John Ball Zoo Lantern Festival returns. What to expect in 2026
John Ball Zoo's lantern festival, showcasing Chinese culture and "Realms of Wonder," is set to begin its fourth season at the Grand Rapids park.
The fourth annual Grand Rapids Lantern Festival runs Wednesday to Sunday evenings from April 8 to June 14. Beginning May 19 it also will include Tuesday evenings at the zoo.
This year, the festival will feature the theme Realms of Wonder, a new alluring exhibit showcasing Chinese culture and wildlife through full-size lantern sculptures, colorful displays and live performances, according to the zoo.
John Ball Zoo visitors walk through a display at the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival in 2025.
Timed tickets offer entry every 30 minutes until 10:30 p.m. and must be purchased in advance.
Here's what to know about the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at the John Ball Zoo.
What's new at the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival in 2026?
Part of the 2026 theme, Realms of Wonder, the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival will highlight a new exhibit this spring, featuring a colorful array of life-size Chinese lantern sculptures and artistic displays, and Chinese-style live performances, including face changing, artistic hula hooping and acrobatics.
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. Wednesday to Sunday and, starting May 19, Tuesdays as well, the zoo's website said.
Timed tickets are for sale online only on the John Ball Zoo website, with festival entry every 30 minutes until 10:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $22.
Where is the John Ball Zoo?
The John Ball Zoo is located at 1300 Fulton St. W in 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.
