Esquimalt Lantern Festival 2026
Parking is limited... please see details below for transporation options
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.
We are thrilled to offer performances from Island Circus Space, now located in Esquimalt!
Jordano the Great of Tricky Magic Productions returns to Lantern Festival
with his comedy magician & mentalist show.
The rhythm of DJ ezo_bk provides the soundtrack for the night, you provide the dancing!
For food, The Hot Dog Guys Tillicum will be there with hot dogs and Dole Whip; Noel's Mini Donuts and Fries; Lexi's Ice Cream and Treats, and Coffee to Tow
And of course, featuring interactive light and art installations throughout the park.
Our vision is to create a fun environment that celebrates creativity and imagination!
Please join in on the fun.
We are thrilled to offer performances from Island Circus Space, now located in Esquimalt!
Jordano the Great of Tricky Magic Productions returns to Lantern Festival
with his comedy magician & mentalist show.
The rhythm of DJ ezo_bk provides the soundtrack for the night, you provide the dancing!
For food, The Hot Dog Guys Tillicum will be there with hot dogs and Dole Whip; Noel's Mini Donuts and Fries; Lexi's Ice Cream and Treats, and Coffee to Tow
And of course, featuring interactive light and art installations throughout the park.
Our vision is to create a fun environment that celebrates creativity and imagination!
Please join in on the fun.
For updates & announcements, check out our Facebook Event!
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.
In a rush? Throw a glow stick into a plastic bottle, attach a string and ta da - instant lantern!
Wear a costume!
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, there will be food vendors. The Hotdog Guys will be there with their food truck and DOLE WHIP! 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.
In a rush? Throw a glow stick into a plastic bottle, attach a string and ta da - instant lantern!
Wear a costume!
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, there will be food vendors. The Hotdog Guys will be there with their food truck and DOLE WHIP! More vendors are being confirmed - stay tuned for more info!
Where does the event take place?
Gorge Park & Pavilion - 1070 Tillicum Rd.
There will be two stages, one at the beach and one at the back of the Pavilion.
As it gets dark, you are then welcome to explore the Enchanted Forest, Japanese Gardens, and Beach where you will find lantern installations, 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.
There will be two stages, one at the beach and one at the back of the Pavilion.
As it gets dark, you are then welcome to explore the Enchanted Forest, Japanese Gardens, and Beach where you will find lantern installations, 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. See map HERE
- BUSES #14, #11 & #26 all bring you within a 10min walk of the park.
- Park at 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 contact our event at [email protected]
We are seeking volunteers to assist at the event.
If you are interested/available, please contact our event at [email protected]