There are scenes that look like they’re straight out of a Disney fairy tale. And the best part? You don’t even have to leave São Paulo to see them up close. On Halloween, October 31, and on Sunday, November 1, the Water Lantern Festival returns to São Paulo, bringing a spectacle of floating lanterns inspired by Thai traditions to the Botanical Garden.
The event runs from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and tickets, starting at R$ 92 with a 20% discount, already include admission to the Botanical Garden. The lanterns are released into the water, and the release lasts for about an hour so that everyone can participate.
A reunion with the lights on the water
After its first stop in São Paulo in August, the event returns to celebrate spring in a unique way. At dusk, the Botanical Garden takes on a special atmosphere: participants write messages, memories, or wishes on the lanterns before setting them afloat, creating a collective spectacle of lights.
A global phenomenon in the heart of an Atlantic Forest refuge
It would not be wrong to say that the choice of venue is almost as impressive as the event itself. After all, the Botanical Garden is a true green postcard of São Paulo, featuring century-old trees, orchids, and clear springs, as it is located within the Fontes do Ipiranga State Park—one of the last and most important remnants of the Atlantic Forest within the urban area of São Paulo.
More than just a springtime weekend outing, the Water Lantern Festival is an internationally renowned event. In fact, before coming to São Paulo, this event—inspired by Thai traditions—had already captivated more than 50 cities, including New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto, attracting over half a million visitors worldwide. Now, the magic is about to return to São Paulo.
A Practical Guide to Enjoying the Water Lantern Festival in São Paulo
If you want to make the most of the Water Lantern Festival, it’s best to plan ahead. The event runs from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on October 31 and November 1, and your ticket includes admission to the Botanical Garden. And don’t worry—there’s plenty to do before it’s time to release the floating lanterns.
Right at the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a live band playing music to liven up the atmosphere. There will also be plenty of food stands (with vegan and gluten-free options available) and drinks, interactive games, and even an open mic session—which anyone can join.
The idea is for you to arrive early and pick up your complete kit with everything you need: a lantern, markers for personalization, and a backpack. Then, just enjoy the program, and in the blink of an eye, the highlight will arrive—the release of the lanterns into the water, accompanied by the warm hues of the sunset over São Paulo’s Botanical Garden. It’s the perfect time to set all your wishes free on the lake.
To ensure a comfortable experience, the organizers recommend that you bring appropriate footwear, an extra layer for when it gets dark, sunscreen and insect repellent, as well as a blanket or portable chair. If you follow these tips, this will be an outdoor experience to cherish among your fondest memories. What if it rains? The event takes place outdoors. If it can’t be held due to bad weather, Fever will notify ticket holders by email, so be sure to check your spam folder as well.
Leaving no trace in nature
And when it’s time to head home, don’t worry: a team will be on site to ensure that all the lanterns are collected (100% sustainable, made from rice paper or biodegradable tissue paper with a wood base and small, low-power LED lights). In keeping with its commitment to the environment, the organization’s goal is to leave no trace in nature, so that the Botanical Garden wakes up just as it always does!
