Esquimalt Lantern Festival 2025
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The Esquimalt Lantern Festival (ELF) is an annual, all ages, FREE event held at the Esquimalt Gorge Park on the traditional land of the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.
It features music by local musicians, handmade lanterns, large-scale puppets, and interactive art installations throughout the park. The festival's mandate is to create a warm, welcoming environment that celebrates all things weird and wonderful! |
For updates & announcements, check out our Facebook Event!
THURS, SEPT 25 - LANTERN MAKING
5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Come and join us at the pavilion to make a simple paper lantern,
that you can carry at the main event on Friday!
There will be basic supplies, and artists to instruct you. All ages welcome.
First come first serve, while supplies last.
Entrance by donation.
FRIDAY, SEPT 26 - MAIN EVENT
5:30 PM - PRE-SUNSET GATHERING
There will be live music, face paint, food vendors, and giant puppets! In addition, Nikkei Cultural Society will be demonstrating how to add a Japanese symbol to your lantern! FREE EVENT.
6:45pm - SUNDOWN LANTERN STRUT
The band will lead everyone along the water to the beach in a giant procession of lanterns and light.
7:30 PM - THE PARK IS OPEN TO EXPLORE
Explore the Enchanted Forest, Magical Gardens, and Mystical Beach where you will find musicians creating mysterious soundscapes, mysterious creatures and glowing lanterns.
8:00 PM - HAPPY CAT KARAOKE CHOIR
Need a break from wandering around the woods in the dark? Join Brooke Maxwell to meow a couple songs!
10:00 PM - LIGHTS OUT
HOW CAN YOU PREPARE FOR ELF?
Bring a lantern!
(LED only) Don’t have one? Click HERE for some ideas on how to make one.
OR you can join us on Thursday, Sept 25 to make one, by donation, at the Gorge Pavilion.
In a rush? Throw a glow stick into a plastic bottle, attach a string and ta da - instant lantern!
Wear a costume!
Our theme this year is CREATURES BIG & SMALL. Ooooooo. What does that even mean? Who knows! Perhaps there will be wizards, or elves, or cardboard gnomes, or princess’ with warts, or animals with wonky heads?? Let your inner creature run wild. Do you have anything that lights up? Wrap those fairy lights around your shoulders and hurrah! No pressure though - “normies” are welcome too. :)
Are dogs allowed?
YES. Dogs on leash are welcome at ELF. The crowds can be dense, so please only bring your pet if they are ok with lights, and people.
Is there food?
YES. The following food vendors will be onsite: Hotdog Hustlin', Country Crepes, Lexi's Ice Cream & Treats. More vendors are being confirmed - stay tuned for more info!
Bring a lantern!
(LED only) Don’t have one? Click HERE for some ideas on how to make one.
OR you can join us on Thursday, Sept 25 to make one, by donation, at the Gorge Pavilion.
In a rush? Throw a glow stick into a plastic bottle, attach a string and ta da - instant lantern!
Wear a costume!
Our theme this year is CREATURES BIG & SMALL. Ooooooo. What does that even mean? Who knows! Perhaps there will be wizards, or elves, or cardboard gnomes, or princess’ with warts, or animals with wonky heads?? Let your inner creature run wild. Do you have anything that lights up? Wrap those fairy lights around your shoulders and hurrah! No pressure though - “normies” are welcome too. :)
Are dogs allowed?
YES. Dogs on leash are welcome at ELF. The crowds can be dense, so please only bring your pet if they are ok with lights, and people.
Is there food?
YES. The following food vendors will be onsite: Hotdog Hustlin', Country Crepes, Lexi's Ice Cream & Treats. More vendors are being confirmed - stay tuned for more info!
Where does the event take place?
Gorge Park & Pavilion - 1070 Tillicum Rd.
The main site of ELF is the bandstand on the water-facing side of the Pavilion. This is where you will find face painting, live music, vendors & first aid.
As it gets dark, you are then welcome to explore the Enchanted Forest, Japanese Gardens, and Beach where you will find lantern installations, live music, and lights.
It is an outdoor event. There are no activities inside.
Parking is limited.
Don’t miss out on the event by circling around. If you are able….use an alternative mode of transportation. Here are some options…
Gorge Park & Pavilion - 1070 Tillicum Rd.
The main site of ELF is the bandstand on the water-facing side of the Pavilion. This is where you will find face painting, live music, vendors & first aid.
As it gets dark, you are then welcome to explore the Enchanted Forest, Japanese Gardens, and Beach where you will find lantern installations, live music, and lights.
It is an outdoor event. There are no activities inside.
Parking is limited.
Don’t miss out on the event by circling around. If you are able….use an alternative mode of transportation. Here are some options…
- BIKE from downtown (15min ride) - there are now protected bike lanes all the way to Gorge Park and we will have additional bike parking. See map HERE
- BUSES #14, #11 & #26 all bring you within a 10min walk of the park.
- Park at FAIRWAY MARKET (272 Gorge Rd) or GORGE VALE GOLF CLUB (1005 Craigflower) and walk over (10 min walk).
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We are seeking volunteers to assist at the event.
If you are interested/available, please fill out the form below.
We are seeking volunteers to assist at the event.
If you are interested/available, please fill out the form below.
CONTACT
Questions, ideas, concerns?
Reach out to our Artistic Producer Jessica Hickman at [email protected]
Questions, ideas, concerns?
Reach out to our Artistic Producer Jessica Hickman at [email protected]