The West Palm Beach Lantern Festival is more than an event; it’s a reflection of what’s possible when creativity, culture, and community come together.
The idea was first brought to life in 2024 by Lanzhi Wang, a Palm Beach State College student, who envisioned a celebration that would honor Lunar New Year traditions while inviting the community to connect through art, storytelling, and shared experiences.
Her concept was made possible through the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority’s Placemaking Mini Grant program, designed to support grassroots’ ideas that activate public space and strengthen community bonds. The overwhelming success and engagement of the inaugural festival not only brought hundreds together and designed 200+ unique lanterns designed by the community, but it made a lasting impression.
That’s why we’re bringing it back.
The Lantern Festival highlights our commitment to community activation, cultural appreciation, and public space enhancement. It serves as a platform to celebrate diversity, showcase local talent and vendors, and provide immersive experiences that reflect the heart of our downtown: creative, connected, and inclusive.
Through events like this, we support meaningful placemaking; transforming ideas into shared moments that light up our district and bring people together.
