The Lantern Festival - Benson, Arizona

09/19/2025

Less than 24 hours to go!! Here are some important reminders to ensure you have the best possible experience at the 8th Annual Lantern Festival tomorrow.
Gates will close promptly at 7:30 pm. Please be sure to arrive in plenty of time to be on festival grounds before gates close.
If you would like to bring a shade structure (umbrella, EZ Up canopy) to the event, you are welcome to do so. We also welcome tailgate types of games such as co****le; however, horseshoes will NOT be allowed.
We encourage blankets to sit on or lawn chairs if you prefer as well as insect spray and sunscreen. Strollers and wagons for children will be permitted.
You may wish to bring a BBQ grill lighter for easier lantern lighting (regular lighters are provided) and additional markers to decorate your lantern (one marker is provided).
We also suggest bringing cash or a debit/credit card for vendor purchases. Checks will not be taken at the event (unless certain vendors are willing to accept them; most do not). A light jacket is also recommended.
THERE WILL BE NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINKS, PETS OR WEAPONS PERMITTED. Those who violate the rules (or common sense) may be asked to leave the event and those who are asked to leave will not be re-admitted.
We look forward to a wonderful evening of food, family, friends, and fun!

09/19/2025

🎉Crews are out prepping the area for the Lantern Festival- TOMORROW!🎉

It’s going to be a gorgeous day, and you don’t want to miss this awe-inspiring event that’s fun for the whole family! 🌞🏮

✨ When: Saturday, September 20th | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Where: San Pedro Golf Course, Benson, AZ
🎟️ Tickets: Still available — get yours here:
eventbrite.com/e/8th-annual-lantern-festival-tickets-1397047780519
Tickets are also available at the gate; gates close at 7:30 PM.

Come enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with lights, laughter, and community — all under beautiful skies. See you there! 💫

09/17/2025

09/17/2025

🎉 Lantern Festival Sponsor Alert! 🎉

We want to give a big THANK YOU to MTE Communications for their generous support of the Benson Lantern Festival! 🏮✨

MTE Communications provides internet service even in hard-to-reach places, helping to keep our community connected.

📞 You can reach them at 208-414-3000
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: mtecom.net

Mark your calendars! 📅
Join us for the 8th Annual Lantern Festival on Saturday, September 20, 2025, right here in beautiful Benson, Arizona! You won’t want to miss this magical evening of light, community, and celebration. 💫

Thank you, MTE Communications, for helping us create memories that will last for years to come. 💛🏮

09/16/2025

The event features family fun activities in addition to hundreds of lanterns lighting the night sky.

09/16/2025

Be sure to check out the Classic Cars Off Main Car Show at Lions Park before the festival begins on Saturday!

📅 Event Details:
🗓️ Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
🕗 Time: 8 AM – 2 PM
📍 Location: Lions Park – 435 N Adams St, Benson, AZ
Enjoy classic cars, local vendors, and a raffle full of fun surprises.
Don’t miss this beloved Benson tradition!

09/16/2025

Congratulations to our ninth and final Giveaway Friday winner, Hannah Laura!
She has won admission for two to the 8th Annual Lantern Festival on September 20th, including a lantern.
Thanks to everybody who participated in our Giveaway Friday contests. Hope to see you on Saturday!

09/13/2025

We're gearing up for next Saturday! Here are some important reminders to ensure you have the best possible experience at the 8th Annual Lantern Festival!
Gates will close promptly at 7:30 pm. Please be sure to arrive in plenty of time to be on festival grounds before gates close.
If you would like to bring a shade structure (umbrella, EZ Up canopy) to the event, you are welcome to do so. We also welcome tailgate types of games such as co****le; however, horseshoes will NOT be allowed.
We encourage blankets to sit on or lawn chairs if you prefer as well as insect spray and sunscreen. Strollers and wagons for children will be permitted.
You may wish to bring a BBQ grill lighter for easier lantern lighting (regular lighters are provided) and additional markers to decorate your lantern (one marker is provided).
We also suggest bringing cash or a debit/credit card for vendor purchases. Checks will not be taken at the event (unless certain vendors are willing to accept them; most do not). A light jacket is also recommended.
THERE WILL BE NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR DRINKS, PETS OR WEAPONS PERMITTED. Those who violate the rules (or common sense) may be asked to leave the event and those who are asked to leave will not be re-admitted.
We look forward to a wonderful evening of food, family, friends, and fun!

09/12/2025

It's time for our final Giveaway Friday before the big day!

Here’s what you have to do for your chance to win admission for two to Benson's 8th Annual Lantern Festival, including a lantern:

- Be sure you have liked The Lantern Festival - Benson, Arizona page
- Tag 2 friends
- Share this post

One lucky winner will be drawn and announced on Monday September 15th. Good luck!!

AVOID SCAMS: We will not have "surprise" giveaways or select “surprise” winners. Our contests will always be announced directly on our page (not in the comments) as will the winners.
Each weekly winner will be contacted by an employee of the City of Benson and provided a phone number for verification purposes. WE WILL NEVER ASK FOR YOUR CREDIT CARD OR PERSONAL INFORMATION and you will not be required to follow a link to claim your prize. Winners will not be "canceled" after a specific number of hours or days; you may claim your prize until the day before the event.

Pay attention for indicators of scams such as broken English, grammar, capitalization and punctuation errors; we are careful to avoid these types of mistakes in our posts and comments.

Do not follow links that appear to take you to The Lantern Festival - Benson, Arizona. They are spoofs. This is the only genuine page for the festival. There is not a website exclusive to the Lantern Festival; festival information can be found on the City’s website and Eventbrite.

When in doubt, message us directly or call Benson City Hall at (520) 586-2245.

09/12/2025

🏮 Lantern Festival Sponsor Spotlight! 🏮

A big thank you to La Frontera SEABHS of Benson for their 4 years of continued support of the Benson Lantern Festival! 🌟 Your commitment to our community helps make this magical event possible year after year.

💛 You can find them at:
📍 611 W Union St, Benson, AZ
📞 (520) 586-6177

📅 Don’t forget:
Join us on Saturday, September 20, 2025, for an unforgettable evening under the lights! ✨