GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — It doesn't take long to see something brand new at John Ball Zoo. The Lantern Festival begins even before you enter the main gate.
"Even if you came last year to the first year of the event, these are all brand new lanterns," said Darci Mitchell, promotions and events manager.
Hundreds of lanterns along a mile-long loop through the zoo, returning to brighten your day after a wildly successful 2023.
"We actually welcomed over 109,000 guests to the festival within eight weeks," said Mitchell. "So we're really excited about that and definitely wanted to bring it back."
And bring it back for even longer this year, 10 weeks this time around instead of eight. The lanterns are created by Tinayu Arts and Culture, which the zoo is proud to partner with for the only event of its kind in Michigan.
"They've done a great job of building that into our site and working with us and working with the community to really make this a fantastic experience," said Mitchell.
And it's not just the guests who have fun, the animals get to see the lanterns around their homes as well.
"It's kind of enrichment for them to see something new in their environment," said Mitchell.
While you can stop by the see the lanterns during any normal visit to the zoo, it's after dark that the event really shines.
"Once you come back and see them at night, all lit up, it is a completely different unique experience," said Mitchell. "It's really breathtaking to see them actually all lit up."
You can come out to see the amazing lanterns beginning next week Wednesday, April 10, from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. The event lasts every Wednesday through Sunday between next week and June 16.
You can find tickets by clicking here.
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