Dragon Lights and Delights

Reno has made its mark as a hotspot for great entertainment, and with the return of the visually intriguing Dragon Lights, the tradition continues. Now - August 13, 2023, 6 pm - 10:30 pm, you can embrace a stunning celebration of Asian culture that has captivated locals and visitors alike. Held annually, this vibrant festival brings the mystical world of Chinese lanterns to life, enchanting attendees with its mesmerizing displays, captivating performances, and immersive cultural experiences. More than 40 groups of larger-than-life sculptures will be on display. The iconic Chinese dragon and a garden full of glowing mini beasts, dragonflies, beetles, mantis bees, and more will be displayed. A must-see for the young and young at heart. 

A Visual Extravaganza:

Dragon Lights is a visual spectacle transforming Rancho San Rafael Park into a dazzling wonderland. As one of Reno’s most popular events, the interactive playground area has been expanded to include new displays and fan favorites such as the Light Up Swings and Angel’s Winds. Even if you’ve visited before, there is more to see at this year's event. These spectacular lanterns create a captivating atmosphere that transports visitors into a world of fantasy and folklore.

Tickets, Parking, and General Information:

The festival recommends that tickets be purchased in advance, online. https://dragonlightsreno.org/tickets/ Although a limited number of tickets are available at the box office, which opens at 6 pm. General admission for visitors 12 years and older is $20. Children aged 3 - 11 are $15, and kids under 3 are free. You can also purchase a Family 4 Pack for $55 that includes 2 general Admission and 2 children's tickets or a Season Pass for $55 that allows unlimited entry for 1 person during the festival season. Box office tickets include a surcharge fee between $5 - $15, so be sure to grab your tickets ahead of time. 

When purchasing tickets, remember they are for a specific date and time. Entry times are on the hour; 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm, with the last time slot at 9:00 pm. Ticket holders have a 1-hour window to enter the festival and can stay until the event closes at 10:30 pm. Ticket sales are final and non-refundable. In the event that the festival is closed due to inclement weather, the ticket cost will be refunded that same day. 

Parking is free, just follow the signs to the onsite parking or head over to UNR and catch the free shuttle, which runs every 15 minutes from 5:45 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. 

Culinary Delights:

No cultural celebration is complete without an exploration of its culinary treasures. Dragon Lights tantalizes the taste buds with a wide array of Asian and Western cuisine. Vendors accept both cash and credit cards for your convenience. 

Family-Friendly Fun:

With its enchanting ambiance, captivating performances, and engaging activities, the festival creates an immersive experience that ignites the imagination of children and adults alike. The event is wheelchair, stroller, and wagon accessible so that everyone can participate. The kids will love the interactive playground, and you’ll have the perfect photo opportunity to capture the fun! Additionally, the Lantern Marketplace offers a wide variety of souvenirs and Asian handicrafts for sale.