The Lantern Fest, West Fargo

The Lantern Fest takes inspiration from the ancient Asian tradition of releasing lanterns into the air to honor a loved one, bring about good fortune, or symbolize a new beginning. Of course, attendees may sign up for whatever reason they choose, even if it's just to get a cool picture for Instagram. The nighttime event is open to all ages, with registrants 16 and older receiving their own lantern and additional freebies. Though the lanterns are flame retardant, there will be fire-safety professionals on hand just in case. And even though the lanterns are biodegradable, the event's lantern chasers generally recover 99 percent of those released. After the lanterns are lit and sent skyward, participants can spend the rest of their evening visiting food trucks, making s'mores, taking in live music, or shopping for handmade wares from local vendors.