The Firelight Lantern Festival

The Department of Illumination is ready to light up the night with The Firelight Lantern Festival, a cherished Prince Edward County tradition since 2013. Two magical evenings of arts and music will unfold at the Crystal Palace in Picton, Ontario, November 7 and 8, 2025. Tickets go on sale to the general public October 18.

Dance the night away at the art party of the year! Friday November 7 is a 19+ evening featuring DJ LeeLee Michi. Known for her smooth sets of deep, jazz-infused house and minimal techno, she’s played epic events such as Promise Cherry Beach and Burning Man. The night heats up with an illuminated performance from North Fire Circus, and as always the artists of The Department of Illumination have crafted an array of wild art installations responding to this year’s theme, ‘PLAY.’

Saturday November 9 sees the return of the magical Lantern Parade, kicking off an all-ages evening starting in Picton’s Benson Park. Gather at 6 PM for a pre-show performance from The Aurora Borealis Community Choir; mingle with neighbours and take in the giant puppets and handmade lanterns. The parade departs at 7 PM sharp, accompanied by Spencer Evans and the Goat Steppers. The parade will make its way down Main Street to the Crystal Palace for a second night of artistic revelry for the whole family. There will be an outdoor fire show from North Fire Circus at 7:40, and powerhouse My Son the Hurricane takes the stage at 8:30. My Son the Hurricane is a multi-horn, multi-drummer, multi-singer brass funk band bringing their massive musical energy all the way from Niagara. Prepare to have your socks knocked off!

Revelers are invited to dress up in whatever wild and wonderful costume they wish – especially if it’s illuminated! Both evenings are licensed inside the Crystal Palace, and Kaleidoscope Catering is putting together an incredible creative menu. The Department of Illumination invites community members of all ages to play an active role in the lantern festival by coming to one of six lantern-making workshops taking place between October 18 and November 2. These will be held in The DOI studio in the lower level of The Armoury in Picton, 206 Main Street. Attendees are provided with all the materials and instruction needed to make a lantern for $15 per lantern, which they can bring to the festival, carry in the parade, and hang in the on-site lantern gallery. There are lantern kits for sale for those who want to create theirs at home, and handmade lanterns will be for sale at Kelly’s Shop the week before the festival.

TICKETS on sale:

Tues Oct. 14: Department of Illumination Members

Sat. Oct 18: General Public

See website for details: www.deptofillumination.org/event/firelight-lantern-festival