All times are tentative.
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Lantern Decoration
Lanterns and art supplies will be available from 6:00 to 7:30 to decorate with art, messages, memorials, or anything else you’d like until supplies run out. $5 donation per lantern suggested. Lanterns may also be decorated before the event — click here for more information.
6:00 pm - 7:45 pm
Community Performances
Fun community performances begin the program, which includes youth, amatuer, and professional music and dance throughout the early evening. Between each performance, community DJs will spin diverse tunes. Times are approximate.
Performances to be announced soon!
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Food Vendors
Food from faith-based and ethnic organizations and small businesses will be available for sale during the entire length of the event. This is the only opportunity to sample food from some of these vendors outside of the Lowell Folk Festival!
Say Da Nar: Burmese Street Food
Holy Trinity Orthodox Church: Greek Pastries and Gyros
St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish: Latin/Spanish Street Food
Purple Carrot: American Comfort Food
Panela: Traditional Columbian Fare
Drinks Tent: Craft beers, hard seltzer, and hard cider
7:30 pm - 8:15 pm
Main Program
A special program with prayers, dedications, and announcements will come right before the launch of the lanterns. It’s the moment we all come together before the main event!
8:15 pm
Lantern Launch
At sundown, our volunteers will launch the hundreds of lanterns into the Western Canal. This is a participatory event, as the audience is invited to carry lanterns to the launch point. The lanterns will slowly fill the canal over the next hour.
Kick-off: Wong Pleng Khmer
The Wong Pleng Khmer is led by master musician, Sovann Khon! An immersion into the music of non-western cultures, the Cambodian Ensemble provides instrumental and vocal instruction in the Cambodian tradition. The Ensemble will provide a fitting backdrop to the launching of the lanterns.
