern Festival/Facebook
Some people create lanterns in memory of friends and family members who have passed away, while others use them as an opportunity to send out positive thoughts, hopes, and wishes onto the water. Whatever your message may be, you’re sure to have an unforgettable night.

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Gates will open to ticket-holders at 6:30 p.m. and the magical evening begins with live music, tasty offerings from local food trucks, and all-around fun for those who attend.
Water Lantern Festival/Facebook
At 8:30 p.m., it’s time to decorate or write a special message on your lantern before it sets sail.
Water Lantern Festival/Facebook
From 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., Buffalonians are invited to launch their lanterns into the lake.
Water Lantern Festival/Facebook
The soft glow from over a thousand floating lanterns as they drift away is truly magical. There’s something so peaceful about seeing our hometown’s waterfront glittering in the night.
Water Lantern Festival/Facebook
As this is quite a popular event, tickets do sell out quickly. If you want to take part in this year’s Water Lantern Festival, make sure to get yours as soon as possible. And the earlier you purchase them, the cheaper your tickets will be. Early Bird tickets for adults are on sale for $25 each up until March 15th; regular adult tickets can be purchased for $30 up until May 10th; late-purchase adult tickets increase to $35 each up until May 30th; and day-of tickets (assuming they are not sold out beforehand) cost $40.

Youth Tickets (age 8-14) start at $12 each. Kids (ages 0-7) are free with a parent or guardian; however, a "ticket" for them must be reserved for entry and these tickets do not include a lantern. Additional lanterns can also be purchased for $15 each.

There are also special Date Night Tickets for couples attending the event together, which include two adult tickets (with refund protection), a mandala throw blanket, two floating lanterns, two markers, two drawstring bags, and two wristbands.

For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit the Water Lantern Festival’s website. If you’re looking for the best deal, you can score a $2 discount by sharing the Water Lantern Festival’s event page on Facebook and tagging at least two friends – visit the website for details.

Will you be joining in on this magical night filled with fun, happiness, hope, and unforgettable memories? We can’t wait!

For more ways to stay busy around the Queen City, check out how This Zoo In Buffalo Has Animals That You May Have Never Seen In Person Before!

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