The Water Lantern Festival In Iowa That’s A Night Of Pure Magic

When it comes to beloved summer traditions in Iowa, I think it's hard to beat the Des Moines Water Lantern Festival. This Water Lantern festival tours the country, turning one river after another into a field of color and light. One of its many stops is the Water Works Park in Des Moines every summer, and fans of Chinese water lanterns are already counting down the days to its arrival in 2024. This year it's scheduled for July 20th, and if past years are any indication, the river will be filled with thousands of gorgeous, personalized water lanterns. Come along with us and discover what Des Moines' most beautiful celebration of art, culture, and hope for a better future has in store for the many visitors in this year's event.

If you happen to be in town when the water lanterns hit the water, it may seem mysterious and fascinating - but for thousands in the know, it's the best day of the year.

Every year, countless attendees gather for this beloved summer festival to craft their own lanterns during the day and enjoy a full day of food and festivities.

You can buy a pass to the many delicious concessions available on site with your ticket, or just pay as you go.

Almost everyone who's at the lantern festival crafts their own lantern, and many include their personal wishes for the year to come.

Some paint their lanterns with ornate designs worthy of a place in a fine art gallery.

Others keep it simple, with a personal message that reflects their wish for the world.

Then, when night falls, it's time to release the lanterns onto the nearby lake.

As the thousands of lanterns drift on the water, it turns the entire lake into a kaleidoscope of dazzling light.

It's a uniquely peaceful event and one that attracts both locals and out-of-towners. Some even follow the festival from city to city.

Whether you're a solo visitor or part of a couple, it's a one-of-a-kind event that will be making its way to Des Moines soon.

Have you been to the Des Moines Water Lantern Festival before? Let us know about your visit to past years' festivals in the comments. Tickets are on sale now, so visit the website of the Water Lantern Festival for more details. For any news on this year's festival, make sure to follow the Facebook page of this cross-country lantern festival. You'll also get to see pictures of the event in other cities as we count down to Des Moines' big day! If you're coming into town for the festival and need a place to stay, we highly recommend the Surety Hotel, one of Des Moines' most acclaimed hotels at a surprisingly reasonable rate. It's only minutes away from Fong's Pizza, an innovative east-meets-west pizzeria that might be Des Moines' signature restaurant.