The Reno Dragon Lights Festival in Rancho San Rafael Park is beautiful as well as awesome for all ages. We'll meet at 5pm in the Dragon Lights Food Court and enter the viewing area at 530. We can stay after 8p if we wish too. There's also shopping and fun interactive spots. Buy your $20 tix online at https://dragonlightsreno.org/tickets/ .
From the site:
Dragon Lights Reno returns to the enchanting setting of Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Rancho San Rafael Park. Embracing the shift in seasons, this year’s event unveils exciting new themes sure to captivate guests of all ages.
To celebrate the year of the dragon, our centerpiece boasts a magnificent 100-foot-long dragon soaring majestically through a cherry blossom forest. Guests are invited to wander through this breathtaking display, discovering the secrets hidden within the forest’s depths.Adding to the magic, a brand-new winter wonderland section has been introduced, reflecting the season transition. Here, visitors will see some lovely arctic creatures such as polar bears, puffins, and narwhals.
To elevate the experience, our local food vendors will tantalize taste buds with a diverse array of culinary delights and beverages available for purchase. This year, our menu has been expanded to include hot beverages, ensuring our guests stay cozy as they explore the wonders of Dragon Lights Reno.
Excellent fellow Organizer Christina added the following tips:
Plan to buy your ticket for 5pm (meaning you can enter any time between 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm). We'll meet at 5:00 pm at the entrance to Dragon Lights. (There's usually an arch of some sort.) Outside food and drink (no alcoholic beverages) are allowed, so bring a dinner to eat or you can buy something at one of the food vendors. We'll enter, then find a spot to eat, chat and get to know each other. (I know there are some picnic tables by the water.) Then when the sun goes down, we can go through the exhibits.
TICKETS: Tickets are $20 general admission (except Fri-Sat) and available online here: https://dragonlightsreno.org/tickets/ If you're a Greater Nevada Credit Union member, get $3 off your ticket with code GNCU23. Tickets can be purchased at the gate, but they're subject to availability and there's an upcharge of $5, so I'd recommend buying in advance online.
PARKING: By getting there earlier in the evening, parking should be better. There is free parking onsite on a first come first serve basis. Close up parking at the Wilbur D. May Center is reserved for ADA only. There is limited closeup parking at the arboretum parking lot, and more parking space at the south end of Rancho San Rafael Park. Please follow signs and instructions of the parking staff.
BRING: *Your ticket - They'll send you an e-mail with a downloadable pdf and they can scan your ticket from your phone. *Wear shoes for walking - The route is less than 1 mile and mostly even. *A dinner or money to purchase dinner from a food truck. *Your phone or camera - You'll probably want to take pictures and even video of the displays.