Dragon Lights, Knoxville’s first-ever Chinese lantern festival, will take place in the Midway at Chilhowee Park from Mar. 16 – Apr. 22, 2018.

Featuring 40 larger-than-life lantern displays with thousands of light components, the displays are constructed onsite by dozens of Chinese artisans who travel across the world to keep this century old tradition alive.

Created by hand with silk fabric stretched over steel frames, these expertly crafted lanterns embody tradition as the artisans pass their skills from one generation to the next.

“In addition to being awe inspiring and beautiful, this educational event celebrates the only ancient civilization that has continued to this very day,” said Mary Bogert, general manager of Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center.

Along with the light displays, the festival will feature stage performances by Chinese acrobats and Chinese folk art demonstrations. There will also be various children’s activities, food, and drinks available.

“Being able to provide cultural, affordable, family-friendly entertainment to the heart of East Knoxville makes me very proud,” Bogert said.

Chicago-based Tianyu Arts and Culture Inc., who produces festivals worldwide, aims to promote cultural communication between China and the world. They accomplish this by ensuring that each festival’s design incorporates specific landmarks and symbols unique its location. Knoxville’s upcoming festival, for instance, will feature Malaysian tigers and Silvered-Leaf Langur monkeys in celebration of Zoo Knoxville’s Asian Trek. 

Knoxville’s Dragon Lights Festival will run from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. nightly. Ticket prices will range from $10.50 to $16.50. Event parking will be free of charge. 

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster (There is an additional $2.50 fee per order on Ticketmaster) or at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum Box Office, located at 500 Howard Baker Jr. Avenue, which is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Special pricing is available for military,  youth, seniors, college students, and groups. Please note that group tickets are only available at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum Box Office. For more info, call 865-215-8999.

Visit www.chilhoweepark.org or follow Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center on  Facebook for more information.