13th annual Firelight Lantern Festival
November 7 & 8, 2025 ~ Crystal Palace, Picton
The Department of Illumination lights 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. This year’s theme: PLAY! Think music, games, sports, toys, and dress-up!
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7 ~ 7 PM to Midnight
Ages 19+ Join us for the art party or the year!
Dance the night away to DJ LeeLee Mishi. Spinning deep, jazz-infused house and minimal techno, she’s played epic events such as Burning Man and Promise Cherry Beach. DJ support from the Dub Loons - BTX CRVTT and Ombudsman. Encounter playful installations from DOI artists. an illuminated performance from North Fire Circus, and as always, a few creative surprises throughout the evening.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 8 ~ 6 PM to 11 PM
*** SOLD OUT***
Advance tickets for Saturday now sold out. We may release more tickets around 8:30 PM Saturday - if you do not have a ticket or wristband, please do not come to the entrance before 8:30.
All outdoor portions of the festival are free, but if you haven’t bought a ticket please consider making a donation in one of our donation boxes to support the festival.
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
6 PM - Gather at Benson Park. Giant puppets, handmade lanterns and a performance by The Aurora Borealis Community Choir at 6:30.
7 PM - Procession departs towards the Crystal Palace accompanied by Spencer Evans & the Goat Steppers. Doors open at the Crystal Palace at 7 PM; those not participating in the parade can enjoy art installations by The Department of Illumination artists while listening to DJ BTX CRVTT.
7:30-8:30 - Kids craft inside the Crystal Palace with Sharon Hart
7:40 - Fire show by North Fire Circus outside Crystal Palace
8:30 - 10 PM - My Son the Hurricane - Main Stage Crystal Palace. 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. Get ready to have your socks knocked off!
WHAT TO WEAR: Dress up in whatever wild and wonderful costume you wish – especially if it’s illuminated!
WHAT TO BRING: A lantern! Come to a lantern-making workshop or buy a kit! Our handmade lanterns will also be for sale at Kelly’s Shop starting November 1, while supplies last.
EAT & DRINK: Both evenings are licensed inside the Crystal Palace; bar service by County Cider Co. and Kaleidoscope Catering is serving from their food truck all night long.
PLEASE DONATE: The Lantern Parade and outdoor performances are all FREE, however donations are greatly appreciated and help keep this event going!!
TICKETS
TICKETS FOR FRIDAY NOVEMBER 7 (19+) - All tickets just $20 (HST inc). Buy wristbands at Kelly’s Shop (cash preferred - 197 Main St. Picton). Tickets available at the door while they last; no online tickets.
TICKETS FOR SATURDAY NOVEMBER 8 - SOLD OUT. We may open up more tickets at 8:30 PM.
The Firelight Lantern Festival draws inspiration from traditions of many lantern festivals throughout the world which use light as a symbol to bring people together. The timing of our festival in mid-November coincides with the European tradition of Martinmas which originated in France in honour of St. Martin, a friend of children and patron of the poor. Martinmas is celebrated throughout Europe, its signature being children’s lantern processions. As fall ends and the darkness of winter descends upon us it is easy to feel isolated, especially living in a rural community. Our festival acts as a beacon to encourage our residents, both adults and children, to conjure their own light, bringing it into their hearts and homes to sustain them through the darkness. Making a lantern is a literal application of this metaphor, but in gathering people together to make lanterns in town halls, schools and living rooms, our camaraderie grows and we feel the warm glow of making beautiful things with our hands alongside friends and neighbours.
2025 EDITION SUPPORTED BY
