May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and a local organization is bringing back one of its annual events to help raise awareness for our incredible AAPI community. The 5th annual Lantern Festival for Justice and Remembrance will take place in Montclair's Edgemont Park this Saturday, May 17th, and include thousands of lanterns that will light up the sky. Read on for more details about the 2025 Lantern Festival in Montclair, New Jersey.

2025 Lantern Festival Details

AAPI New Jersey's 2025 Lantern Festival for Justice and Remembrance will take place on Valley Road in Edgemont Memorial Park in Montclair on Saturday, May 17th, 2025. The event runs from 6PM-10PM, and a rain date is set for Saturday, May 31st in the case of inclement weather.

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This event was originally created by AAPI New Jersey (formerly known as AAPI Montclair) in 2021 to remember those who have been killed or harmed by violence, injustice, and anti-Asian hate — with the lanterns serving as a memorial.

"Let's stand together against all forms of hate and celebrate community and solidarity, and our shared goals of securing justice for all,” AAPI NJ said about the event in recent years.

The 5th annual event will include — in addition to the lanterns — live music "inspired by Asian American and other song traditions of liberation and resistance," food trucks, kids' activities, art installations, community partners, and the opportunity to dedicate lanterns with a special message, among other things.

Although the lantern festival is free, those interested can donate or sponsor a lantern — more information on that can be found here. Funds will be raised to help cover the cost of the event, support AAPI Montclair, and raise funds for other local organizations. More information about the event as well as volunteering opportunites can be found on the website.

About AAPI New Jersey

AAPI New Jersey, formerly AAPI Montclair, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that represents Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Montclair, Essex County, Northern New Jersey, and beyond. Its mission is to help create a more inclusive community by uplifting the experiences of AAPI people while promoting awareness and education about AAPI culture and history. The organization hosts a variety of events throughout the year to help spread the core values of inclusion and belonging, community, diversity, and justice, including special events for each year’s AAPI Heritage Month. One of the most popular happenings is the annual Lantern Festival for Justice and Unity, as well as the annual Color Run.

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