What to know about Panther Island Pavilion’s water lantern festival this summer

Two water lantern festivals are coming this summer to Fort Worth and Dallas. The Fort Worth event will be held June 24 and the festival near Dallas will be held Aug. 12.

Lantern festivals are held each year around the world — from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Tokyo. On Memorial Day on the island of Oahu, thousands gather on a beach near downtown Honolulu to release the lanterns in honor of the dead. Japan’s Togo Nagashi festivals are usually held in the summer. Often the Buddhist tradition of Obon coincides with the lantern releasing festival. It is a time for reflection and respect for the dead.

“The concept of letting go of the paper lanterns lit with candles and allowing them to float onto the water symbolizes the manner in which spirits carry on in the afterlife and are remembered,” according to Tourist Japan’s website.

The local festivals are a great way for families to come together.

“Friends, families, neighbors, and lots of people that you haven’t met can come together to create a peaceful, memorable experience,” organizers of the North Texas festivals write on their website.

Water Lantern Festival in Fort Worth

Where: Panther Island Pavilion, 395 Purcey St.

When: June 24

Tickets: There are four levels of tickets. Early, available until April 28, is $26.98. Regular, available until Aug. 4, is $35.99. Late, available until Aug. 11, is $45.99. Day of festival, Aug. 12, is $55.99.

Here’s what the ticket gets you:

• Wristband for entry into the festival area with access to food trucks
• Floating lantern kit
• LED candle
• Commemorative drawstring bag
• Marker
• Playing Cards
• Conversation Cards
• Lantern retrieval and water clean up

Water Lantern Festival in Dallas

Where: Rowlett Community Park, 8700 St Andrews Ln., Rowlett

When: Aug. 12

Tickets: There are four levels of tickets. Early, available until April 28, is $26.98. Regular, available until June 6, is $35.99. Late, available until June 23, is $45.99. Day of festival, June 24, is $55.99.

Here’s what the ticket gets you:

• Wristband for entry into the festival area with access to food trucks
• Floating lantern kit
• LED candle
• Commemorative drawstring bag
• Marker
• Playing Cards
• Conversation Cards
• Lantern retrieval and water clean up