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 group facilities including assisted living residences.
If you're interested in bringing artists in to host a workshop,
contact us at
4th Annual Lantern Exhibition event
Central Park, 615 King st. E, Preston, Cambridge
Saturday, September 26th, 2026, 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).
Free Public Workshop #1
Punk Puggy Gallery in The Gaslight District, 201-64 GRAND AVE. S.
CAMBRIDGE, (Galt) Cambridge
Tuesday, Sept 15th,
6pm- 9:30pm
2026
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 26th, 8pm-10pm.
This workshop is recommended for ages 12+
FREE Advanced Public Workshop #2
(2 sessions)
Mood Yellow Gallery (workshop space)
204 King St E, Cambridge
Monday, Sept 21
& Weds Sept 23 2026
6- 9pm
A two session workshop for those dedicated to creating something truly unique this year. Local artists are here to assist you in building an advanced 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, and in this case, two sessions!
The lanterns will be stored & showcased in Central Park, Preston on September 26th, 8pm-10pm.
This workshop is recommended for ages 12+
Basic Lantern Making
Private workshops available upon request
Be in your very first exhibition! Create a basic jar lantern then try to find it at the event in Central Park, Preston on September 26th, 8pm-10pm.
This year we are working with organizations including Adults in Motion to create more lantern contributions from diverse groups in our community.
Recommended for ages 4+
Preston Lantern Project is made possible by our 2026 sponsors...
