Water Lantern Festival
Hope Floats Water Lantern Festival
A Meaningful Evening of Connection, Reflection, and Community.
Join us for a family-friendly event with music, food, and a beautiful lantern release as the water fills with light in honor of loved ones and the enduring power of love and hope.
Event Details
DATE: Saturday, September 26, 2026
LOCATION: Cherry Creek State Park, 4201 S Parker Rd., Aurora, CO 80014
TIME: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Get Your Tickets
Early registration is encouraged. This event is ticketed and space is limited.
Children ages 0–7 may attend free of charge, but they must have a ticket for entry. Please visit our ticket site to reserve tickets for your little ones.
Enhance your tribute to a loved one with a custom memorial sign along the Path of Remembrance at the lantern festival.
Each sign is 24x18 inches, one-sided, and crafted from durable coroplast, ensuring a beautiful and lasting memorial.
At the end of the event, you are welcome to take your memorial sign home as a keepsake.
*Orders are due 1 week prior to the event to allow for printing.
Add a Custom Memorial Tribute Along Our Path of Remembrance
Enhance your tribute to a loved one with a custom memorial sign to be displayed along the Path of Remembrance at the event.
*Orders must be placed at least two weeks prior to the event to allow time for printing. You can complete your order here on our website (separate from your ticket purchase) or add it when purchasing your tickets.
General Admission - What’s Included:
One floating lantern
Marker to decorate your lantern
LED tealight candle
Admission for festival access
What to Expect
LIVE MUSIC - performed by the GrooveTime Sitters with music genres that include Rock, Blues, Folk, and Country.
Food trucks and local vendors
Time to decorate your lantern
A beautiful lantern release at dusk
As the sun sets, the water comes alive with light, creating a powerful and peaceful shared moment.
The GrooveTime Sitters
IMPORTANT NOTES:
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This is a ticketed event. Only guests with a valid ticket will be admitted to ensure safety, adequate supplies, and an enjoyable experience for all.
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If you’re unable to attend, your purchase still supports our work and is deeply appreciated.
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After online ticket sales close, tickets will be available at the event, unless tickets sell out sooner. Early purchase is encouraged, as this event may reach capacity.
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To protect our community, tickets are only sold through our official channels and are non-transferrable. Please be aware of scams involving individuals claiming and attempting to resell tickets they can no longer use. They attempt this scam through social media or third-party platforms. Please be cautious.
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If your vehicle has a current Keep Colorado Wild Pass (Colorado State Parks annual pass), park entry is free.
We encourage guests to carpool when possible.
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The lantern festival is a carefully managed event supported by staff and volunteers and takes place in designated areas of the park.
To protect the environment, lanterns are illuminated with battery-operated lights (no open flames) and are made from 100% biodegradable materials.
Following the ceremony, volunteers will be on the water in kayaks to collect all lanterns.
EVENT WAIVER - By purchasing tickets and participating in the Richard Lambert Foundation Hope Floats Water Lantern Festival you agree to the Release Waiver.