Canal IllumiNations

Canal IllumiNations is a family-friendly festival centered around Lawrence's historic North Canal. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, the event will feature music, dance and other entertainment that reflects the diverse Latino community in Lawrence.  The entertainment is free and will take place on two stages: a main stage featuring headline musical performances, and a family stage featuring performances by local youth, as well as children's entertainers. A partial list of performances is as follows:

Canal IllumiNations gets its name from the tradition of floating handmade lanterns, created by local school children and others, down the Canal. At sundown, hundreds of lanterns will be launched into the Canal, creating a beautiful display.

A variety of food, as well as hot and cold beverages will be available for purchase.

Canal IllumiNations is presented by Live Lawrence! Live Lawrence! is a partnership between the City of Lawrence and cultural, educational and environmental organizations dedicated to promoting and preserving Lawrence's rich history, diversity and cultural traditions.

The partners in Live Lawrence!

City of Lawrence Community Development. Cambridge College, Northern Essex Community College, Lawrence Heritage State Park, Essex Art Center, Groundwork Lawrence, Lawrence CommunityWorks, and the Lawrence History Center. Live Lawrence! is managed by City of Lawrence Community Development and made possible through funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, City of Lawrence's Community Development Block funds, in addition to corporate and individual donations.

Get your school involved

To get your school involved contact Sandra Frechette at info@livelawrence.org.

We encourage local schools and children to take part in our lantern flotilla. Live Lawrence provides the materials and creativity is as varied as the participants.  The children are encouraged to represent their own interests and individuality with the lanterns they design.