2026 Dragon Lights Reno
Many Worlds Aglow
October 2 - November 29
Location:
Wilbur May Arboretum
2026 Food Vendors
AVAILABLE
Hot Food
Cold & Hot Drinks
Korean Hot Dogs
Indonesian Food
Churros
Mexican Snowcones & Ice Cream
What to Expect
1,000+ Handcrafted Lantern Sculptures
Dynamic Kid Zone Displays
Some of the displays move, change colors, emit smoke, and even come with background music. 2026 features include moon swings, interactive screen, illuminated walking surface, bubble bike, bubble machine, ninja drop & catch, teeter totter, vortex exibit, xylophone, clap and make the cactus dance, & photo ops. 🌵
Themed Sections to Explore
(with interpretive signs)
Asian safari
African desert
Dinosaur world
Marketplace
-Handmade souvenirs made with aluminum wire
-Hand painted glass ornaments, lanterns, & more
The annual Dragon Lights Festival in Reno has become one of my top ten favorite festivals of all time because it’s the epitome of grandeur. It inspires such awe and wonder that it’s almost overwhelming, every. single. time. The lanterns are so captivating, sorta like rainbows, having a mysterious beauty you can't quite put your finger on - beauty that puts a big smile on your face from ear to ear.
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| I'm not mad that my Chinese zodiac sign is a rat. Did you know they’re smart enough to play video games? I’m totally down with that! |
The artists who fly in from China to create these magical, elaborate handmade lantern displays each year at the Wilbur D. May Arboretum are true masters of their craft. Since the festival’s debut in Reno in 2018, the displays have only grown more complex, more grand, more interactive. And as if I wasn’t already blown away the first time they graced our little town...
As a daughter of a self made carpenter, I can't help but appreciate the skill, time, and dedication that goes into each and every lantern. With the times swaying toward convenience over the years, it seems like less and less people are getting their hands dirty when it comes to learning a new trade. So when I come across mastery, I will stop in my tracks and savor it as much as I can.
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| How amazing are these hand painted ornaments? |
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| The vendors from China were so nice. |
What started centuries ago as a practical way to light up the night has since transformed into a true art form, with lanterns that tell stories, celebrate culture, and bring imaginations to life. The lanterns at Dragon Lights are intricate, lively, & light up the world in more ways than one.
As you walk winding pathways surrounded by towering dragons, illuminated flowers, and colorful scenes from Chinese folklore, all set against the serene beauty of the arboretum, take a moment to reflect on how far the history of lantern making stretches into the past and how lucky we are to be able to experience such a beautiful tradition right here in the Biggest Little City.
At one point, I found myself standing in front of the dragon, waiting with all the other adults and kids for the vapor bubbles to appear. As soon as they rose, I heard a mom squeal with delight, like she was a kid again, saying, "It’s the small things in life!" In that moment, I was reminded of how important it is to keep that sense of wonder alive. We’re never too old to appreciate the little things. They may seem small, but they’re actually huge in all the ways that count.
Hope it's a magical time.
Peace, love, & kindness,
-Kat
Notes
-Wondering what time to sign up for? I suggest getting there an hour before sunset to enjoy the displays in both daylight & darkness. Once you enter the festival, you're welcome to stay for as long as you'd like.
-October nights can be especially chilly. Nothing ruins the experience like a freezing body, so always check the weather ahead of time and dress appropriately. It’s also a good idea to bring extra layers in your vehicle, just in case
-As a rule of thumb, if the weather dips to 45 degrees or below - especially with wind, this situation calls for a snow jacket, gloves, & a beanie to stay cozy & comfortable
-To avoid chilly weather, consider visiting early in September when the temperatures are warmer
-The event is ideal for all ages
-This is an amazing event to bring family & friends from out of town to enjoy
-Take advantage of early bird discounts well before the event begins. Subscribe to the Dragon Lights newsletter at the bottom of their website and follow them on Instagram to stay updated. -Tickets are cheaper when purchased online in advance. It's helpful to have your QR code open and ready to be scanned while waiting in line
-Weekday tickets come at a more affordable price than weekend tickets
-Special rates are available for families & groups of (10+)
-The event is stroller & wheelchair friendly
-Porta potties & handwashing stations are available on site
-The Wilbur May Museum parking lot closest to the entrance is strictly for disabled parking.
-No outside food or drinks allowed, except for medical reasons
-Pets are not allowed, except for service animals
-Food truck availability may fluctuate depending on crowd size & demand
-Both card and cash are accepted at the marketplace
-Find the tour banners at the festival for the QR for a free Dragon Lights tour and to learn more about the displays
***Information subject to change. All opinions are my own.***
Photography
©Katherine Fung,
All rights reserved.
