Grand Rapids Lantern Festival nears. How to buy tickets
This season, a twilight visit to west Michigan's John Ball Zoo will illuminate your night with a stunning exhibit of Chinese lanterns and live performances in vibrant colors.
Tickets are now on sale for the fourth annual Grand Rapids Lantern Festival, set to run Wednesday to Sunday evenings April 8 to June 14, and beginning May 19, Tuesday evenings, at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids. Timed tickets will offer entry every 30 minutes until 10:30 p.m. and must be bought in advance, the zoo said.
“John Ball Zoo is thrilled to welcome our community to the fourth Grand Rapids Lantern Festival with all-new lanterns and interactive experiences,” said Darci Mitchell, Promotions & Events Manager at John Ball Zoo, in the release. “This festival beautifully celebrates the intersection of wildlife and Asian culture through a magical, immersive experience.
John Ball Zoo visitors walk through a display at the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival in 2025.
You can purchase tickets online only, with rates starting at $22 and varying by date, time and ticket type.
Here's what to know about the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival.
How can you buy tickets to the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival?
Timed tickets are for sale online only on the John Ball Zoo website, with festival entry every 30 minutes until 10:30 p.m.
Ticket prices vary by date and time and start at $22, per the zoo. This includes member and guest rates, individual tickets and 4-packs.
When is the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival in 2026?
The fourth annual Grand Rapids Lantern Festival runs April 8 to June 14. The festival will be open from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Wednesdays to Sundays, and starting May 19, Tuesdays, the zoo's website said.
What to see at Lantern Festival
Amid an evening walking along a 1-mile path at the zoo, visitors will be captivated by a colorful array of Chinese lantern sculptures and artistic displays made by Tianyu Arts & Culture, a Chinese lantern festival producer.
The festival will also feature live Chinese-style entertainment, from face changing and artistic hula hooping to acrobatics and beyond.
Where is the John Ball Zoo?
The John Ball Zoo is located at 1300 Fulton St. W Grand Rapids in west Michigan. The zoo is home to more than 200 animal species and sits on a 103-acre property, according to its website. The zoo's animals are not on display during the lantern festival.
