Our 6th annual Dragon Lights event

About this event

DRAGON LIGHTS RENO!! For returnees and newbies, first about the event, then hours, tix, details:

"From October 2 to November 29, 2026, Dragon Lights Reno returns to the scenic Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Rancho San Rafael Park with an exciting new theme: Many Worlds Aglow. This year’s spectacular lantern festival invites visitors on a journey through three immersive realms, each brought to life with breathtaking artistry, vibrant colors, and larger-than-life illuminated displays."

"At the heart of the festival, the Asian Safari zone pays homage to the rich traditions of Chinese lantern artistry. Guests can explore a glowing panda bamboo forest corridor, pass beneath the illuminated lantern and feather corridors and arrive at a dramatic display of galloping horses standing five meters tall."

"Guests journey across a sunlit African Desert brought to life after dark. The zone opens with a grand Welcome Gate and unfolds along a 40-meter Floral Scroll Corridor and a 50-meter African corridor, past the glowing 28-meter desert world centerpiece, a radiated rortoise, a color-shifting chameleon, perched parrots, and a butterfly wings & dragonfly display where guests can stand between shimmering wings for a photo."

"Step into a world where the distant past comes to life through dazzling lantern displays of towering dinosaurs and ancient landscapes. A six-meter Tyrannosaurus Rex presides over sweeping Dinosaur World scenes, triceratops, parasaurolophus, oviraptor, and dilophosaurus, while a 25-meter butterfly corridor pairs prehistoric majesty with the delicate beauty of nature." Even more info: https://dragonlightsreno.org/experience/

NEXT: Tickets can be bought online, all fees included for $23.75 , at https://dragonlightsreno.org/tickets/

Pick the 5p option because you can snack at the Lantern Food Court or picnic and enter the Lights anytime within 60 minutes after 5p and can stay til close at 9p if desired.

Tix can also bought at the walk-up box office there starting at 5p, but are then usually $35, all included.

However, i picked a Wednesday for Senior Discount Wednesdays: Seniors ages 65 and older receive admission for $20 per person (all fees included) at the box office on Wednesdays only, at 5p. A valid government-issued photo ID must be presented at the time of purchase to receive this offer.

Also NOTE: All ticket sales are final, and unused tickets will not be refunded. BUT In case of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances requiring event cancellation, all tickets will be rescheduled to the next available event date, BUT ticket holders will have 24 hours to transfer their tickets to another preferred date.

From Reno Fun Social Group