Lantern Lighting Celebration

Join Lakewood for our 10th annual Lantern Lighting Celebration - an evening for all to gather with family, friends and community to honor and remember those we love and miss. We are so excited to bring this treasured tradition to our community once again.

Lantern Decorating, Food Trucks, and Live Music: 5 - 7:30 pm
Design a lantern to honor someone who you love and miss. Whether it's a photo, a drawing, a memory, or simply a name - you are invited to create a beautiful work of art dedicated to someone special. Lakewood will supply markers and other creative supplies to help you decorate your lantern while you enjoy live music, food trucks and Lakewood's scenic views.

Remember - if you bring a photograph, please bring a copy of the image as you will not be able to get your lantern back after the event.

You will not get your lantern back after the event, so be sure to take lots of pictures! Lanterns and any debris from the event will be removed from the lake each night.

Ceremony: 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Just before dusk, we will gather on the shores of Lakewood's Jo Pond to illuminate and release our lanterns while reading the names of those who are loved and missed. A bagpiper will play as darkness settles and our lanterns dance and float on the water - illuminating our individual intentions, reflecting our collective impact and lighting up the night.

Lakewood is honored to welcome back local musician Sarah Morris! Sarah is a songwriter, lover, and mother, documenting the glorious details of our messy, magical, everyday lives. Called a "country-leaning Norah Jones" (Star Tribune), Morris brings a subtlety to her craft, leaning into the details of the story and the heart of the song.

Sarah will be performing on Friday and Saturday night!

Lakewood welcomes back Becky Schlegel as our rain date musician! Becky's music is original, drawing on the influence of classic country, bluegrass, folk, and her own thoughtful spirit. Her incredible voice floats, whispers then soars above music of the highest quality. Becky takes her listeners on a musical journey, exploring new places and meeting new people in every song.

Becky will be performing on Sunday night for our rain date!

Rain Date: Sunday, September 22, 2024 | 5 - 8:30pm

Questions? Call the Lakewood events line at 612-540-5165 or email to events@lakewoodcemetery.org

Cost: Admission is free; Lanterns are $10 in advance / $15 at the door