The RiSE Lantern Festival expanded to two nights this year, one of which has already sold out.
Last year more than 10,000 people made the trek to the Moapa River Reservation about 35 miles outside of Las Vegas, where they launched more than 20,000 lanterns. Each lantern, made up of a biodegradable fuel cell and a balloon, is about 2 feet wide and just over 3 feet tall. They take multiple people to launch, and they slowly lift off into the sky in waves starting at sundown.
The lanterns can travel more than 1,000 feet into the air; once the flames in the fuel cells burn out, the lanterns return to the ground cool enough to touch.
Festival founder Dan Hill got the idea after participating in a traditional lantern festival in Thailand and decided to bring the idea to the U.S. with a focus on building a sustainable community event that inspires people. The lantern can be personalized with an individual's message, prayer or idea and create a unique and enthralling photo opportunity when they are released in unison after sunset.
In addition to the lantern launch, there will be music performed by several bands in addition to food and beverage vendors.
Tickets for Saturday, Oct. 8, launch are sold out, but passes still remain for the Oct. 7 event. For tickets and more information visit Risefestival.com.