Light Festival Cologne | Water Lantern Festival 2026
poster

Cologne

The Water Glows at Sunset A live band sets the atmosphere at Im Mediapark 7 as the sun sets over Cologne. Spend the day enjoying food and drinks, connecting with others, and personalizing your lantern with a wish, a memory or a message. Share stories during open mic moments before releasing your lantern onto the water alongside thousands of others.

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Water Lantern Festival Cologne

Water Lantern Festival Cologne

Water Lantern Festival comes to Cologne for one day/weekend only, transforming MediaPark into a place to slow down, connect and experience something new. Rediscover this special spot under a different light while enjoying live music, food and drinks, interactive games, open mic moments and time to pause and reflect. As the sun sets, join thousands of others as your lanterns come together on the water.

Loved by 500K+ visitors across 50+ cities worldwide, this shared experience is now coming to Cologne.

8+

Years Running

50+

Cities Worldwide

500K+

People Together

Everything That Awaits You

From the moment you arrive to the moment the last lantern hits the water.

Getting Ready for Cologne

What to Bring

Your ticket — QR code in the Fever app Comfortable clothes (outdoor event, close to water) A layer for after sunset — it gets cooler at dusk Sunscreen / bug spray Blanket or portable chair

What to Expect

The event is entirely outdoors and lasts around 4 hours. Gates open with live music already playing and food vendors running. You'll receive your lantern kit at check-in — take your time decorating it, walk around, find your spot. As the sun sets, the team guides everyone to the water's edge for the launch. After the release, stay and watch the lanterns drift before the event closes.

Practical Info

Date: August 21st and 22nd 2026 General admission: General admission: Access to the park is open for everyone. To actively participate in the ritual, get your tickets through Fever. Opening hours: The festival starts at 5:00 PM, and the lanterns will be released between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Duration: The Experience will take around 4 hours Location: Im Mediapark 7, 50670 Cologne, Germany Age requirement: All ages! Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible

CITIES

Loved by Thousands

Real words from people who've been.

3.98 / 5 · based on 1,731 reviews · 52% five-star

Review from Birkenhead Birkenhead

"Beautiful, moving and peaceful. Absolutely loved it."

Review from Buenos Aires Buenos Aires

"One of the most beautiful events I've ever experienced. The peace truly blew me away."

Review from Dartmouth Dartmouth

"You realise you're not alone."

Location

Im Mediapark 7, 50670 Cologne, Germany

Get directions

The Magic Stays in Your Memory. Not on the Water.

Every lantern collected. Every venue restored. Every waterway protected.

100% Recovery 100% Recovery

Every lantern collected after every single event, guaranteed. Nothing stays in the water.

Biodegradable by Design Biodegradable by Design

Paper, natural wood, and an LED candle — no open flame, no plastic, nothing that harms the water or the wildlife.

Leave It Better Leave It Better

Our crew stays after every event until the venue is exactly as we found it. Every event, zero-waste from start to finish.

FAQs

Do you have any questions?

Do you have any questions? Maybe you can find the answer here!

About the experience

What can I expect from the event? The Water Lantern Festival is a family-friendly, community-driven event where attendees decorate and release personalized lanterns onto the water at sunset, creating a beautiful and reflective experience. The event typically includes live music, food trucks, and a relaxed atmosphere ideal for families, couples, and groups. Each ticket usually includes a lantern kit, markers for decorating, and access to entertainment. The festival is environmentally conscious, with all lanterns collected after the event. It’s a memorable, visually stunning experience perfect for sharing and connecting.
Where is the experience located? The event takes place at MediaPark, Im Mediapark 7, 50670 Cologne, Germany.
Does the experience take place in an indoor or outdoor venue? This experience is held outdoors. If due to the weather forecast the event cannot be held, we will notify you via email at the same address linked to your Fever account. When in doubt, please remember to check your spam folder too.
How long does the experience last? For you to have an estimate, people usually spend 4h at this experience.
Will food and beverage be available on site for purchase? You will be able to purchase food and beverage at this event.
Is there parking available? There is limited parking available. We recommend everyone to use public transportation.
Will there be additional sessions? Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee there will be extra dates. Please refer to the experience page for updated information on availability, as those are the confirmed dates and timings.
Is there a dress code? There is no dress code for this event, but we recommend dressing appropriately for the weather.
Will there be merchandise for sale? Yes, there will be merchandise for sale on-site.

About tickets

Where can I get tickets? In the Fever App, available on Google Play and the Apple Store On the Fever website
Can I purchase tickets at the door? We will have a box office on site. However, tickets may be sold out by the time you arrive at the event, so we highly recommend you book your tickets in advance in order to guarantee your spot. You can purchase tickets in the Fever App or on the Fever website.
Can I transfer my tickets to another person? Yes, for this event you are able to transfer your tickets to another person.
Do I need to print my ticket? No, your contactless tickets are validated directly in the Fever app.
I can't find my ticket. What should I do?

You can find your ticket in the "Tickets" section of the Fever app (you can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play). Please remember to log in with the same login method used to make the purchase.

You will also find your QR code in your purchase confirmation email.
Can I change the date of my ticket? Are refunds allowed?

We may be able to help reschedule or exchange your ticket for another date, time or ticket type that has not already sold out. Please contact us for more information. Make sure to include your ticket order number.

Refunds are not possible under any circumstances. For more information, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.

About access to the event

Can I bring animals? Are service dogs allowed? This is a pet-friendly event—feel free to bring them!
Is the venue accessible? Yes, the event is being held in an accessible venue.
What are the prohibited items at the experience? For the safety of all guests, weapons and drugs are not allowed in the premise of the event.
Do you offer carer tickets? The Water Lantern Festival is an open event – access to the venue is free. You only need a ticket if you want to release a lantern onto the water yourself. Your carer can therefore join you even without a ticket.
Is the experience accessible for deaf/visually impaired people? We're happy to confirm that guests with visual or hearing impairments will be able to enjoy this experience. The lantern release, however, is a truly visual sight, so a visual impairment may simply mean experiencing that particular moment a little differently.
Will restrooms be available on site? This location has restrooms—please ask our staff on site for indications.
Can I take photos or record the experience? Feel free to take photos and share them. When taking photos, please make sure not to disturb other customers. Professional equipment and tripods are not permitted.
Is there a Lost & Found? We would recommend to ask the staff at the venue if they have found your belongings.t.
Is coat check available? Unfortunately, there is no coat check at this event.
Is there an age requirement? Guests of all age groups are welcome.
Will there be an audio guide? Unfortunately, this experience does not include an audio guide.

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