Glow at BSP

Friday, November 17, 2023 from 6:30 – 9:00PM

Located inside Bonnet Springs Park. All registered parade participants will arrive at the Allen and Company Family Lawn to be lined up for the parade route at 6:30PM. The parade route will be approximately one mile on hard ground (concrete walkways and asphalt path).

All spectators can arrive as early as they wish. Spectator locations along the parade route are marked on the map. The parade will begin at 7:00PM and end by 8:00PM.

After the parade finishes, all participants and guests are invited to join us on the Family Lawn to enjoy food, drinks, activities, art installations, and performances. The event will end at 9:30PM.

The closest parking lot to the start of the parade and the Family Lawn is in front of the Florida Children's Museum and the Depot Cafe

GLOW Lantern Parade is brought to you by Bonnet Springs Park, Florida Children’s Museum, and the Polk Arts and Cultural Alliance. During this unique experience, spectators and parade participants will gather and walk through the Park after dark, to showcase and enjoy the procession of handmade, glowing lanterns as well as art installations, performances, and music.

The lantern parade is meant to encourage creativity among all ages, with each participant choosing the style and theme of their individual lantern. When it comes to design, let your imagination run free… more is more!

To participate in the parade you must have a lantern. We will host several lantern-making workshops leading up to this event. Click here to register for a workshop or sign up to receive more information about available workshops.

You are also welcome to create a lantern at home, with minimal supplies needed. Click here for a DIY video and here to see a variety of parade lantern examples

All ages are welcome to participate or spectate. Children who wish to participate the Parade should arrive with, and be accompanied by, their adult or caregiver throughout the duration of the event. Please read on for how to register yourself or your group.

[Link to Registration Page]

To participate in the parade you must have a lantern and are strongly encouraged to register. There is no fee to register. Family or group registration is welcome and must be completed by the adult who will accompany any minor participants.

Parking on-site at BSP is first come, first serve. Overflow parking will also be available outside the Park. We encourage you to plan ahead to determine the best route for you and your family.

No. The park and event are free and open to the public!

BSP accepts all major credit cards and contactless payments (tap to pay). There are two reverse ATMs or “cash to card” machines also available for guests, at the Hollis Family Welcome Center and The Depot Cafe, located near the Florida Children's Museum.

BSP’s mobile vending carts will be selling snacks and beverages. Be sure to bring your credit/debit card, enabled tap to pay device, or visit one of our reverse ATM (“cash to card” machines) located at the Welcome Center or the Depot before making your way toward the event location. The Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Rooftop Bar will be open for the duration of the event.

Please see our General Park Rules for items that will not be permitted in the Park.

Due to the anticipated crowd size, pets will not be allowed at this event.

The complimentary Ride with Regal trams will be in operation until the Parade begins. They have stops located along the Circulator for your convenience.

Contact us here and we’d be happy to help!