Preston Lantern Project
The Preston Lantern Project event is an immersive exhibition experience located in Central Park, in Preston, where hand-crafted jar & bamboo lanterns are lit up together up at night. To prepare for the event, a number of free workshops are hosted in Cambridge throughout the year where the public themselves are encouraged to create a lantern to contribute to this annual, growing night installation.
Workshops take place in local libraries, schools, markets, and private community groups including assisted living residences. If you're interested in bringing artists in to host a workshop, contact us at
3rd Annual Lantern installation event
Central Park, 615 King st. E, Preston, Cambridge
Saturday, September 27th, 2025, 8pm -10pm
The public is invited to experience this growing community art display in the rear corner of Central Park. Every year a few more lanterns are added (created by community members who have attended workshops in the summer months). The display has taken on a “miniature town” feel with a whimsical flair. The smaller lanterns are arranged throughout the display to mimic the convergence of the Grand and Speed rivers (located in Preston).
Queen's Square Public Library, Galt, Cambridge
Tuesday, July 15th,
6pm- 8:15pm
2025
Free Workshop #1
Local artists are here to assist you in building a lantern to add to the Preston Lantern Project’s annual, outdoor, community art exhibit! We provide the materials (Bamboo, tissue paper, hot glue...) You bring your imagination.
Register with a friend, these advanced designs require a little bit of teamwork!
The lanterns will be stored & showcased in Central Park, Preston on September 27th, 8pm-10pm.
This workshop is recommended for ages 12+
FREE Workshop #2
Cambridge Public Library
(PRESTON)
435 King St E, Cambridge
Thursday, Sept 18th,
6pm- 8:15pm
2025
Local artists are here to assist you in building a lantern to add to the Preston Lantern Project’s annual, outdoor, community art exhibit! We provide the materials (Bamboo, tissue paper, hot glue...) You bring your imagination.
Register with a friend, these advanced designs require a little bit of teamwork!
The lanterns will be stored & showcased in Central Park, Preston on September 27th, 8pm-10pm.
This workshop is recommended for ages 12+
Children's Lantern Making
Cambridge Public Libraries
2025 Dates TBA
Be in your very first exhibition! Materials and instructions to create the little jar lanterns will be available in the art carts in the libraries this year. Children can create a basic jar lantern then try to find it at the event in Central Park, Preston on September 27th,
8pm-10pm.
Recommended for ages 2+
Preston Lantern Project is made possible by our 2025 sponsors...
