Asian Water Lantern Festival
Meet the Artists: Ink & Movement
This July—dates and locations to be finalized—get an exclusive first look at our Festival through a series of vibrant pre‑festival pop‑up events throughout the Niagara Region. Meet the artists up close, discover their creative process, and dive into free, hands‑on activities including artist‑led Asian calligraphy traditional and modern dance.
These intimate gatherings offer a unique chance to connect early, explore diverse Asian cultural expressions, and build excitement ahead of the main Festival. Whether you’re a long‑time supporter or a first‑time guest, these July sessions are your gateway to an inspiring, immersive cultural experience.
Wishes on the Water
Saturday, August 1, 2026 – Chippawa Park Pond
90 First Ave, Welland: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Dusk)
Rain Date: August 2, 2026
Free to attend, this event is designed to address anti-Asian racism, by creating a safe space, using art to encourage dialogue, compassion and understanding. This quiet and personal reflective event is family-friendly and designed to especially accommodate those with mobility and sensory/auditory concerns.
Enjoy live traditional and modern Chinese music, vocalists, dancers, interactive workshops and visual artist to aid in decorating your water lantern and get to know more about the Asian communities in Niagara. Be sure to stay for the Great Launch at dusk when all the lanterns will be floated upon the water at once. This event is free to attend, to enjoy the live entertainment and watch the water lanterns float upon the pond. Some suggested items to bring: lawn chairs or blankets to sit upon, bug spray and a flashlight to use once the event is over.
Sales will open in Spring 2026. Be sure to check back, as this event always sells out and a limited supply of kits are available at the event.
For $35, an Enhanced Experience Ticket buys one Water Lantern Kit, which includes:
- 1 Up-Cycled Road Banner Bag created from various rescued materials, repurposed and sewn by New Canadian and Immigrant Volunteers from Bridges Niagara (while supplies last)
- 2 bio-degradable water lanterns and 2 candles
- Markers to decorate
- Asian Cultural Artists to inspire or assist you in your water lantern creation
- Small cultural snacks/candies
There are no refunds unless the event is cancelled. In the case of bad weather or postponement, we will make notices on our Facebook page @niagarafolkarts. Note that in case of bad weather, the postponement date will be Sunday, August 2, 2026. Please revisit this page for details if bad weather or postponement occurs on August 1, 2026.
Parking at the event.
Free parking is available at the curbs that touch and surround Chippawa Park, with a few dedicated spots located on First Avenue between Fitch Street and Linrose Avenue. Please be respectful when parking on adjoining side streets as we want to be good Neighbors to the homeowners there. There are 2 Accessibility spots located near the pavilion, on First Avenue, which will not be monitored by event organizers.
Accessibility Parking
We will be monitoring a few parking spots in the small parking lot located at the Clubhouse, right at 90 First Avenue. This space can also be used as a drop off location. Alternatively, there is a drop off area near the Rose Garden, at the top of the hill, near Fitch Street/First Avenue intersection. From there a paved pathway will lead to the event site, about a 1 minute walk. The Rose Garden drop off space will not be monitored by the Festival.
