Walk-through lantern installation
Happening NowColumbus Zoo Lantern Festival
Powell, Ohio
August 20, 2026 – October 25, 2026
Last verified · 3 official sources
At a glance
Quick facts
- Season dates
- August 20, 2026 – October 25, 2026
- Venue
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
- Usual hours
- Thursday through Sunday evenings, 7:30–10:30 p.m. Eastern. The zoo lists festival entry beginning at 7 p.m.
- Tickets
- 2 official ticket options listed
- Format
- Walk-through lantern installation
- Organizer
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Status & verification
Event status and verification
Happening Now The published season is August 20, 2026 – October 25, 2026. This label describes the season, not whether the gates are open right now.
Last verified · 3 official sources
Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival ↗Dates & hours
August 20, 2026 – October 25, 2026
Thursday through Sunday evenings, 7:30–10:30 p.m. Eastern. The zoo lists festival entry beginning at 7 p.m.Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival ↗Columbus Zoo festival FAQ ↗
Tickets & prices
Choose your ticket on the official event page. Published price amounts could not be independently confirmed during this check.
View official ticketsPrices, fees, and availability may change. The organizer’s current terms control.
Location & directions
Parking & transportation
- Parking is complimentary for this festival.Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival ↗Columbus Zoo festival FAQ ↗
What to expect
- An after-hours walking route through sections of the zoo, with more than 70 sets of illuminated animal and dinosaur lanterns in 2026.Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival ↗
- Festival admission includes scheduled cultural performances and select rides; availability can change with weather or maintenance.Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival ↗Columbus Zoo festival FAQ ↗
- Most zoo animals rest at night. Some may be visible, but animal viewing is not the focus of this event.Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival ↗
Kids & family
- The zoo describes this as an all-ages outdoor walking event.Columbus Zoo festival FAQ ↗
Food & drinks
- The zoo lists food and drink service during the festival.Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival ↗
- Guests may bring food and nonalcoholic drinks under the zoo’s cooler policy; check that policy before packing.Columbus Zoo festival FAQ ↗
Accessibility
- Sensory kits are available from Guest Relations on a first-come basis with a refundable $10 deposit. The event may include loud music or effects.Columbus Zoo festival FAQ ↗
Weather & cancellation
- This is an outdoor walking event. Performances and rides may change due to weather; festival tickets are nonrefundable but may be used on another offered festival date.Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival ↗Columbus Zoo festival FAQ ↗
Tips before you go
- A festival ticket does not include daytime zoo admission. Choose a combined option on the official page if you want both visits.Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival ↗
Frequently asked questions
Does a lantern ticket include a daytime zoo visit?
No. The after-hours festival and daytime zoo admission are separate.
Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival ↗Can I buy tickets at the gate?
The zoo says festival tickets can be bought at its main gate or through the official event page.
Columbus Zoo festival FAQ ↗Can I bring a pet?
The zoo allows service animals but not pets or emotional support animals at this event.
Columbus Zoo festival FAQ ↗Official sources
These pages were checked on September 26, 2026. Follow the organizer’s current instructions if anything changes.
- Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival ↗Official event schedule · official name, 2026 dates and hours, event format, daytime admission distinction, parking, food
- Columbus Zoo festival FAQ ↗Official visitor FAQ · ticket terms, family rules, sensory kits, food policy, parking
- Columbus Zoo visit information ↗Venue directions and parking · Powell venue address
Last verified · 3 official sources
Event details can change. Check the official event page before your visit.