Cleveland Metroparks Zoo today announced the return of the record-breaking Asian Lantern Festival presented by Meijer. Beginning on July 14, the zoo will be transformed by more than 1,000 new illuminated lanterns, live acrobatic performances, and culturally-inspired cuisines.
In the event’s fourth year, guests can look forward to a new experience with more than 70 large-scale illuminated displays featuring over 1,000 individual lanterns. The limited time, after-hours event will run Thursday through Sunday evenings 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. through September 5. Tickets are now on sale.
“Asian Lantern Festival has become a summer staple in Cleveland, drawing over 150,000 guests each year to experience the wonder of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo after dark,” says Cleveland Metroparks Chief Marketing Officer Kelly Manderfield. “We’re thankful for the tremendous support of Meijer to help bring an all new festival, with new lanterns, performances and experiences in the event’s fourth year.”
This year’s festival marks the return of live performances every hour on the Fifth Third Bank Stage featuring acrobatics including foot juggling, contortion, martial arts and more. Throughout the festival, guests can shop an Asian craft market, and taste a robust variety of culturally-inspired cuisine, including local favorites Li Wah, King Wah and more.
In addition to the walk-through experience Thursdays through Sundays, a limited number of drive-through opportunities will be available on Wednesday nights for individuals and families who wish to experience this year’s event from the comfort of their personal vehicles.
Giant lanterns new to this year’s event include the towering four-story Taj Mahal as well as walk-through experiences including Python Tunnel, Chinese Dragon and Wisteria Corridor. New interactive lanterns like the Butterfly Garden and Star Pad allow guests to light up displays themselves.
Save on tickets when you purchase in advance. The discounted cost for Zoo members is $18 or a 4-pack for $54. Advance non-member tickets are $20 or a 4-pack for $60. Same day tickets can be purchased at the Box Office for $22 or a 4-pack for $66. Drive-through tickets are $54 per vehicle for members and $60 per vehicle for non-members. Children 2 and younger are admitted free. Advance tickets are on sale now at futureforwildlife.org/lanterns