Deseret Peak Complex Lantern Festival Location & Tickets Guide
The Deseret Peak Complex Lantern Festival is one of the most enchanting and visually stunning events held in Utah. It brings people together for a magical evening filled with lanterns, music, food, and community spirit. Much like the 1936 Salzburg Festival Guide to Location, Guests, & Ticket info, this festival captures the heart of both locals and travelers who seek beauty, connection, and unforgettable memories under the stars.
Every year, thousands gather to release glowing lanterns into the night sky at the Deseret Peak Complex. Each lantern represents a wish, memory, or message of hope that floats upward, lighting the darkness. The event is more than a celebration—it’s an experience that unites families, friends, and strangers in a peaceful and beautiful display of unity.
What Type of Festival Is It?
The Deseret Peak Complex Lantern Festival is an outdoor event that celebrates light, peace, and community. Guests come together at sunset to release hundreds of biodegradable lanterns that illuminate the Utah sky. The moment when the lanterns lift off is breathtaking, creating a soft golden glow across the horizon.
This festival focuses on hope and reflection. People often write personal wishes or names of loved ones on their lanterns before letting them rise into the sky. The emotional connection and sense of togetherness make it an unforgettable experience.
Apart from the lantern release, there are live performances, food trucks, and campfire zones. It’s a blend of music, culture, and personal meaning. The setting sun, the warmth of fire pits, and the sound of laughter make it a relaxing escape from everyday life.
Location of the Festival
The Deseret Peak Complex Lantern Festival takes place at Deseret Peak Complex, located at 2930 UT-112, Grantsville, Utah 84029. This large outdoor venue offers open fields and clear skies—perfect for the safe and spectacular release of lanterns.
The Deseret Peak Complex is a well-known site for large-scale events in Tooele County. It features ample parking space, easy accessibility from Salt Lake City, and open grounds that accommodate thousands of visitors.
Here’s a quick look at the location details:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Venue Name | Deseret Peak Complex |
| Address | 2930 UT-112, Grantsville, Utah 84029 |
| Distance from Salt Lake City | Approximately 35 miles west |
| Accessibility | Car, ride-share, and shuttle service |
| Parking | On-site parking with designated areas for guests |
The venue’s natural surroundings and open landscape provide a scenic backdrop that enhances the beauty of the lantern launch. It’s an ideal location for photography, family gatherings, and peaceful reflection.
Who Organizes This Festival?
The Deseret Peak Complex Lantern Festival is organized by Night Lights Events, a company known for hosting large-scale lantern festivals across the United States. Their mission is to create safe, family-friendly experiences that bring hope, love, and unity to communities through the power of light.
Night Lights Events emphasizes environmental responsibility. The lanterns are made from biodegradable rice paper and bamboo to ensure minimal environmental impact. Each lantern is also flame-retardant and designed to burn out before touching the ground.
The organizers work closely with local fire and safety departments to maintain high standards of security and environmental care. Their commitment ensures that participants enjoy the festival safely and meaningfully.
Dates and Times
The Deseret Peak Complex Lantern Festival is typically held during late spring or early summer, when the weather is warm and skies are clear. For example, the 2025 festival was hosted on Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24.
Each day follows the same general schedule, allowing families and groups to choose the most convenient date.
Here’s the standard event timeline:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:00 PM | Gates open |
| 6:30 PM | Attendees expected to arrive |
| 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM | Live music and performances |
| 8:45 PM – 9:15 PM | Lantern lighting and preparation |
| After Sunset (approx. 9:30 PM) | Lantern launch |
| 10:30 PM | Event concludes |
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to avoid traffic delays and secure the best viewing spots. The atmosphere begins to build as the sun sets and the first lanterns are prepared for launch.
Where to Buy Tickets?
Tickets for the Deseret Peak Complex Lantern Festival can be purchased directly through the official Night Lights Events website. Buying early is recommended because the event often sells out weeks in advance.
Ticket options generally include:
| Ticket Type | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission | Includes 1 lantern, 1 lighter, and a marker for personalization | $45–$65 |
| Early Bird | Discounted tickets for early purchasers | $35–$50 |
| VIP Package | Includes front-row viewing area, exclusive parking, and extra lanterns | $85–$120 |
You can visit nightlightsevent.com to see upcoming event dates and ticket information.
Performers at Deseret Peak Complex Lantern Festival
One of the highlights of the Deseret Peak Complex Lantern Festival is the lineup of performers. Live musicians, singers, and acoustic bands set the mood for the evening. The performances often include genres like folk, pop, and soft rock, creating a relaxing atmosphere that fits perfectly with the night’s theme.
Local Utah artists and regional performers often participate, turning the event into both a musical and visual celebration. The music continues throughout the evening, reaching its emotional peak during the lantern launch.
This event’s creative energy mirrors other popular festivals, such as the Hatch Chile Festival Guide to Location, Guests, and Ticket info, where regional culture and local talent shine side by side.
What Makes This Festival Special?
This Peak Complex Lantern Festival is not just an event—it’s an experience that connects hearts and communities. Every lantern that floats into the sky carries a story, a hope, or a remembrance. The festival allows participants to express their dreams and emotions visually.
Safety and sustainability are central to its mission. All lanterns are biodegradable, flame-retardant, and eco-friendly, ensuring the event’s environmental footprint remains small.
The festival also offers family-friendly activities, making it suitable for children, couples, and friends alike. Many visitors bring picnic blankets, enjoy the food trucks, and sit by the fire pits while waiting for the lantern launch.
In addition to the aesthetic beauty, the symbolic meaning of releasing lanterns—letting go of worries, honoring loved ones, or setting new goals—gives the event deep personal significance.
Tips for Attending the Festival
Although the Deseret Peak Complex Lantern Festival is straightforward to attend, a little preparation helps enhance the experience.
| Category | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Arrival | Get there by 6:00 PM to avoid lines and find a good viewing spot. |
| Clothing | Bring a jacket or hoodie; evenings in Utah can get cool. |
| Comfort | Carry camping chairs or blankets for seating. |
| Photography | Use night mode or tripod for the best lantern launch photos. |
| Safety | Follow staff instructions for lighting and launching lanterns. |
Being prepared ensures that you can focus entirely on enjoying the event rather than worrying about logistics.
Food, Drinks, and Amenities
Visitors at the Deseret Peak Complex Lantern Festival enjoy a range of food options from local vendors and food trucks. From classic American snacks to warm drinks and sweet treats, there’s something for everyone.
There are also rest areas, restrooms, and first-aid stations available across the venue. The organizers maintain cleanliness and safety throughout the event, ensuring that families with children feel comfortable.
Food trucks serve until after the lantern launch, so guests can grab a meal or dessert even after the main event.
Why You Should Attend
If you’re looking for a unique, uplifting, and emotional experience, this Peak Complex Lantern Festival is a must-visit. It’s more than entertainment—it’s a night of reflection and shared joy.
Whether you’re attending with family, friends, or alone, you’ll find a sense of peace and connection that few events can offer. The visual beauty of thousands of lanterns lighting up the sky will stay in your memory for years to come.
The festival also supports local communities by promoting tourism and providing opportunities for small vendors and performers to showcase their talents.
Final Thoughts
The Deseret Peak Complex Lantern Festival is a beautiful blend of culture, emotion, and natural beauty. It transforms an ordinary night into something extraordinary. The act of releasing a lantern becomes a personal ritual—one that symbolizes hope, healing, and connection.
Just like other historic cultural events such as the Salzburg and Hatch Chile festivals, this Utah-based celebration stands as a testament to how light and community can bring people together.
If you ever find yourself in Utah in late spring, don’t miss the opportunity to witness and be part of this magical event. The glow of hundreds of lanterns rising into the dark sky is something that no photo can fully capture—it has to be experienced in person.
