Grand Rapids Lantern Festival through June

Grand Rapids’ Lantern Festival is back at John Ball Zoo through June 14, with new illuminated displays turning the zoo’s nighttime path into a ticketed walk-through event. (jbzoo.org) The 2026 run opened April 8 and is scheduled Wednesday through Sunday from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., with timed entries every 30 minutes and last entry at 10:30 p.m. The zoo says Tuesdays will be added starting May 19. (jbzoo.org) John Ball Zoo describes this year’s theme as “Realms of Wonder,” with three new themed areas and all-new lantern displays. Experience Grand Rapids says the route is a one-mile tour of handcrafted lanterns tied to wildlife and Asian cultural imagery. (jbzoo.org) (experiencegr.com) The festival is one of the zoo’s biggest seasonal draws. A John Ball Zoo sponsorship page says more than 145,000 guests attended during the 10-week 2025 run, and the zoo expects similar attendance in 2026. (jbzoo.org) The event has become a recurring spring attraction in Grand Rapids. John Ball Zoo says 2026 is the festival’s fourth year, and it calls the showcase the only one of its kind in Michigan. (jbzoo.org) (experiencegr.com) Visitors need advance tickets, and the zoo says the event runs rain or shine. Michigan.org says most guests should plan 60 to 90 minutes to walk the full festival. (jbzoo.org) (michigan.org) Explore Michigan’s statewide events calendar lists the festival through June 14, and John Ball Zoo’s event page carries current visitor details, including schedule changes and ticket windows. For now, the lights stay on in Grand Rapids for another seven weeks. (exploremichigan.travel) (jbzoo.org)