After announcing new operating hours last week, the Dragon Lights Festival announced today, it will be closed on Monday, November 17, due to steady rain and muddy conditions brought on by current storms.
Event organizers say the temporary closure is out of an abundance of caution for guests and staff.
Ticket holders for Monday night only will receive refunds and are encouraged to check their email for details from event management.
“With the safety of our guests and staff as our priority, and with extreme weather in the region, we have made the difficult decision to close the Festival for this evening,” said Huiyuan Liu, event manager for Tianyu Arts & Culture. “We encourage our guests who were planning on visiting tonight to join us for another day.”
The weather-related closure comes just days after the Festival announced its new, earlier seasonal hours, which were originally scheduled to begin Monday, November 17.
Beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, November 18, Dragon Lights will operate nightly from 5 to 9 p.m. through November 30 at the Wilbur D. May Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.
Liu said the earlier closure time reflects the shift in guest patterns during colder weather. “With the colder weather, we’re seeing fewer guests stay later into the evening. Should any guests remain at closing time, we will ensure they are still able to fully enjoy their visit.”
Guests who purchased tickets for the 8:00–9:00 p.m. time slot may arrive earlier, and staff will still be able to scan their tickets. Visitors may also switch to a different time slot or date through their ticket details. Anyone experiencing issues can email marketing@tianyuculture.com for assistance.
This year’s theme, “Odyssey of Wave and Woods,” features 40 brand-new lantern sculptures made from steel, fabric, and thousands of LED lights, transforming the gardens into a glowing nighttime experience. Tickets can be purchased through the Dragon Lights Reno website.
