Water Lantern Festival Returns To Lemont

LEMONT, IL — The Water Lantern Festival will return to Lemont again at The Forge: Lemont Quarries on Sept. 5.

The nationally recognized festival invites guests to personalize floating lanterns with messages of hope, love, remembrance, or intention before releasing them onto the water at sunset, according to a news release.

The event also offers live music, local food vendors and interactive activities.

This year, the festival said it is introducing its Radiant Tour.

"With the Radiant Tour, we wanted to create something that goes beyond a single evening," said Nate Sorensen, Director of Events. "It's about giving guests space to slow down, reflect, and truly connect with themselves and the people around them. At its core, we hope every person leaves feeling seen, valued, and reminded that they are radiant—and that even a small moment of intention can create a ripple that lasts long after the lanterns fade."

In addition to the lantern release, attendees can also participate in on-site activities such as yard games, a scavenger hunt, and Lantern Stories—a dedicated space where guests are invited to share personal reflections and honor loved ones through their lanterns, the festival said.

The festival also has a dedicated clean-up team after the event, which ensures that all lanterns and materials are removed.

Tickets for the Water Lantern Festival in Lemont are available now.