Grand Rapids Lantern Festival

Dates & hours

April 8, 2026 – June 14, 2026

The 2026 festival ran Wednesday through Sunday, 7:30–11:30 p.m. Eastern, with timed entry. The final admission time was 10:30 p.m.John Ball Zoo lantern festival guide ↗

Location & directions

Parking & transportation

• During the 2026 lantern season, zoo members and Kent County residents received free parking; other guests paid a $5 daily parking fee.John Ball Zoo tickets and parking ↗

What to expect

• The after-hours festival followed a roughly one-mile route through the zoo with illuminated Asian lantern displays.John Ball Zoo lantern festival guide ↗
• Daytime zoo admission and lantern festival admission were separate. Zoo animals were not viewable on the night route.John Ball Zoo lantern festival guide ↗

How long to visit

• John Ball Zoo estimated about 1–1½ hours for the full festival route.John Ball Zoo lantern festival guide ↗

Kids & family

• Children age 2 and under entered free in 2026; guests age 3 and older needed a separate festival ticket.John Ball Zoo lantern festival guide ↗

Food & drinks

• The zoo offered food options during the 2026 festival, though individual outlets could vary by night.John Ball Zoo lantern festival guide ↗

Accessibility

• The zoo lists sensory bags at Guest Services and mobility equipment on a first-come basis; ask the zoo which options apply to a future lantern season.John Ball Zoo amenities ↗

Weather & cancellation

• The 2026 festival operated rain or shine. The zoo did not offer weather refunds but allowed visitors to request a move to another available date.John Ball Zoo lantern festival guide ↗

Tips before you go

• The route was about one mile and entry was assigned in 30-minute slots; next-season ticket arrangements have not been announced.John Ball Zoo lantern festival guide ↗

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