Jazz in the Park
Twice a year - each Wednesday in April and September - Little Rock's River Market Pavilions come to life with the sounds of soulful jazz and joyful music. Made locally.
Lanterns at Wildwood Park for the Arts
An unforgettable celebration of culture, art, and community in the heart of West Little Rock. The Lanterns Festival is one of the most anticipated outdoor festivals of the year, where people come together to embrace the diverse tapestry of world cultures in the vibrancy of Arkansas’s capital city.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of illuminated woodland trails, adorned with enchanting outdoor lights. Held annually in the spring, the Lanterns Festival is an experience of captivating crafts and mesmerizing performing arts. This highly anticipated festival takes place at Wildwood Park for the Arts, home to Little Rock’s unique botanical gardens and the Lucy Lockett Cabe Festival Theatre.
Each year, the Lanterns Festival curates a unique blend of cultural experiences, showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of different countries. But the magic doesn't end there! During the festival, you have the opportunity to ignite your own lantern and release it onto the park’s serene lake. This ancient practice symbolizes good luck and serves as a heartfelt tribute to our shared dreams and aspirations. Join in this cherished tradition and watch as your lantern dances along the water, creating a stunning display of hope and unity.
Mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and come together with thousands of fellow festivalgoers at Lanterns!
Event Details
Date & Time
- Thursday, April 10, 2025 – 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Friday, April 11, 2025 – 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 12, 2025 – 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Sunday, April 13, 2025 – 4:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Location
Lanterns Festival is held annually at Wildwood Park for the Arts (20919 Denny Road, Little Rock, AR).
Admission
Proceeds from Lanterns supports Wildwood Park for the Arts' grounds and educational programming. Purchase tickets online, at least 2 hours before the event, to save $5 per ticket.
- Adults (Ages 13 and older) – $15 online, $20 at the gate
- Children (Ages 0-12) – FREE
Top Activities
This spring festival has plenty of fun, family-friendly activities included with admission:
- Explore the trails of Wildwood Park for the Arts lined with lanterns, decorated vistas highlighting each culture, and impressive light displays.
- Find the Pirate King to receive a treasure map, then begin a hunt for gold doubloons at the different vistas to win a prize.
- Embrace your creativity in the Fairytale Forest with arts and crafts, face painting, and storytelling from different world cultures.
For even more excitement, indulge in these activities available for purchase with WildBucks:
- Make a wish for good fortune as you launch a lighted lantern onto Swan Lake.
- Treat your taste buds to the flavors of cuisines from around the world with a variety of food and beverage offerings at the vistas.
- Capture the spirit of the festival with unique craft souvenirs and illuminated keepsakes.
Plan Your Visit
Parking
If you are driving to Lanterns there are several parking options available. There is limited parking across from the park's front gates on Denny Road but spots fill up fast so it is recommended that you park for free at The Promenade at Chenal's back parking lot. There will be a free shuttle running every 15-20 minutes from the parking lot to Wildwood's front gate. Please call ahead to request handicapped parking within the park gates.
Getting Around
Exploring Lanterns requires a good amount of walking. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes and families with young children are welcome to bring strollers and wagons. Much of the festival is accessible with plenty of concrete pathways, but there are sections that limit accessibility or are completely inaccessible including a sandy beach, grassy slope, and dirt trails.
WildBucks
To purchase food, drinks, lanterns, and souvenirs you will need to visit a WildBucks location within the festival and purchase WildBucks - the festival's currency. Cash and credit are accepted at all WildBucks station locations.
