Dragon Lights Reno Chinese Lantern Festival, an Artown event, opens this weekend. The five-week exhibition at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park is promising to be a stunning, visual treat.
“Dragon Lights Reno is an international touring festival of enlightening exhibitions that provide a globally-cultural entertainment experience to millions of guests around the world,” event organizers said. “The exhibition will feature nearly 40 larger-than-life vibrant Chinese Lanterns. Each lantern display has been handcrafted by artisans from China who master the skill of lantern making through an apprenticeship, and it is this group of people who keep this centuries-old tradition alive.”
The exhibit runs from June 30 to August 5, 2018.
Guided tours are available each night at 7:30 p.m. when a sundown “Magic Hour” will occur, where each lantern will be turned on one-by-one while the lantern’s history will be presented.
Dragon Lights In addition to lanterns, the event will also feature cultural entertainment, nightly performances, traditional handicrafts, a time traveler photo booth and themed nights.
Pricing and details: https://dragonlightsreno.com.
Schedule
Opening Weekend – June 30th
“A celebration of Chinese Culture in northern Nevada!” -In honor of the Year of the Dog, the first 1,000 visitors will receive a Year of the Dog keychain and a Red Envelope of casino coupons!
Foodie Weekend – Friday, July 6th and Saturday, July 7th
“A Feast for your eyes and also for your stomach!” – Visitors will enjoy a dumpling-making demonstration and an eating competition on the stage inside the Theme Weekend Tent at the festival!
Asian Culture Weekend – Friday, July 13th and Saturday, July 14th
“Explore a different culture up close!” –Visitors will have the opportunity to observe cultural martial arts performances, demonstrations and a simple workshop to learn the techniques for themselves.
Art Weekend – Friday, July 20th and Saturday, July 21st
“Join Dragon Lights Reno for an Artistic Weekend!” – Dragon Lights Reno handcrafters will demonstrate how their handmade crafts are made. Attendees will enjoy handicraft demonstrations of Chinese name painting from 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Aluminum Weaving from 9:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Five lucky visitors will have the chance to try it on their own and bring home the artwork they create. Ms. Lin Li, the instructor of Summer Chinese Culture Program at University of Nevada, Reno will teach calligraphy writing where attendees will have the opportunity to learn to write the most difficult Chinese character and much more!
Open Mic Weekend – Friday, July 27th and Saturday, July 28th
“Reno has talent – Nonstop stage entertainment the entire night!” – Enjoy an evening of local entertainment as visitors will display their talents in between the nightly performances. Dragon Lights Reno will provide the stage, sound and lighting and microphone. Each open mic participant will receive two complimentary event tickets.
Closing Weekend – Saturday, August 4th and Sunday, August 5th
“Your last and only chance to bring home a lantern!” – Visitors will learn more about the difficult process of lantern making and the production of the festival. A few selected lanterns will be available for auction where all proceeds will be donated to a local organization.
