Cary extends Chinese Lantern Festival through 2034

CARY, N.C. (WTVD) -- The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival will keep glowing at Koka Booth Amphitheatre for another decade. Cary has extended its partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture through the 2033-2034 season.

The announcement follows a record year: nearly 250,000 visitors, $11.6 million in economic impact, and more than $528,000 in tax revenue.

Town officials say the festival has become a signature winter draw, helping Koka Booth rank among the top 10% of comparable venues nationwide during festival months.

"For the past decade, the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival has been a shining example of how the arts can bring people together and showcase Cary to visitors from across the country and world," said Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. "We're grateful to our staff and partners whose hard work makes this incredible experience possible and proud to continue sharing it with our community."

The event, known for its massive handcrafted lanterns and cultural performances, runs each winter from November through January.