A magical floating lantern festival is taking over this Calgary garden

The Lantern Peace Festival is returning to Calgary this weekend, giving you a chance to take part in a floating lantern tradition at the Devonian Gardens. Along with the lantern release, the free event will feature cultural performances, art displays and plenty of activities for the whole family.

Here’s what you can expect if you’re thinking of checking it out this weekend.

What you’ll find at the festival

The Lantern Peace Festival will take place inside Devonian Gardens, a tropical indoor garden located in the heart of downtown Calgary at The CORE Shopping Centre. The space is home to thousands of plants, walking paths and a peaceful oasis right in the middle of the city.

The festival is organized by Calgary Floating Lanterns for Peace and returns this year with the theme “Global Crossroad,” which focuses on bringing people together through art, culture, and shared experiences

Throughout the afternoon, guests can enjoy multicultural performances, including Japanese drum performances and live music.

And if you’ve got kids, there’s plenty of activities happening around the gardens that are perfect for the whole family. Little ones can get their faces painted or take part in an origami workshop where they’ll learn how to make a paper crane. Kids and teens can take part in the “Art! Dream! Kids!” competition where they can create artwork for a chance to win prizes.

The biggest highlight of the event is the floating lantern release. With a donation of $10 or more, guests can rent a peace lantern, write their own message or wish and watch it float across the water.

While floating lanterns have traditionally been used to honour loved ones and reflect on moments of remembrance, today they also represent hope, happiness and wishes for a brighter future.

Tickets, timing and details

The Lantern Peace Festival will take place on Saturday, Aug. 8, from 2 to 4 p.m. Admission to the festival is completely free, while peace lanterns can be rented with a donation.

Since the event is located downtown, finding parking can be a little challenging, but the CORE Shopping Centre will be offering free three-hour parking for attendees. It’s important to arrive early as it is a public lot and spots fill up quickly.

So grab your pals, think of a wish, and get ready to send it floating across the water at the Lantern Peace Festival.

When: Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: Devonian Gardens – 217 7th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free to attend

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Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

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