2026 Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at the John Ball Zoo

The 2026 Grand Rapids Lantern Festival returns to John Ball Zoo from April 8 to June 14, featuring over 500 handcrafted, illuminated Asian lanterns along a one-mile path. Open Wednesday–Sunday (with expanded days later), this event showcases wildlife-themed displays and cultural performances. Tickets and details are available on the John Ball Zoo site. 

Back for its fourth year with ALL NEW lantern displays! The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival is a breathtaking celebration of Chinese cultural artistry. As Michigan’s only showcase of its kind, it illuminates the Zoo with handcrafted lanterns that intertwine the beauty of wildlife with profound Chinese traditions- from majestic dragons and phoenixes to the symbolic zodiac- creating an enchanting narrative of heritage and culture. This year’s theme Realms of Wonder will feature three brand new distinct and enchanting realms to explore.