POWELL, Ohio — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will once again transform into an illuminated nighttime adventure this fall when the Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival returns Aug. 20 through Oct. 25.
The popular after-hours event will feature more than 70 handcrafted lantern displays inspired by wildlife from around the world, along with new dinosaur-themed lanterns, interactive experiences, live entertainment and family activities.
The festival will take place Thursdays through Sundays from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., giving visitors the opportunity to explore the Zoo after dark as colorful lantern displays light pathways throughout the park.
New attractions this year include dinosaur lanterns, interactive experiences at Adventure Cove and around Conservation Lake, as well as a floating lantern display on Conservation Lake.
Returning features include wildlife-themed lanterns, live entertainment, photo opportunities, themed food and beverages, and complimentary rides on select attractions.
Lanterns Combine Tradition and Technology
The displays are produced by Hanart Culture, which incorporates traditional lantern-making techniques dating back to China’s Han Dynasty with modern materials and LED technology.
Artisans from Zigong, China, handcraft the lanterns using traditional methods. The finished displays incorporate lighting, movement, music and sound to create large-scale illuminated exhibits.
Visitors can experience:
- More than 70 handcrafted lantern sets
- Live entertainment at select times
- SpectroLantern Rolling Celebration performances
- Character Ambassador meet-and-greets
- Interactive experiences and photo opportunities
- Complimentary rides on the Columbus Zoo Train, Grand Carousel, Mission Macaw, Tidal Twist, Flying Clipper and Havoc Harbor
- Festival-exclusive food and beverages available for purchase
Animal Viewing Continues During the Festival
While the lanterns are the centerpiece of the event, guests will also have opportunities to see select animals throughout the evening.
At Adventure Cove, the sea lion and seal tunnel will remain open until 10:30 p.m., while Stingray Bay will remain open until 10 p.m. for viewing only. Jack Hanna’s Animal Encounters Village will be open until 8 p.m.
At North America Trek, select animals may have access to both indoor and outdoor habitats. The barn will remain open until 10:30 p.m. for viewing only.
At Asia Quest, elephants will have access to at least one outdoor yard throughout the evening, weather permitting. The Naomi Coyle Dempsey Quest for Enlightenment Interpretive Center will remain open until 10:30 p.m.
The Shores and Aquarium area will also offer evening viewing opportunities. The Aquarium at Discovery Reef, Manatee Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, and Reptile Building will remain open until 8:30 p.m.
Event Information
The Lantern Festival will run Aug. 20 through Oct. 25, 2026, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., Thursdays through Sundays.
The festival will be closed Friday, Sept. 18, for Untamed, the Columbus Zoo’s signature conservation gala.
The event will take place rain or shine and requires a separate ticket from daytime Zoo admission. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.
The Zoo will also offer VIP Lantern Festival Tours on select Mondays through Wednesdays from Sept. 7 through Oct. 21. The guided tours will take place from 8 to 9:30 p.m. and will allow guests to explore the illuminated displays by VIP golf cart while learning more about the artistry and inspiration behind the festival.
Ticket information, pricing and additional details are available through the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s official website.
