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The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival is returning to the John Ball Zoo, with tickets now on sale. The festival, which attracted more than 110,000 guests last year, runs from April 10 through June 16, 2024, and features all-new handmade lanterns and interactive experiences. The lanterns, made by leading Chinese lantern producer Tianyu Arts & Culture, align with the zoo’s commitment to conservation and education, and this year’s festival will also feature traditional Chinese performances.
Grand Rapids Lantern Festival Returns to John Ball Zoo
The popular Grand Rapids Lantern Festival is making a comeback at John Ball Zoo, following a successful inaugural event last year, which drew an impressive crowd of more than 110,000 guests. This year, visitors can expect to see an array of brand-new lanterns and interactive experiences. Tickets for general admission are available for purchase from today, Monday, Feb. 5.
2024 Festival Details
The festival will kick off on Wednesday, April 10, and will run until June 16, 2024. Festival attendees can embark on a whimsical journey through wildlife and Asian culture every Wednesday and Sunday between 7:30-11:30 p.m. As it’s the Year of the Dragon, a large dragon tunnel will be set up at the Zoo’s entrance.
What’s New in 2024?
Darci Napolillo, John Ball Zoo’s Promotions and Events Manager, expresses their excitement about the upcoming event. She highlights that the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival is an excellent opportunity to delve into Asian culture and wildlife conservation. The lanterns, courtesy of Tianyu Arts & Culture, a renowned Chinese lantern festival producer, are handmade, showcasing traditional lantern-making techniques in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. Furthermore, Tianyu will be bringing authentic entertainment to the festival this year, including face changing, artistic hula hooping, and acrobatics.
Ticket Information
Timed tickets are available for purchase every half hour from 7-10:30 p.m., costing $22 for non-members on Wednesdays and Thursdays. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, tickets for non-members are priced at $24. A discounted rate is offered for a four-pack of tickets. Tickets can be bought online.
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