2026 Lantern Parade at Tampa Riverfest!
Saturday, May 2, 2026
The Riverfest Lantern Parade is an annual event where participants decorate their own paper lanterns and join a 1-mile parade that illuminates the Riverwalk! The parade will start at Water Works Park at 8:30 PM and end in Curtis Hixon Park.
Lantern Kits & Lantern WorkShops
LANTERN WORKSHOPS
Tap into your inner creative, while sipping wine and enjoying lite snacks. Learn step by step how to create a custom paper lantern or create your own! Join us at Armature Works Show + Tell classroom. We encourage you to debut your lantern at Tampa Riverfest’s Lantern Parade on May 2nd.
Tickets cost $40 per person
Ticket includes:
- Step-by-step instructions
- Lantern kit
- Supplies for creating a custom lantern
- Complimentary wine 21+ (ID required)
- Lite snacks
Workshop Dates Coming Soon!
LANTERN KITS
Lantern Kits will be on sale soon!
Kits Include:
Custom turtles, manatees, and do-it-yourself kits that include a carrying stick, an LED light for inside the lantern, and 3 AAA batteries.
Watch videos below to make a turtle or manatee kit at home!
Create your lantern at home!
DIY Lantern Kit
Build your lantern at home and join us on May 2nd at 8:00 PM in the parade from Water Works Park to Curtis Hixon Park!
DIY Supply List:
Lantern:
10" Lantern
20" Lantern
Lantern Lights:
Pack of 2
Pack of 7 - Make with friends!
Lantern Sticks:
Lantern Stick with LED Light (Pack of 4)
Bamboo Sticks
Lantern Batteries:
Batteries
Other DIY Lantern Ideas:
DIY Lanterns for Kids
10 Easy Lantern Making Ideas for Kids
Create Your Own! Here are some great lantern ideas!
Thank you to our past commissioned Lantern Parade Artists!
2024 Riverfest Lantern Parade Photos!
Photos by: Tacy Briggs-Tronocoso Photography and PamElla Lee Photography
