Water Lantern Festival at Idroscalo
Hundreds of floating lanterns on the water
About Water Lantern Festival
An Evening of Lights on the Water
The Water Lantern Festival is an event that brings the ancient Asian tradition of floating lanterns to the world. Its first Italian edition is held at Milan's Idroscalo, in the municipality of Segrate, in the Province of Milan, on the large body of water known as the "sea of Milan".
The Lantern Ritual
The heart of the event is the moment when, at sunset, hundreds of floating lanterns are released onto the water. Each participant receives a kit with an eco-friendly lantern to personalize with a message, before entrusting it to the water: a symbolic gesture of reflection and hope that creates a spectacle of floating lights.
More Than Just Lanterns
In addition to the lantern release, the evening is enlivened by DJ sets, food trucks with street food, and recreational activities, in an atmosphere designed for sharing and connection among people.
Environmental Awareness
The lanterns are completely biodegradable, made of rice paper with a wooden base, and use LED candles that are collected, recycled, and reused by the staff at the end of the event. A magical event that is also mindful of sustainability, in one of Milan's most beloved natural settings.
Water Lantern Festival — edition 2026
The first Italian edition of the Water Lantern Festival takes place at Milan's Idroscalo, in the municipality of Segrate, on Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM. Each participant receives a kit with an eco-friendly lantern to personalize and release onto the water at sunset, creating a spectacle of floating lights accompanied by DJ sets and street food.
Programme Water Lantern Festival 2026
The Evening
- From 6:30 PM — area opening, DJ set, food trucks, and recreational activities;
- At sunset (around 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM) — release of floating lanterns onto the water;
- each participant personalizes their eco-friendly lantern with a message before releasing it onto the water.
Sustainability
The lanterns are completely biodegradable, made of rice paper with a wooden base and LED candles, collected and recycled at the end of the event.
Highlights Water Lantern Festival 2026
Prices Water Lantern Festival 2026
Practical information — Water Lantern Festival
Getting Here
Milan Idroscalo, Porta Maggiore Entrance recommended (accessible to all), Segrate (MI). By car: Tangenziale Est (Eastern Ring Road), Idroscalo/Linate exit. The Tribune entrance has stairs and is not suitable for people with disabilities.
Tickets
Free entry to the area; the experience ticket, available on Fever, includes the eco-friendly lantern kit and the chance to launch your own lantern with a personal message.
Opening Hours
From 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM, with the floating lantern release at sunset.
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Where does it take place — Water Lantern Festival
Idroscalo di Milano
Idroscalo, Ingresso Porta Maggiore, 20054 Segrate