4/20/23 - WCSG Travelin' Together Series - Grand Rapids Lantern Festival At JBZ

file photo: John Ball Zoo

Posted by: Becky Carlson | Thursday, April 20th, 2023 ( 6:00am)

(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich) - The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival is coming to the John Ball Zoo for a limited time.

The event will feature over 55 colorful, illuminated handcrafted Asian-themed lanterns on display on a mile-long path through the zoo.

Some displays will be interactive.

The zoo has partnered with Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc. to bring this festival to Grand Rapids. This will be the first and only place in Michigan to see these works of art.

Lanterns from this company have been installed in 39 cities around the world in various zoos, aquariums and botanical gardens.

The festival also includes special merchandise, themed foods, and live entertainment from local cultural groups.

Unlit lanterns can be seen during normal zoo hours with a zoo ticket, but there will be timed tickets sold, every 30 minutes, Wed. - Sun. 7-11pm., priced at $22 for non-members or $19 for zoo members. Children under 2 get in free.

The festival runs from April 19 - June 11, 2023.

Tickets are available at: jbzoo.org.