Where Is the Lantern Festival in Grand Rapids?
The Lantern Festival in Grand Rapids is held at John Ball Zoo, one of the city’s most popular cultural and family attractions. The event is officially known as the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival and takes place inside the zoo grounds during the spring and early summer season.
Location of the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival
The festival is located inside John Ball Zoo at
1300 W. Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.
Instead of being limited to a single area, the lantern displays are spread throughout the zoo. Visitors follow a designated walking route that guides them through illuminated paths, hills, and exhibit areas.
What Is the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival?
The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival is a nighttime outdoor light event featuring large-scale illuminated lantern displays. After sunset, the zoo transforms into a walk-through light park filled with colorful lantern sculptures, arches, tunnels, and themed scenes.
The experience typically covers about one mile and allows visitors to explore the displays at their own pace.
What Kind of Lantern Displays Can Visitors See?
The festival combines traditional lantern craftsmanship with modern LED lighting technology. Common displays include animal lantern sculptures, nature-themed scenes, cultural and fantasy-inspired designs, and walk-through lantern tunnels.
Many of the lanterns are custom-built to match the zoo’s landscape and are designed using metal frames, fabric coverings, and energy-efficient lighting systems.
When Does the Lantern Festival Take Place?
The Lantern Festival in Grand Rapids usually runs from April through June, depending on the year. It is held on select evenings, and tickets are typically sold with specific entry times to manage visitor flow.
Dates and schedules may vary each year based on weather and event planning.
Who Is the Lantern Festival For?
The festival is designed for a wide audience, including families, couples, tourists, and photography enthusiasts. The walking paths are well-organized and accessible, making the event suitable for visitors of all ages.
Why Lantern Festivals Are Popular in the United States
Lantern festivals like the one in Grand Rapids are increasingly popular because they combine art, culture, and nighttime entertainment. They support tourism, extend visitor activity into the evening, and create seasonal attractions that encourage repeat visits.
Post time: Jan-11-2026
