Light Up the Lakefront

Celebrate the season at Light Up the Lakefront, a festive, family-friendly event featuring an 8-minute fireworks show and pajama party on the lakefront!

This year, rio is partnering with Comfort Cases and hosting a pajama party on the lakefront!
Comfort Cases is a nonprofit whose mission is to inspire communities to bring dignity and hope to youth in foster care through Comfort, Community, Character, and Compassion. Comfort Cases are backpacks filled with comfort and personal care items for youth entering the foster care system. Included in these kits are pajamas, which will be collected at Light Up the Lakefront. Bring brand-new, non-holiday-themed children’s pajamas to donate and receive a s’mores kit to roast onsite!

Join us from 4:00 -7:00 PM on Saturday, December 5 to enjoy:

• Pajama Party! Bring new children’s pajamas to donate to Comfort Cases. Plus, wear your pajamas for special deals!
• Get a free s’mores kit when you bring a Comfort Cases donation
• Night rides on the Carousel until 6:30 PM
• Sportrock’s Glow Climb – walk-in or RSVP ahead of time
• Holiday tunes on the Boardwalk Stage
• Strolling Entertainment & Festive Photo Ops
• 7:00 PM Fireworks Show over the lakefront!

FAQs:
Where can I park? All of rio’s free parking garages will be open and available for the event. Plan ahead and join us for programming starting at 4:00 PM and wait out traffic after the fireworks show by enjoying a meal at one of our restaurants or keep the action going at AMC, Dave & Buster’s, or Sportrock.

Is this a free event? Yes! Light Up the Lakefront is free to attend.

When are the fireworks? The show sets off at 7:00 PM.

Can I access all of rio on December 5? The Lake Path and Playground will be closed for the afternoon and evening for the safety of all guests as the team prepares for the fireworks show.

Is the Carousel open? Yes! The Carousel will be running until 6:30 PM.

How do I get a s’mores kit? Bring new, non-holiday children’s pajamas, or another approved item, to donate to Comfort Cases or make a donation onsite.

What can I do before the fireworks show? Check off your holiday shopping at our retailers, including J. Crew Factory, Locally Crafted, Rosegate Boutique, Orange Pocket, and more. Get a bite to eat or sip on a seasonal beverage along the lakefront at Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen, Copper Canyon, Guapo’s, or Silver Diner. Book fun with the family at Red Door Escape Room, AMC, or Muse Paint Bar.