Water Lantern Festival- National Harbor

Water Lantern Festival - National Harbor

August 9, 2025 - Washington, DC

Photographed and Written by Caden Forrester @flicksby4ster

When arriving at the Water Lantern Festival, a sense of serenity enters your mind. There is a faint buzz of chattering from the hundreds of people in attendance. The harbor had listed this event as a night of “fun, happiness, hope, and great memories.” With the Saturday timing set to start at 5:30, the countless local vendors were gearing up for the night.

The locally formed volunteer staff funneled families, friend groups, and couples out on their date night toward the shoreline. There was a sense of respect and calmness with the crowd slowly filling the staging area. The whole aesthetic of the setup echoed the emotional tone of gathering, reflecting, and connecting.

Nate Hadley

Nate Hadley was the first artist of the night to take the stage. A Virginia based folk singer/songwriter opened the evening in a way that felt very fitting to the night. It was not Nate’s first time performing at the DC water lantern festival, and he brought a welcoming attitude to all the new attendees. His songs bring together a well-matched pair of acoustic arrangements and storytelling. From a spectator's point of view, Nate brings a sound influenced by Tyler Childers, Noah Kahan, The Lumineers, and Steinza. Nate played a brief set of a few of his own songs as well as covers. Including some songs from his debut EP, Burn My Heart, a five-song showing of young love, separation, and self-acceptance.

What was previously stated as an influence does not mean that Nate lacks his own unique sound. In fact, Nate’s voice was clear, unforced, and the songs felt like there was a real weight behind them. Nate ended his set very grateful for the crowd he performed for, and welcoming the next artist.

Aidan Adams

As the night got later, a very young singer/songwriter, Aiden Adams, took the stage, for what we were told was his first ever live performance. Aiden had let us know that he had recently turned 11.

Any nerves of Aiden’s evaporated right at that first strum of his guitar. The set, filled with songs from his debut album, The Elevator of Live, which was released when Aiden was 10 years old! The young performer was earnest, without being too precious. The way he played his guitar and the writing of his songs showed the musical wisdom of someone far beyond his age. Aiden kept a consistent tone of gratitude, encouragement, and repeated image of joy. Aiden handed the guests back off to the festival as his set concluded.

Culture of the Night

Behind the main appeal of the night was an army of local vendors and volunteers. There was a vendor row that doubled as a nice, slow stroll to take and look around. Food trucks handled the dinner rush, with lines throughout the vendor area. While local candle, crochet, and jewelry stores took over the other needs. The festival promises live music, vendors, a scavenger hunt, food trucks, and the lantern launch. Included in our boxes were instructions for the aforementioned scavenger hunt giveaway and conversation cards. These all brought neighboring groups together and brought everyone closer in the night. The overall feel of the night was intentional and patient. The presence of live music shaped the evening: listen, explore, create, release.

Lanterns

This is where the festival earns its namesake, the water lanterns. Upon entry, everyone received an eco-friendly kit with rice paper and a wooden base to customize with a marker during the set. Around me, people drew names, anniversary dates, animals, and letters to loved ones.

When the first lanterns hit the water, the surface of the water transformed. With serene music playing around the park, there was a quiet murmuring of personal send-offs. The mood shifts from a busy festival to an actual ceremony. Floating lanterns traditionally signify remembrance, hope, and renewal. The festival narrator reminded us of this, but also added a few new features I hadn’t thought of. It was a night of shared ritual for grief, gratitude, and future intention.

Standing on the shoreline, I felt an internal debate. Am I photographing or participating? I tried to do both, one wide shot to capture the glow of the night, for a personal keepsake. Another, a tight shot focusing on the lanterns that stood out to me. For a while, I set my camera down and just watched. The organizers describe the night as “a meaningful and emotional evening,” and let me just say, the marketing doesn’t oversell the reality.