WishFest 2026 takes place from June 20 to June 21 at Park Titan (Alexandru Ioan Cuza Park), Bucharest. The people of Bucharest and tourists are expected to launch lanterns with their wishes on the lake.
WishFest 2026 returns to Bucharest on June 20-21, bringing the magic of floating water lanterns back to Titan Park, in the I.O.R. area near Calul Titanilor and the Main Stage. The festival invites locals and visitors to write their wishes on lanterns, release them on the lake after sunset and enjoy two days of music, food, creative workshops and family-friendly activities.
WishFest 2026: What To Expect?
WishFest 2026 keeps the same emotional core that made the event popular in Bucharest: thousands of wishes turned into light and released on the water. During the two festival days, visitors can expect live music, food trucks, creative workshops for children, a Dreamy Fair featuring handmade goods, and a Relax Zone within the festival area.
The main moment of each evening is the water lantern launch, scheduled after 20:00, when participants gather around the lake and send their decorated lanterns floating across the water.
Wish Fest: Significance and Symbolism
In Thailand, an ancient tradition dates back more than 700 years: every autumn, people launch lanterns on the water, inscribed with wishes and thanks, to carry their prayers to the sky. Since then, this has been an excellent occasion for celebration, and the lit lanterns have remained a symbol of new beginnings. To send dreams further into the universe and to celebrate hope and the joy of living, WishFest appeared, the first festival in Romania dedicated to lanterns on the water.
Wish Festival, Lantern Festival, or simply “WishFest.” No matter by what name they know it, the people of Bucharest eagerly await the event. Foreign tourists in Romania’s capital are also welcome to this unique festival.
Bucharest residents and international travellers can participate in the festival, during which dozens of lanterns will be launched on the water.
“WishFest Festival of Water Lanterns” will take place in Titan Park, with the lanterns left floating on the lake.
In addition to the wishes participants can make with the help of lanterns, they will also enjoy good music, a variety of delicious dishes, and a festive atmosphere.
Participants will only be allowed access to the types of lanterns that the organisers sell. To buy lanterns, check the organisers’ website.
Entrance is FREE!
Entry and Lantern Kits
Entry to WishFest 2026 is free, but visitors who want to launch a lantern need to buy an official festival kit. The organisers mention that kits are limited and can be purchased online before the event.
Available kit options listed by the organisers include Lampion Kit, Kit For Two, Creative Kit and Family Kit. The kit is collected in person at the festival using the unique code received by email after purchase.
WishFest 2026 Programme
WishFest 2026 takes place over two days, Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21. The event opens during the day, with activities for families, children and visitors who want to explore the festival before the evening lantern moment.
On both days, the lantern launch is scheduled between 20:00 and 22:00. Saturday’s programme includes children’s theatre, Cantus Mundi choir recitals, DJ moments and a concert by Trupa Reverse. Sunday includes ballet, children’s choir performances, street dance, DJ moments and a concert by Trupa Antebellum.
