Chattanooga, August 22, 2025
News Summary
The SeaLight Festival in Chattanooga will showcase hundreds of handcrafted Chinese lanterns from February 20 to April 20. Visitors will enjoy vibrant displays, live performances from the Zigong Acrobatic Troupe, food vendors, and unique keepsake shopping at the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park.
Chattanooga to Host Enchanting SeaLight Festival Featuring Handmade Chinese Lanterns
The SeaLight Festival will take place at the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park in Chattanooga, opening on February 20 and running through April 20. This vibrant festival is set to offer an extraordinary display of electrifying handcrafted Chinese lanterns that blend modern LED lighting with traditional silk cloth and steel wire frames.
Visitors to the festival will experience hundreds of lanterns, each telling a unique story that captures elements of Chinese legends, folklore, and the beauty of nature. The event will also feature live entertainment from the award-winning Zigong Acrobatic Troupe, renowned for their captivating performances that include juggling, balancing, and face-changing acts.
Alongside the lantern displays, attendees can enjoy a variety of on-site vendors, engaging games, keepsake shopping, and an assortment of food and drink options. The festival aims to shine a light on the park’s existing collection of over 40 sculptures after dark, bringing the park’s artistic landscape to life when it is usually closed to the public.
This cultural celebration is spearheaded by Chief Artist Yu Wang, who hails from Bazhong, Sichuan and possesses deep ties to traditional lantern craftsmanship. The festival is organized with the intention of honoring Yu Wang’s rich heritage and bringing a piece of Chinese culture to Chattanooga.
Tickets for the SeaLight Festival are priced at $26.99 for adults and $16.99 for children aged 4-12, with children aged 3 and under admitted for free. Tickets can be conveniently purchased online at sealightfestival.com/chattanooga.
The Sculpture Fields is the largest sculpture park in the Southeast U.S., covering an impressive 33 acres and featuring more than 50 large-scale sculptures crafted by international artists. Designed as a public park, it is open from dawn to dusk, offering free entry and parking. The park is also pet-friendly, making it an ideal location for family outings.
In addition to the SeaLight Festival, the Sculpture Fields hosts various events such as the biannual John Henry Invitational artist competition and offers free self-guided tours through a downloadable app. Visitors can find sculptures showcasing a variety of themes, materials, and artistic expressions, providing inspiration and enjoyment for all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What dates does the SeaLight Festival run?
The festival opens on February 20 and runs until April 20.
Where is the festival located?
The SeaLight Festival is held at the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park in Chattanooga.
What types of lanterns will be displayed?
The festival will showcase hundreds of handcrafted Chinese lanterns combining modern LED lighting with traditional silk and steel materials.
Is there live entertainment?
Yes, the festival will feature live performances from the Zigong Acrobatic Troupe, known for their juggling and balancing acts.
Can I purchase food and drinks at the festival?
Yes, there will be various food and drink options available on-site during the festival.
How much are tickets?
Tickets range from $26.99 for adults to $16.99 for children aged 4-12, with free admission for children aged 3 and under.
Key Features of the SeaLight Festival
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | February 20 – April 20 |
| Location | Sculpture Fields at Montague Park, Chattanooga |
| Lantern Display | Hundreds of handcrafted Chinese lanterns with LED lights |
| Live Entertainment | Zigong Acrobatic Troupe performances |
| Ticket Prices | $26.99 adults, $16.99 children (ages 4-12), free for under 3 |
| Park Features | 33 acres, 50+ large-scale sculptures, free entry |
| Food and Drink | Available on-site from various vendors |
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Additional Resources
- Chattanooga Pulse
- Atlas Obscura
- Only in Your State
- Chattanoogan
- Times Free Press
- Wikipedia: Sculpture Fields at Montague Park
- Google Search: Sculpture Fields Chattanooga
- Google Scholar: SeaLight Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sculpture Fields
- Google News: Chattanooga SeaLight Festival
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
