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The Lantern Parade Program

Saturday 20 June 2026

Enchanted Windows

16 – 27 June
Throughout the Lismore CBD and South Lismore.
Map coming soon

 

Market deLight

10.30am – 9.00pm
New start time kicks off the day as the Market deLight springs to life. Wander through an irresistible mix of regional food, arts and crafts, and pop‑up shops from local CBD businesses. It’s the perfect place to graze, browse, and soak up the festival vibe all afternoon and into the evening. Take some time to explore the beautiful Enchanted Windows created by Lismore's business community.

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KidsFest

10.30am – 4.30pm

A big day of fun just for kids (and kids at heart)! KidsFest is packed with activities, street performers, jumping castles, and hands‑on fun delivered by Northern Rivers community groups and organisations. Summerland Bank will be there with their giant street games and lantern‑decorating station, so kids can create something special before joining the Lantern Parade later in the day.  

"Whimiscal Woodland” transforms Lismore’s 10 County Lane in the  Back Alley Gallery into a Luminous Forest of Art, movement, music and fun. Program coming soon.

Heartbeats Festival Stage

10.30am – 10.00pm

In a new spot this year right in the beating heart of Lismore settle in for a full day of live music and performances at the much‑loved HeartBeats Festival Stage. From mid morning through to the evening, the stage showcases the incredible depth of talent from across the Northern Rivers. The afternoon includes a special Acknowledgement of Country from the delightful Little Jarjums from Friends Children’s Centre, followed by a vibrant mix of music and performance right through to the evening.

Full music program here.

Tea Cosy Exhibition

Lismore Regional Gallery | 10.00am – 4.00pm

Emergency Management Expo

10.30am – 2.00pm

Lantern Parade 

5.30pm – 6.30pm

One of the festival’s most magical moments. The fabulous lanterns and their Lanterneers assemble in the Riviera Carpark behind Molesworth Street, departing at 5.30pm.

 

The parade:

  • Starts at the Riviera Car Park

  • Travels along Magellan Street

  • Through the Market deLight

  • Past the Library

  • Then up Dawson Street into Oakes Oval

 

Along the way, keep an eye out for our friendly Bucketeers, who will be collecting donations or offering Digital Bucket cards.

See the Parade Map for viewing spots. Hint Dawson Street is lovely and wide, close to Oakes Oval for the Fiery Finale.

Please note: only Lanterneers with wristbands may enter through the Lantern Gate.​

Lantern Parade Route here

 

Fiery Finale - Tickets on Sale 14 May

6.30pm – 7.30pm

Oakes Oval

As night falls, gather for a powerful and unforgettable Fiery Finale in the stunning surrounds of Oakes Oval. 

  • FREE entry via the Magellan Street gate

  • Relax on the grass — bring blankets and cushions

  • Please sit down so everyone can see. 

  • No chairs permitted on the oval


Ticketed grandstand seating is available, with tickets go on sale from 14 May.

Hint; exchange your ticket for a wristband for quick and easy entry to the Fiery Finale. A list of businesses for exchange available soon.

Please note: the finale includes gentle pyrotechnics and lots of fire.

After Parties

8.30pm – late

Not ready to call it a night? Keep the celebration going as hotels and venues across the city host a range of lively After Parties while the main site is packed down.

With Thanks

A big thank you to:

  • Magenta Community Services – Lead Sponsor of the HeartBeats Festival Stage

  • Northern Rivers Conservatorium – for their valued support over many years

  • TAFE NSW Lismore – for live‑streaming the Fiery Finale.​​

  • Lismore City Council - for valued ongoing support.

Thursday
18 June 2026

Gala Night

Oakes Oval

20 June 2026

Fiery Finale

Market deLight
KidsFest
Heartbeats Festival Stage
Lantern Parade
Fiery Finale
After Parties

Our Sponsors

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B & J Flynn
Bennett Constructions
The Channon Craft Market
Hertz Car Rental

Northern Rivers Conservatorium
Nickel Energy
O'Brien Electrical & Plumbing 

Lismore City Printery

Lord's Taveners
LisAmore
Parker & Kissane
The Ultimate Handyman

The Digital Bucket

While our sponsors are incredibly generous, we rely on community support to help cover costs and make the Lantern Parade even better each year.You’ll still see donation buckets along the way for loose change and notes — but you can also support the Lantern Parade anytime by donating through our Digital Bucket.

LightnUp Inc (producers of the Lismore Lantern Parade) has partnered with Give Now, a secure online donation platform that provides tax receipts for all donations. Even better, LightnUp Inc is now an approved charity with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, which means your donation is tax deductible — woo hoo!

Head to our Donate page to see how easy it is to give and help keep the lanterns glowing.

© 2026 LightnUp Incorporated.
Producers of the Lismore Lantern Parade
ABN 12 605 767 294

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