2026 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square

In tribute to the Year of the Horse and the excitement of Philadelphia’s 250^thAnniversary celebrations, this year’s Festival will glow with breathtaking light, art, culture, and global spirit. Tianyu Arts and Culture is an international event design and manufacturing company headquartered in Zigong, Sichuan, China – the world’s lantern capital. Tickets for the 2026 Festival will go on sale to the public on April 6, 2026, at 9 am. Franklin Square is also celebrating its 20^th Birthday Season in 2026

June 5 – August 16, 2026, 6 – 11 pm, daily (closed July 4)

During the Festival, Franklin Square is open and free during regular daytime hours. The Franklin Square Playground will be fully open and free both daytime and during the evening hours, accessible only from 7th Street. The lanterns are able to be viewed for free during daytime with a free scavenger hunt, while a ticket is required for nighttime entrance after 6 pm (no re-entry). The park will close daily at 5 pm to prepare for the nightly Festival. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.