Cary extends Chinese Lantern Festival through 2034
CARY, NC—The Town of Cary has extended its partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture to host The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre through the 2033–34 season. The announcement comes on the heels of what town officials called a record year for the 10-year-old event that features hundreds of handcrafted lanterns. According to officials, nearly 250,000 people attended the event for its 2025–26 run, which takes place each year from November through January. Visitors came from all 50 states and eight countries. Town officials say the festival has become a signature winter draw, has $11.6 million in local economic impact, and brings in more than $528,000 in tax revenue.