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If you’ve never been the to Missouri Botanical Gardens Lantern Festival, it’s time for that to change. This was my first time at one of the popular lantern festivals and I’ll be sure to go back each year.

MO Botanical Gardens Lantern Festival | Arch City Homes

I’m always looking for fun things to do on weekend nights that are a change from just dinner, drinks or a movie. If you feel the same way, you’ve got until August 23 to schedule a visit to the Lantern Festival.

My suggestion would grab be to grab an early dinner and arrive at the Gardens around 7 pm. I was able to park in the main lot when I arrived, but if it’s already full, there is plenty of nearby street parking. Wear comfortable shoes…you’ll do a lot of walking.

Once inside, head to the amphitheater in the gardens (just follow the crowds). On the way you’ll get to see a preview of the lanterns before they are lit up.

MO Botanical Gardens Lantern Festival | Arch City Homes MO Botanical Gardens Lantern Festival | Arch City Homes

The LFC Chinese Acrobatic Performance Troupe does a show at 7:30 pm that is truly amazing to watch. How anyone can be so flexible (and strong), I just can’t imagine.

Almost everyone, including me, was sitting on the grass. Don’t bother bringing a chair, but you might want to bring a small blanket to sit on for the show. Especially if it has rained recently.

Here are some pictures of the troupe doing their thing.

MO Botanical Gardens Lantern Festival | Arch City HomesMO Botanical Gardens Lantern Festival | Arch City Homes MO Botanical Gardens Lantern Festival | Arch City Homes

Pictures truly can’t capture this show…so be sure to arrive in time to watch the entire thing.

The show ends just before it starts getting dark. The lanterns are lit up at 8 pm, but you need to wait until it is really dark to see them in their full beauty.

This one reminded me a bit of the Light Bright toy from my childhood. Here’s a daylight vs night shot of it.

MO Botanical Gardens Lantern Festival | Arch City Homes MO Botanical Gardens Lantern Festival | Arch City Homes

I love flowers and lined or covered pathways, so Chrysanthemum Pathway and Cherry Tree Arches were my favorites.

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Many of the lanterns had rotating colors like this one.

MO Botanical Gardens Lantern Festival | Arch City Homes MO Botanical Gardens Lantern Festival | Arch City Homes

The variety of lanterns is truly impressive.

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And if you have little ones…you might want to bring a towel. Lots of them were soaked as they cooled off in the water fountain.

MO Botanical Gardens Lantern Festival | Arch City Homes

There are only a few days left before prices go up. Head out in July for just $22 for adults ($11 for members). Located in the Shaw neighborhood by Tower Grove Park, there are plenty of nearby restaurants where you can grab dinner before you hit the festival.

More information about the Missouri Botanical Gardens Lantern Festival

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